OVAC ASG: Ohio has talent at key positions

WHEELING - Ohio has some explosiveness in its backfield for Saturday night's OVAC Rudy Mumley All Star Football Game. The linebackers are top shelf, as well.

Buckeyes' head coach Brett McLean has selected two top-notch quarterbacks, a pair of hard-running backs and some heavy-hitting linebackers for the 80th annual event set for Wheeling Island Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:15.

A brief capsule of each player follows:

IAN STARKEY (Indian Creek) - A 6-foot, 175-pounder, Starkey led the Redskins to a superb 9-1 record as he became the first quarterback in program history to pass and rush for at least 1,000 yards in the same season. He was named second team all-Ohio Division IV and first team all-Eastern District.

Starkey was also a first team all-OVAC honoree, as well as all-Buckeye 8.

He played for head coach Andrew Connor at Indian Creek and will attend West Liberty University.

Starkey resides in Mingo Junction with his parents, Ryan and Christie Starkey.

SAM McLEAN (St. Clairsville) - This 6-0, 165-pounder flourished under his father for the Red Devils. In his lone season under center, McLean went 101 of 167 (60.5 percent) for 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also ran for 286 yards and six points.

McLean earned all-OVAC, all-Eastern District and all-Buckeye 8 first team and was honorable mention all-Ohio.

He will continue his academic and athletic careers at Washington & Jefferson College. His father played in the 1996 game, three years after his uncle, Jim Mirasola, played.

McLean is also the son of Victoria McLean. He resides in Cadiz.

CAJUAN BRYANT (Steubenville) - A 5-10, 180-pounder, rushed for more than 1,000 yards last fall for Big Red head coach Reno Saccoccia despite missing some time.

He will attend West Liberty University in the fall to continue his academic and athletic careers.

He is the son of Raven Harris. They reside in Steubenville.

ZACHARY SCHNELLE (East Palestine) - This 6-1, 200-pounder excelled on both sides of the football for the Bulldogs.

Offensively, he carried the rock 149 times for 1,208 yards and caught seven passes for 134 stripes, accounting for 17 touchdowns. Defensively, he made 70 tackles, had 5.5 quarterback sacks, 15.5 tackles for a loss, forced two fumbles and recovered a pair.

He was captain of the all-EOAC team, as well as first team all-Columbiana County, all-OVAC and honorable mention all-NE Inland District.

He is the son of Michael and Shannon Schnelle. They reside in East Palestine.

HINES FORD (Barnesville) - A 6-0, 1290-pounder, Ford was the heart and soul of the Shamrocks defense for four seasons. He established program records for tackles in a single season (144) and a career (374).

He was a first team all-Ohioan Division V selection last season and in 2023. He was on the second team in 2024.

Also a quality wrestler, he was a four-time Division III state qualifier and a two-time state placer.

He will attend the Belmont Career Center in the Power Lineman program.

His uncle, Bud Hines, previously played in the game. Ford played for head coach Blake Allen at Barnesville.

Ford is the son of Chris and Tricia Ford. They reside in Barnesville.

NOLAN BLACKBURN (Steubenville) - This 6-1, 205-pounder was a mainstay for three years under head coach Reno Saccoccia.

Defensively, he charted 81 tackles last fall, with a trio of quarterback sacks and a pair of TFLs. Offensively, he caught 20 passes for 337 yards and three touchdowns in the last two seasons.

He earned all-Ohio honorable mention Division III, as well as all-OVAC and all-Eastern District first teams.

Blackburn is also a quality baseball player, which earned him a spot on the Davis & Elkins College team.

He is the son of Todd and Jennifer Blackburn. They reside in Wintersville.

MATT EVANS (Edison) - A 6-0, 185-pounder, Evans was a key cog as the Wildcats advanced to the Division V playoffs.

For his career, he logged 320 tackles, forced half-a-dozen fumbles, recovered three loose balls and intercepted five passes. He had a pair of defensive TDs.

He was a third team all-Ohio selection last fall, also earning all-OVAC and all-Eastern District first teams. He played for head coach Mike Collopy.

Evans was also a two-time OVAC track champion in the hurdles. He will attend Wheeling University to play football and run track.

He is the son of Jamie and Sara Evans. They reside in Irondale.

LUCA SHANE (Martins Ferry) - This 5-11, 200-pounder stood out on both sides of the ball last season for Purple Riders head coach Justin Kropka.

Defensively, he made 69 tackles, had 11 TFLs, five quarterback sacks and defended two passes. Offensively, he ran for 171 yards and caught passes for 341.

He was first team all-OVAC and all-Buckeye 8, along with second team all-Eastern District and honorable mention all-Ohio Division VI.

He is the saon of Jason and Gina Shane and resides in Bridgeport.

CHE'MIER ADAMS (Steubenville) - A 5-10, 155-pounder, Adams had 50 tackles, two interceptions and only allowed five pass receptions last fall.

Also a speedster in track, he is a two-time state qualifier and also qualified for the nationals once.

He played for head coach Reno Saccoccia at Steubenville and will continue his academic and athletic careers at Muskingum University.

His older brother, Ty'lik, played in the 2023 game.

Adams is the son of Sasha Sims. They reside in Steubenville.

RYDER GAINER (Union Local) - This 5-10, 165-pounder played outside linebacker for the Jets and head coach Bernie Thompson.

As a senior, he logged 58 tackles and intercepted one pass. He had four offensive touchdowns.

He was a first team all-OVAC and Buckeye-8 selection.

Gainer is the son of Craig and Becky Gainer. They reside in Flushing.