The Tony Fisher Award goes to the News-Herald’s football player of the year. The award is named after Tony Fisher, a former Ohio State Mr. Football Award winner who played college football at Notre Dame before moving on to the NFL. Fisher is now athletic director at Euclid.
The Tony Fisher Award nominee list can and will change throughout the year. Here’s a look at some of the players who could be in the running for the award at the end-of-season ceremony:
Danny Alfieri, Kirtland, Sr.: He was a star on defense last year. This year, he is expected to play a larger role as the primary ball carrier in the Hornets’ vaunted running game.
Drayton Allgood, Chardon, Jr.: Allgood looks to be quickly taking over the Hilltoppers’ quarterback role — which means he’ll be carrying the ball a lot. He’s also shown he can throw very efficiently in Chardon’s 7-on-7 summer schedule.
Shahn Alston, Harvey, Jr.: He enters his junior year as the third-best running back in the nation according to multiple scouting services with a number of offers (including USC, Penn State and Wisconsin). Last year, he ran for 1,042 yards and scored 15 points.
Alex Ash, Chardon, Sr.: An All-Ohio linebacker, he collected 136 tackles, 26 TFLs and 11.5 sacks as a junior. He is exceptionally quick on the ball and strikes when he is there.
JJ Baldwin, Benedictine, Sr.: The Bengals have a lot of playmakers, including running back Christopher Maloney and quarterback Matthew Furst. Baldwin is elite. He can win any game.
Tymir Cardona, Kenston, Sr.: He’s entering his third year as a starting guard for the Bombers. He had 32 catches and five touchdowns on offense, but was also a threat on defense with four interceptions and a bunch of PBUs.
Sean Dillard, Gilmour, Sr.: Super athletic and fast, Dillard caught 41 balls for 693 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior. When he gets his hands on the ball, you hold your breath.
Scotty Fox, Mentor, Sr.: Fox, who committed to West Virginia, threw for 2,275 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior while also rushing for 353 yards and 11 scores. He has a wealth of skill-position players around him and a big, experienced line in front of him.
Caleb Hewitt, Chardon, Sr.: A quick talent on both sides of the ball, he recorded 17 pass break-ups on defense while also giving the Hilltoppers speed on offense as a running back/slot.
Justin Hodge, Mentor, Jr.: He is receiving a ton of offers from major colleges after catching 46 passes for 872 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore.
Bo Jackson, VASJ, Sr.: He committed to Ohio State and will be rewarded as a running back for the Buckeyes after rushing for 1,329 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior. Keep an eye on him on defense, too, where he had 63 stops, four PBUs and five TFLs.
Lucas Kaltenbach, Kenston, Sr.: He threw for over 1,000 yards as a junior. A big, tough and physical quarterback, Kaltenbach will likely get more offensive work this year after All-Ohioan Sean Patrick graduates.
Jake LaVerde, Kirtland, Jr.: After two consecutive 1,000-yard passing seasons with the Hornets, LaVerde is back for his junior year and is on pace to break the team’s passing records while also being a major run threat. He’s also a strong defender.
Brody Lennon, Gilmour, Sr.: As a freshman at Ohio State last year, he had 627 yards receiving and nine touchdowns as a tight end/receiver. As a junior, he also had 66 tackles, 20 TFLs and 11 sacks as a top-tier defensive end.
Mikey Malone, University, Sr.: He ran for over 700 yards last year and is poised for a standout season with the Preppers this year.
Owen McKoon, Perry, Sr.: Whether he’s a linebacker (124 tackles, 20 TFLs, eight sacks), fullback or tight end, this baseball newcomer from Louisiana Monroe is an influential player for the Pirates.
Donovan Moorhead, Hawken, Jr.: As a sophomore, he threw for 1,542 yards and 22 touchdowns. This year, he has the same skills. He will break records this season.
Walter Moses, Perry, Sr.: Moses, who has committed to Toledo, is coming off a junior season in which he was named to the All-Ohio first team, threw for more than 2,300 yards and 30 touchdowns and completed 73 percent of his passes.
Cross Nimmo, Lake Catholic, Sr.: The freshman from the University of Minnesota had 30 catches for 801 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. At 6’6″, QB Frankie Trinetti is a popular target in the Cougars’ passing game.
Bryce Peet, Geneva, Jr.: He is the Eagles’ star on both sides of the ball. As a sophomore, he ran for 900 yards and 12 touchdowns while also recording 98 tackles and five sacks on defense.
Ace Peterlin, Catholic See, Sr.: As a junior, he was the area’s leading receiver, catching 77 passes for 1,136 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is also an outstanding defensive back.
Luke Sivon, Perry, Sr.: Last year he had 38 catches for 849 yards before the state finals – and then he had a game for the ages that went over 1,000 yards. He’s fast and has great hands. One of the most underrated receivers in the state.
Frankie Trinetti, Lake Catholic Church, Sr.: As a junior, he threw for 3,294 yards and 38 touchdowns, both program records. With his extensive skill set, he is poised for another record-breaking year.
Austin VanHuss, Mentor, Sr.: As a junior, he caught 45 balls for 716 yards and six touchdowns. The Cardinals have a large number of quality players at the skill positions and he is one of the most important.
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