Local Sports

Southeast District: Waterford’s Jones named Defensive Player of Year

Hayden Jones racked up 125 total tackles for a defense that allowed just 52 points in the regular season.

For his efforts, the Waterford senior was named the Division 6 Southeast District Defensive Player of the Year by the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association.

Jones also had two two interceptions, recovered two fumbles and forced one from his linebacker position. Offensively, he became Waterford's all-time leading rusher. The running back put up 1,093 yards on 141 carries in the regular season. He also caught 21 passes for 281 yards and scored 23 total touchdowns.

Seven of his Wildcats teammates joined him on the all-district list.

Quarterback Avery Pottmeyer, defensive lineman Dylan McCutcheon, defensive back Finn Pennock and O-linemen Colby Roberts and Tylor McDougal all made first team, while wide receiver Gavin Hiener and defensive back Brayden Smith were special mention selections.

Pottmeyer broke Waterford's single-season passing yards record this fall, going 103 for 138 for 1,431 yards, 25 touchdowns and five interceptions in the regular season. He also carried 74 times for 502 yards and five TDs.

Pottmeyer was sacked just five times in 10 games, thanks in part to the work of Roberts, McDougal and McCutcheon up front. With that trio leading the way in the trenches, Waterford's offense averaged 6.9 yards per carry and 13.4 yards per completion.

Defensively, McCutcheon was tied for the team lead with four sacks to go along with 45 total tackles. He also recovered one fumble.

From his free safety position, Pennock notched a team-high five interceptions this season and recorded 59 tackles. Offensively, he caught 10 passes for 212 yards and five touchdowns.

Hiener added 18 catches for 295 yards and a team-high seven TD receptions, while Smith finished the regular season with 21 catches for 279 yards and three touchdowns. Smith also had 40 tackles on defense and forced two fumbles.

The Eric McCutcheon-coached Wildcats (10-2) were scheduled to face Garaway Friday night in the D6, Region 23 semifinals.

In Division 3, a pair of Washington County standouts earned first team all-district status.

Marietta running back Braydon Frye carried 177 times for 1,168 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Tigers this fall. In two MHS wins to end the season, Frye, a senior, totaled 47 carries, 483 yards and six TDs.

For the Warriors, Murray was the engine of the offense. The junior quarterback completed 82 of 142 pass attempts for 1,112 yards and seven touchdowns. He also carried 186 times for 929 yards and 15 more scores. Defensively, he made 68 tackles, had one interception, forced a fumble and recovered two. Murray's 15 rushing TDs are a single-season school record, and his 22 total touchdowns are the fourth-most ever in a season by a Warrior.

In Division 7, Eastern's Blaise Gilmore was named the Defensive Player of the Year. Gilmore, a senior linebacker, posted 78 total tackles, including seven for a loss. He intercepted two passes, forced two fumbles and recovered another.

Fellow linebacker Case Barnett intercepted three passes, had two sacks and tallied a team-high 79 total tackles en route to being named first team all-district.

Senior offensive linemen Brogan Spencer and Brad Dillon both made first team after paving the way for a rushing attack that posted 3,860 yards and 51 touchdowns on 344 attempts -- an average of 11.2 yards per carry on the year.

Junior running backs Kyler Basham and Parker Durst accounted for most of that production and were named first team all-district as a result. Durst carried 138 times for 1,684 yards and 18 touchdowns while Basham added 128 rushes, 1,542 yards and 20 TDs for the Eagles, who finished the regular season 8-2 to qualify for the playoffs. They lost to Shadyside 27-26 in the first round.

Two more Eagles -- Gradey Murphy and Braxton Yonker -- were named special mention all-district.

Head coach Jason Jackson was named the district's Co-Coach of the Year along with Symmes Valley's Ben Ferguson.

From Belpre, which finished 4-6 for the program's most wins in a season since 2019, Malakai Ensor repeated as a first team all-district honoree. The senior tight end netted 28 receptions for 512 yards and three touchdowns for the Golden Eagles, who also saw senior linebacker Jayden Francis (103 tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception) earn special mention status.

Federal Hocking, which finished 0-10, was represented by Braeden Hill on the special mention list.

Contact Jordan Holland at jholland@mariettatimes.com.

2026 Ohio Prep Sports Media Association

Southeast Ohio All-District Football Team

DIVISION 2

First Team Offense

WR -- Carson Tootle, Logan, 6-4, 225, Sr

Special Mention: Caden Emerson, Logan

DIVISION 3

First Team Offense

QB -- Isaac Coy, Unioto, 6-1, 170, Sr; Braylen Murray, Vincent Warren, 5-9, 182, Jr; Tyce Whiteman, Sheridan, 6-4, 215, Sr; Briar Thomas, Athens, 6-0, 170, Sr; Baron Phipps, Miami Trace, 6-2, 175, Jr; RB -- Tate Rosler, Jackson, 5-8, 155, Jr; Braydon Frye, Marietta, 5-8, 175, Sr; Tre Captain, Hillsboro, 5-10, 165, Sr; Julian Baker, Miami Trace, 6-1, 205, Sr; WR -- Levi Beam, Unioto, 5-9, 165, Sr; Reed Parkison, Sheridan, 6-0, 175, Sr; Tyriq Cunningham, Athens, 5-10, 170, Jr; Evan Parsley, Miami Trace, 6-1, 170, Sr; All-Purpose -- Brayden Harsha, Unioto, 6-1, 175, Soph; Brock Shelton, Gallia Academy, 5-10, 170, Sr; OL -- Dylin Stanley, Unioto, 6-0, 260, Sr; Garrett Rosenberger, Chillicothe, 6-5, 285, Jr; Conner Rutherford, Chillicothe, 6-6, 290, Sr; Seth Taylor, Jackson, 6-5, 310, Jr; Jace Sturgill, Jackson, 6-6, 320, Sr, Coen Oyer, Jackson, 6-1, 235, Jr; Brycen Lutu-Thompson, Athens, 6-2, 285, Sr; Matthew Barnard, Miami Trace, 6-6, 270, Jr; PK -- Liam Gutridge, Sheridan, 5-7, 145, Jr; Enzo Servedio, Athens, 5-11, 150, Sr; Cam Thoroman, Miami Trace, 5-7, 140, Soph

First Team Defense

DL -- Jonah Renner, Unioto, 6-2, 210, Soph; Aydin Scales, Chillicothe, 6-2, 250, Jr; Logan Kenney, Gallia Academy, 6-0, 240, Sr; Ethan Riley, Sheridan, 5-8, 175, Sr; Jackson Black, Miami Trace, 6-2, 215, Sr; LB -- Trace McAllister, Chillicothe, 6-1, 220, Sr; Zeb Martin, Chillicothe, 5-11, 195, Sr; Kale Taylor, Jackson, 5-7, 140, Soph; Hoyt Gore, Sheridan, 6-2, 225, Jr; Tremayne Scott, Athens, 6-0, 195, Jr; Cohen Stalder, Athens, 5-11, 175, Sr; Gage Henry, Miami Trace, 6-2, 190, Sr; DB -- Dayton Kallner, Jackson, 5-9, 160, Sr; T.J. Connors, Sheridan, 6-4, 195, Sr; Cartae Ligon, Chillicothe, 6-1, 195, Jr

Lineman of the Year: Matthew Barnard, Miami Trace

Offensive Player of the Year: Julian Baker, Miami Trace

Defensive Player of the Year: Cartae Ligon, Chillicothe

Coaches of the Year: Jerry Williams, Miami Trace; Andy Hall, Jackson

Special Mention

Yusef Wilson, Unioto; Ryker Larson, Unioto; Jordan Suwannasing, Chillicothe; Karter Williams, Chillicothe; Nash Rosler, Jackson; Landon Rapp, Jackson; Tyshawn Clendenin, Gallia Academy; Colton Kirkpatrick, Sheridan; Milo Bullock, Sheridan; S.J. Shriner, Sheridan; Luke Pero, Athens; Sam Engle, Athens

DIVISION 4

First Team Offense

QB -- Gunnar Myers, Waverly, 6-4, 210, Sr; Dean Clark, Fairfield Union, 6-1, 175, Sr; Sam Pfeifer, Washington Court House, 6-3, 175, Jr; Hudson Lovett, McClain, 6-1, 185, Jr; Lane Ratliff, New Lexington, 6-1, 195, Sr; RB -- Trenton Mash, Albany Alexander, 5-8, 160, Sr; Lane Burkhardt, Fairfield Union, 5-8, 160, Sr; Colton Mathias, New Lexington, 5-9, 175, Jr; WR -- Hez Nelson, Waverly, 6-1, 175, Sr; Gavin Anderson, McClain, 6-0, 160, Jr; Colt Newton, Albany Alexander, 6-3, 175, Sr; Tyson Spicer, New Lexington, 5-8, 170, Sr; All-Purpose -- Aden Osborne, Washington Court House, 5-11, 185, Sr; OL -- Brayden Brisker, Circleville, 6-4, 285, Sr; Eli Stephens, New Lexington, 6-4, 280, Sr; PK -- Bryson Spangenberg, Waverly, 6-3, 190, Sr

First Team Defense

DL -- Noah Sponcil, McClain, 6-0, 285, Sr; Keaton Webb, Fairfield Union, 6-4, 205, Sr; LB -- Lamont Holloway, Circleville, 6-4, 210, Sr; Jacob Liston, Circleville, 6-5, 210, Sr; Kadian Sanchez, Circleville, 6-3, 220, Sr; Justen Kinnison, Waverly, 6-0, 200, Sr; Colton Borah, Fairfield Union, 5-8, 160, Jr; Tanner Toth, New Lexington, 5-10, 170, Sr; Terrelle King, New Lexington, 5-11, 195, Sr; DB -- Carson McCoy, New Lexington, 5-8, 160, Jr; P-- Boston McKoyes, Fairfield Union, 5-9, 150, Jr

Lineman of the Year: Eli Stephens, New Lexington

Offensive Player of the Year: Lane Ratliff, New Lexington

Defensive Player of the Year: Colton Borah, Fairfield Union

Coach of the Year: Andy Clark, Fairfield Union

Special Mention

Uriah Woodworth, Circleville; Kiser Cassidy, Circleville; Wesley Gibbs, Washington Court House; Kiontae Tyree, Washington Court House; Leiland Bond, McClain; Hunter Peabody, McClain; Sawyer Myers, Waverly; Trae Perry, Waverly; Maxx Leppert, Albany Alexander; Codie Andrews, Fairfield Union; Kohen Arnett, Fairfield Union; Camden Maynard, Fairfield Union; Bodie Decore, New Lexington; Eli Dixon, New Lexington

DIVISION 5

Honorary All-District Selection: Bailey Ousley, Wellston

First Team Offense

QB -- Gunner Cleland, Meigs, 6-2, 175, Sr; Camron Williams, Portsmouth, 5-8, 155, Sr; Jase Moore, Vinton County, 5-10, 170, Sr; Wyatt Wolfe, Ironton, 6-4, 190, Soph; RB -- Canaan Arthur, Wheelersburg, 5-10, 165, Jr; Landon Vance, South Point, 6-1, 201, Sr; Gauge Craft, Coal Grove, 6-1, 210, Soph; WR -- Griffin Hudson, Meigs, 5-10, 180, Sr; Mekhi Berry, Portsmouth, 6-4, 200, Soph; Draiden Tolley, Vinton County, 5-8, 150, Sr; Kole Ousley, Vinton County, 6-1, 215, Jr; Evan Kern, Amanda-Clearcreek, 5-10, 160, Jr; Ford Rickard, Fairland, 6-3, 175, Jr; OL -- Hunter Lawson, Wheelersburg, 6-4, 305, Sr; Malachi Lamerson, Piketon, 6-0, 250, Sr; Payton Lucas, Fairland, 6-1, 230, Sr; Hunter Chinn, South Point, 6-7, 253, Sr; Carter Bridges, Ironton, 5-10, 240, Sr; All-Purpose -- Xavier Miller, Wheelersburg, 5-11, 155, Sr; Ayden Hartley, Logan Elm, 5-10, 165, Soph; Kylan Blake, Fairland, 5-9, 150, Jr; Kayden Edwards, Ironton, 6-0, 185, Sr; PK -- Ezra Young, South Point, 5-9, 159, Sr; Beckham Waginger, Ironton, 5-11, 180, Jr

First Team Defense

DL -- Caleb Johnson, Piketon, 6-1, 275, Jr; Jay Marcum, South Point, 6-2, 240, Sr; LB -- Cash Hunt, Bidwell River Valley, 5-10, 206, Sr; Luke Kouns, Wheelersburg, 6-1, 210, Sr; Brew Hanzel, Wheelersburg, 6-3, 195, Jr; Brayden Goble, Meigs, 6-2, 185, Jr; Max Klaiber, Coal Grove, 6-0, 230, Jr; Jacob Bryant, Piketon, 6-3, 190, Sr; Cameron Routte, Amanda-Clearcreek, 5-11, 170, Sr; Peyton Muncy, Chesapeake, 6-0, 195, Sr; Xander Collins, Fairland, 6-1, 205, Sr; Robert Napier, South Point, 5-6, 182, Sr; Ethan Sutton, Ironton, 5-10, 210, Sr; DB -- Owen Tracy, Meigs, 6-0, 170, Sr; Jonah Collier, Wheelersburg, 5-10, 145, Jr; Connor Kint, Logan Elm, 6-1, 180, Jr; Davon Lewis, South Point, 5-9, 160, Sr; Brycen Mullins, Ironton, 5-11, 175, Sr; Tyson Harvey, Ironton, 5-10, 185, Sr

Lineman of the Year: Hunter Lawson, Wheelersburg

Offensive Player of the Year: Kayden Edwards, Ironton

Defensive Players of the Year: Luke Kouns, Wheelersburg; Ethan Sutton, Ironton

Coach of the Year: Brian Wroten, South Point

Special Mention

Aiden McDaniel, Bidwell River Valley; Aiden Furguson, Bidwell River Valley; Grayson Powell, Meigs; Gavin Proffitt, Meigs; Jack Doerr, Wheelersburg; Graer Woodward, Wheelersburg; Nick Donley, Portsmouth; Tanner Loar, Piketon; Kyler Gummoe, Logan Elm; Sylar Sams, Logan Elm; Wes Briggs, Wellston; Aiden Arthur, Wellston; Oliver Osborn, Westfall; Landen Sparks, Westfall; Jacob Thacker, Vinton County; Max Bouska, Vinton County; Kehlan Watterson, Amanda-Clearcreek; Case Webb, Coal Grove; Ayden Hankins, Coal Grove; Jackson Spitler, Chesapeake; Christian Bompus, Fairland; Aiden Kirk, Fairland; Bryelin Staley, South Point; Ethan Hunt, South Point; Ayden Justice, Ironton; Bryson Kerns, Ironton; Jase Williams, Ironton

DIVISION 6

First Team Offense

QB -- Avery Pottmeyer, Waterford, 6-0, 185, Sr; Frankie Hirsch, Huntington, 6-1, 180, Sr; Braxten Conaway, Lucasville Valley, 6-1, 175, Sr; Brayden Burns, Chillicothe Southeastern, 6-4, 195, Sr; Jarrod Bridges, Rock Hill, 6-2, 165, Soph; Cameron Sullivan, Nelsonville-York, 6-3, 230, Sr; RB -- Anthony Bishop, Portsmouth West, 5-8, 196, Sr; Gordon Cyrus, Huntington, 5-7, 150, Jr; Brice Johnson, Zane Trace, 5-10, 210, Sr; WR -- Isaiah Clark, Lucasville Valley, 5-10, 170, Sr; Landyn Smith, Chillicothe Southeastern, 5-10, 170, Sr; Grant Elliott, Nelsonville-York, 6-1, 165, Jr; All-Purpose -- Gavin Hannah, Lucasville Valley, 6-0, 180, Jr; Westyn Ratcliff, Portsmouth West, 5-9, 180, Soph; Junior McDonald, Huntington, 5-8, 145, Jr; Jake Stauffer, Zane Trace, 5-9, 160, Jr.; OL -- Colby Roberts, Waterford, 6-0, 245, Jr; Tylor McDougal, Waterford, 6-3, 210, Sr; Jarred Johnson, Huntington, 5-8, 210, Sr; Wyatt Wolfer, Fayetteville, 6-0, 230, Sr; PK-- Caysen Zieber, Lucasville Valley, 6-2, 175, Sr

First Team Defense

DL -- Dylan McCutcheon, Waterford, 5-10, 260, Sr; Austin Ramsey, Portsmouth West, 6-1, 230, Sr; Chuck Saxour, Adena, 6-0, 270, Sr; Blake Brower, Zane Trace, 6-0, 225, Sr; Blake Payne, Zane Trace, 6-1, 195, Sr; Isaac Speelman, Nelsonville-York, 5-11, 185, Jr; LB -- Bryce McLaughlin, Minford, 6-1, 215, Sr; Blake Lundy, Lucasville Valley, 6-0, 200, Sr; Carson McNeal, Huntington, 6-3, 215, Sr; Tilton Rapp, Portsmouth West, 5-10, 192, Sr; Bradley Bishop, Portsmouth West, 5-10, 185, Fr; Hudson Williams, Zane Trace, 6-1, 185, Sr; Blake Jordan, Fayetteville, 5-10, 227, Sr; Aaron Workman, Rock Hill, 6-2, 200, Sr; Hayden Jones, Waterford, 5-7, 170, Sr; Walker Stone, Nelsonville-York, 5-9, 200, Sr; Noah Arnold, Nelsonville-York, 5-10, 180, Jr; DB -- Finn Pennock, Waterford, 6-2, 185, Sr; Fisher Schaaf, Adena, 5-10, 160, Sr; Mason Hartley, Zane Trace, 5-8, 135, Sr; Weston Wheatley, Nelsonville-York, 6-0, 195, Sr

Lineman of the Year: Blake Brower, Zane Trace

Offensive Players of the Year: Cameron Sullivan, Nelsonville-York; Anthony Bishop, Portsmouth West; Frankie Hirsch, Huntington

Defensive Player of the Year: Hayden Jones, Waterford

Coach of the Year: Clay Beeler, Huntington

Special Mention

Gavin Hiener, Waterford; Brayden Smith, Waterford; Wyatt Swick, Minford; Landon Hodge, McDermott Northwest; Nick Queen, Lucasville Valley; Elijah Keller, Lucasville Valley; Braden Adkins, Portsmouth West; Zane Evans, Portsmouth West; Gunnar Shonkwiler, Portsmouth West; Cameron Smith, Chillicothe Southeastern; Wes Hamilton, Huntington; Jackson McNeal, Huntington; Brysen Payne, Zane Trace; Levi Marshal, Zane Trace; Joey Padilla, Fayetteville; Beau McNeal, Oak Hill; Carson Doolin, Rock Hill; Kelan Davidson, Rock Hill; Gavin Lavy, Nelsonville-York; Jaxon Blake, Nelsonville-York

DIVISION 7

First Team Offense

QB -- Warren Kelly, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 6-0, 140, Jr; Bronx Carpenter, Symmes Valley, 6-2, 165, Jr; RB -- Dusty Mooney, South Gallia, 5-8, 150, Jr; Carter Sanders, South Gallia, 5-8, 150, Jr; Kyler Basham, Meigs Eastern, 5-7, 148, Jr; Parker Durst, Meigs Eastern, 5-9, 165, Jr; Eli Shaffer, Pike Eastern, 5-10, 165, Soph; WR -- Kevin Bycofski, Trimble, 5-9, 165, Soph; Jackson Fields, Symmes Valley, 5-11, 180, Jr; Andrew Isaacs, Symmes Valley, 6-1, 165, Jr; TE -- Malakai Ensor, Belpre, 6-4, 207, Sr; OL -- Brogan Spencer, Meigs Eastern, 6-0, 211, Sr; Brad Dillon, Meigs Eastern, 6-2, 320, Sr; Mason Kader, Pike Eastern, 5-10, 300, Sr; All-Purpose -- Archie West, Portsmouth Notre Dame, 5-10, 175, Jr; PK -- Grant Havens, Pike Eastern, 5-10, 155, Jr; Miguel Ferreira, Symmes Valley, 6-0, 165, Soph

First Team Defense

DL -- Remington Hayslip, Manchester, 6-1, 180, Sr; Caleb Mount, Symmes Valley, 6-1, 190, Sr; LB -- Cooper Diddle, Racine Southern, 6-2, 190, Sr; Blaise Gilmore, Meigs Eastern, 6-0, 215, Sr; Case Barnett, Meigs Eastern, 5-10, 200, Jr; Jasper Walker, Manchester, 5-7, 155, Soph; Cade Leist, Pike Eastern, 6-0, 265, Sr; Noah Lemaster, Corning Miller, 6-0, 185, Sr; Enoch Patterson, Symmes Valley, 5-10, 195, Sr; Asher Maynard, Symmes Valley, 6-2, 230, Jr; DB -- Jett Lisle, Racine Southern, 5-10, 175, Soph; Caleb Frazee, South Gallia, 6-1, 170, Sr; P-- Hunter Bycofski, Trimble, 6-3, 200, Sr.

Lineman of the Year: Caleb Mount, Symmes Valley

Offensive Player of the Year: Bronx Carpenter, Symmes Valley

Defensive Player of the Year: Blaise Gilmore, Meigs Eastern

Coaches of the Year: Ben Ferguson, Symmes Valley; Jason Jackson, Meigs Eastern

Special Mention

Jayden Francis, Belpre; Eric Montgomery, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Billy Shannon, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Leon McKinney, Sciotoville East; Lindon Williams, Sciotoville East; Gabe Blevins, Franklin Furnace Green; Ethan Burke, Paint Valley; Mason Waterhouse, South Gallia; Gradey Murphy, Meigs Eastern; Braxton Yonker, Meigs Eastern; Dylon Fite, Manchester; Cayden Allen, Manchester; Bronson Kellar, Pike Eastern; Boston Webb, Pike Eastern; Bodey Dorsey, Corning Miller; Myron Hogsett, Trimble; Braeden Hill, Federal Hocking; Aydan Freeman, Symmes Valley