As they try to maintain focus on Michigan State and not the BCS, the Buckeyes admit that their dream is close to being realized.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Auburn scored, the players on the Ohio State buses erupted in celebration and the whispers spread.

"We're going to the national championship."

Enter Philly Brown.

"[He] actually got up at the front of the bus and said, 'Sit down. You guys act like you don't have a game to play this week,'" said center Corey Linsley. "And then it clicked to everybody and everybody just kind of focused."

The Buckeyes have contended that their attention remains on Michigan State -- their opponent in Saturday's Big Ten Championship Game -- and not on the BCS and the incessant debate about whether Ohio State or Auburn is more deserving of a national title shot.

To support that claim, Urban Meyer refused to delve into the topic of the national landscape on Monday, instead saying that he would "have a comment on Sunday."

"That's cheating my football team," Meyer said. "There will be no conversation about what happens after this game until after the game."

The Buckeyes also opted to forgo their typical routine of identifying "champions" from their previous game.

"We just jumped right into a very good team, an excellent team, Michigan State," Meyer said, "and want to do the best job we can to make sure this team is prepared."

Players and coaches can say that days in advance, but will they be able barricade the big picture from their mindset come Saturday night? Auburn and Missouri square off for the SEC title about four hours before Ohio State and Michigan duel. Will knowing Auburn's fate influence Ohio State's concentration?

Cornerback Doran Grant said no. And that's about all he said. For the junior, that narrow focus has already set in. He wasted no time in getting to the point when providing terse responses to reporters' questions on Monday.

Is it easy to keep focused on this week's task and banish thoughts of what looms beyond Saturday's game?

Grant: "Yes."

What would he say to Ohio State fans who are concerned about the team's defense after it allowed 603 yards to Michigan?

Grant: "Just tune in Saturday."

As Meyer noted on a coaches teleconference on Sunday, Ohio State won't be included in the BCS title game discussion unless the Buckeyes solve a Michigan State defense that has yielded a nation-low 237.7 yards per game.

Still, it's human nature to peek toward the future, right? The Buckeyes knew what an Alabama loss meant for their BCS positioning. Would they have reacted in such a way on the bus ride back to Columbus had the wacky finish involved two unranked teams?

"I didn't see Auburn beating 'Bama. But they did," Linsley said. "Either way, it kind of lucked out for us. We put in our work and we just needed somebody to fall off. This is the best thing that could've happened to us."

The Buckeyes expected to be in this situation. They entered the season as the No. 2 team in the nation. They designated their pursuit of a national championship "The Chase."

After a temporary remission from the forefront of the national title picture, Ohio State has returned to the top two. And even though a conference championship game lurks, the Buckeyes aren't naive of what potentially awaits them following Saturday's affair.

"It was a moment of intensity there for a second, but now it's a level of focus," Linsley said. "Our dream is here. 'The Chase' is real."

The accused gunman reportedly flew into a rage when she saw the victim and others joking that the Crimson Tide's loss wasn't as bad as if the NBA's Miami Heat had lost a game.

View full sizeAdrian Briskey, 28, is charged with killing a fellow Alabama fan after the end of last weekend's Iron Bowl football game. Hoover Police Department via AP

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- A woman charged with killing a fellow Alabama fan after the end of last weekend's Iron Bowl football game was angry that the victim and others didn't seem upset over the Crimson Tide's loss to archrival Auburn, said the sister of the slain woman.

Adrian Laroze Briskey, 28, was charged Monday with murder in the killing of 36-year-old Michelle Shepherd.

Hoover police Capt. Jim Coker said both Birmingham women were Alabama fans and at the same party for the annual game between intrastate rivals. With no time left on the clock, Auburn returned a missed Crimson Tide field goal more than 100 yards for a 34-28 victory, dashing any hopes of Alabama playing for a third straight national championship.

The victim's sister, Nekesa Shepherd, said she witnessed the killing and had no doubt it was about football, even though it was unclear to investigators whether the violence was motivated by the game.

"That's one of the things we are investigating," Coker said Monday.

Nekesa Shepherd said Briskey flew into a rage when she saw the sisters and others joking that the Crimson Tide's loss wasn't as bad as if the NBA's Miami Heat had lost a game.

"She said we weren't real Alabama fans because it didn't bother us that they lost. And then she started shooting," Shepherd told The Associated Press.

Shepherd said she and her sister were invited to the party by a mutual friend who also invited Briskey. About two dozen people were on hand.

Shepherd, the mother of three, was shot to death in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the Birmingham suburb of Hoover and the women did not know each other before the party, Coker said.

Court records were not available to show whether Briskey has a lawyer. She has only had a couple of speeding tickets in the past, records show.

Coker said alcohol might have been involved, but investigators are awaiting the results of toxicology tests to make a determination.

Shepherd said Briskey drank multiple shots of liquor during the game and "went crazy" when she heard people joking after 'Bama lost.

"It was over a football game," said Shepherd. "I'm never going to forget it because she died in my arms."

Jay Reeves, Associated Press

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Here are high school bowling, hockey and wrestling box scores and highlights for Dec. 2, 2013. BOWLING

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Here are high school bowling, hockey and wrestling box scores and highlights for Dec. 2, 2013.

BOWLING

Mayfield 2,484, Solon 2,428

High Series: Mace (M) 276-523; Sharkus (S) 173-418.

North Olmsted 2,238, Firelands 2,142

High Series: Callam, (NO) 213-425; Williams (F) 256-492.

Baker: NO, 203-169 F 189-158.

Norton 2,443 Rootstown 2,003

High Series: Westerfield (N) 196-416; R, Testa 188-376.

Baker: N, 175-279-166; R, 171-165-118.

GIRLS

North Olmsted 2,141, Firelands 1,546

NO, Geal, 223,247; F, Krieg, 178, 159.

Baker: 166-158; F, 159-87.

Solon 1,658, Mayfield 1,609

High Series: S, Jackson, 138-279; M, Jackson, 214-400.

Norton 1,960, Rootstown 1,572

High Series: N, Eldred 160-314; R, Brown, 151-152.

Baker: N, 159-161-120; R, 181-97-102.

HOCKEY:

Notre-Dame Cathedral Latin 7, Elyria Catholic 5

NDCL (1-0): Cippolone 3, Wilson 2, MacDonald, Crozier. EC (0-1): Focpa 4, Horvatch. 

Goalies: NDCL, Giegerich (42 saves); EC: Fazmor (28). 

Notable: Jaret Cippolone had a hat trick for NDCL. David Focpa had four goals for EC.

Shaker Heights 6, Orange 0

SH: Christman (2), R. LaMonica, Wheeler, Shick, Stack

Goalies: SH, Attias (14 saves), Weineberg (4); O, Russell (32)

Notable: With the victory, Shaker Heights won the Bruce Anderson Memorial Tournament.

PAINESVILLE, Ohio – Check out the video players below to watch a special football show featuring players from all four local schools that have advanced to this week's state championship games, including two All-Americans and an Ohio State commit. Players and coaches from Mentor, Glenville, St. Vincent-St. Mary and Kirtland gathered at the Harry Buffalo restaurant in Painesville on...

PAINESVILLE, Ohio – Check out the video players below to watch a special football show featuring players from all four local schools that have advanced to this week's state championship games, including two All-Americans and an Ohio State commit.

Players and coaches from Mentor, Glenville, St. Vincent-St. Mary and Kirtland gathered at the Harry Buffalo restaurant in Painesville on Monday night to record a state finals video show with the Northeast Ohio Media Group.

Click the video players below to watch the team-by-team segments of the NEO Varsity Sports Insider show. Note: The team videos featuring St. Vincent-St. Mary and Kirtland will be posted shortly.

The state championship games will be played Thursday through Saturday in Canton and Massillon.

Watch the Mentor team video featuring coach Steve Trivisonno and players Kent Berger, an Ohio University recruit, and Justin McMahon.

See the Glenville team video with coach Ted Ginn Sr. and U.S. Army All-Americans Marshon Lattimore and Erick Smith and Tarblooders QB Quan Robinson Jr.

Check back shortly to watch a video with St. Vincent-St. Mary featuring Ohio State commit Parris Campbell Jr., new Akron commit Newman Williams and Athletic Director Andy Jalwan, as well as the Kirtland team video with defensive coordinator Ryan Beeler and players Sam Skiljan, Erik Guhde and Joey Bates.

Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@ScottPatsko). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Ohio State ranks 101st in the nation in pass defense, and Urban Meyer said if the Buckeyes defend the pass like they did against Michigan, "We won't win the game," on Saturday vs. Michigan State. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Pass defense is in the eye of the beholder. Ohio State allowing 451 yards in the air to Michigan in the Buckeyes’ 42-41 win on Saturday garnered different reactions on Monday.

It depended on whether you were trying to fix that defense, or getting ready to face it.

“Did we win? Did we win? Did we win?” OSU defensive coordinator Luke Fickell said Monday. “Because I’ve been up there quite a few times in my 18-year career here and have not come away with a win. So we know there’s things we’ve got to correct. Momentum and things happen and we didn‘t pay great on the defensive side of the ball. But every single week we have objectives, and the last objective last week was win.”

That’s one way to look at it. Here’s another.

“Any time you see your opponent give up that many yards the week before you play them, obviously you’re licking your chops,” Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook said Monday. “You’re feeling a little bit more confident, you’re feeling a little bit more excited for the game itself. But we’ve got to treat it like any game we’ve had all year.”

But this is not any game. Saturday’s Big Ten Championship between No. 3 Ohio State (12-0, 8-0 Big Ten) and No. 10 Michigan State (11-1, 8-0) is the league’s biggest showcase since No. 1 Ohio State faced No. 2 Michigan to end the 2006 regular season. So while the Buckeyes did win Saturday, the relevant question this week is if the Buckeyes play like that on defense again, will they win in Indianapolis?

“We won’t win the game,” said Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, the man whose reaction matters most. “We won’t win that game this time. That’s just very simple. We have to play much better.

“Pass defense surfaced again and lack of contact on the quarterback. We just had some guys running open. It's a combination. If you could say it was one thing, I would say it was one thing. I trust that we'll get it fixed, and I trust that these guys will be locked and loaded and have a good week of preparation.”

Meyer has expressed similar sentiments about the pass defense multiple times this season. Things can look better for a week, but then the defense slips back and the same questions are raised.

The Buckeyes, one of three undefeated teams remaining of the 125 teams in major college football, are ranked 101st in pass defense. Only Indiana is worse in the conference. When the Big Ten recognized the three best receivers in the league on Monday among their first- and second-team All-Big Ten selections, Allen Robinson of Penn State, Jared Abbrederis of Wisconsin and Jeremy Gallon of Michigan had something in common.

They all torched the Buckeyes.

Abbrederis caught 10 passes for 207 yards on Oct. 5, Robinson caught 12 balls for 173 yards on Oct. 26 and Gallon caught nine passes for 175 yards on Saturday.

To Fickell’s point, they shared another trait.

They all lost to the Buckeyes.

No team is perfect, and Ohio State has managed to remain undefeated despite this flaw. Is Michigan State a team that can exploit it? There’s no Gallon or Robinson in green. Michigan State’s leading receivers, Tony Lippett and Bennie Fowler, rank 17th and 18th in the league in receiving, each averaging 45 yards per game. Lippett’s team-high 35 catches rank 22nd in the conference.

But it hasn’t only been stars to put up yards on Ohio State. The Buckeyes have been ahead a lot, with opponents forced to throw to catch up. But Cal threw for 371 yards, Northwestern for 343, Indiana for 320, Wisconsin for 295 and Illinois for 288.

Michigan State, in contrast, hasn’t given up more than 259 yards in the air, that against the Hoosiers.

Meyer’s instinct early in the season was to call for more pressure as a fix, and the Buckeyes did a better job getting after the passer, now with 39 sacks on the season, compared to 30 a year ago.

But Saturday, Michigan used that aggressiveness against the Buckeyes with a variety of screens, including one to Gallon that hit for 84 yards on Michigan’s third play of the game. Fickell said that’s the one play where maybe “I kick myself in the game a little bit.”

“We were blitzing, and we didn’t execute, we didn’t do a great job, guys didn’t get off blocks, guys didn’t retrace to the ball,” Fickell said. “Sometimes those put you in those tough situations, your kids are in a little bit of shock situation.

“But we can’t change who we are. We can’t step back and ask our kids to change their demeanor and not be aggressive and not get after the quarterback because of one situation.”

Cornerback Doran Grant agreed that the Buckeyes don’t need to change much. They just need to do this better. And he knows Meyer isn’t happy with it.

“We’ve just got to play better. He knows what he’s talking about, obviously he’s a great coach, and we’ve got do better, and that’s what we’re going to do this week,” Grant said.

Asked for an answer to those who may question the pass defense, Grant said only, “Tune in Saturday.”

After that game, with a trip to the BCS National Championship for the Buckeyes on the line, Fickell again may ask if the Buckeyes won.

If it’s yes for the 25th straight time, it will be hard to argue with anything. If the answer is no, it may be because this question that has been asked all year was never fully answered. 

If the Indians do anything of significance this off-season, it will be in the trade market.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Fear.

That's one of the reasons the Indians spent big last winter for free agents Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn.

Yes, part of it was fear of losing what was left of the team's shrinking fan base. But just as important was a fear of what this winter would bring in free agency when every team received an extra $25 million in national television money.

Consider that Bourn signed a four-year, $48 million contract last February. Now think about the four-year, $53 million deal that Jhonny Peralta signed with the Cardinals.

A year ago, Peralta doesn't come close to that kind of cash on the open market. But this year, he flunked a drug test, was suspended for 50 games -- and still became one of the highest-paid shortstops in baseball.

Catcher Brian McCann batted .257 (.797 OPS) with 20 homers and 57 RBI for Atlanta. The Yankees signed him to a five-year, $85 million deal.

The Royals signed Jose Vargas to a four-year, $32 million deal. He was 9-8 with a 4.02 ERA in 2013, a career 51-58 record with a 4.30 ERA. You know the money is flowing when the usually frugal Oakland A's signed Scott Kazmir for $22 million over two years. The Indians wanted to guarantee only one year for the lefty, who was 10-9 with a 4.04 ERA. The reason? Kazmir has been on the disabled list eight times in the last eight years. He opened 2013 on the disabled list because he pulled a muscle in his rib cage.

I would have been tempted to offer Kazmir a two-year deal at about $6 million annually with incentives for innings pitched and starts made. But $22 million guaranteed? Fear would have prevented me from that offer, just as it did the Tribe.

Now you know why David Murphy -- coming off the worst year of his career as he batted .220 for Texas -- could command a two-year, $12 million deal from the Tribe. Everyone gets paid in this free-agent market.

Look at the contracts

The Indians paid Bourn $7.5 million in 2013, and it rises to $13.5 million for the last three years. Swisher received $11 million in 2013, and it jumps to $15 million in 2014.

So the Tribe added $10.5 million in payroll with those two contracts. That's because they knew the $25 million was coming.

"We signed them (Bourn and Swisher) with the idea of them helping us for a few years, not just last year," said Antonetti.

It would be shocking if the Tribe makes a major free agent move that compares to Bourn and Swisher of a year ago.

The Indians loved Joe Smith. Talked about a two-year contract with the reliever. I was told during the All-Star break by a top executive, "He wants three times five … and he'll probably get it." In baseball talk, "three times five" means three years at $5 million annually.

Smith signed a three-year, $15.75 million deal with the Angels. He wanted to play in Southern California to be near Allie LaForce, his fiancee, who is the co-host for the CBSSports Network's late-night “Lead Off" show, based in Orange County, Calif.

The Indians and other teams have significant research showing that most three-year deals to bullpen arms are costly to teams because relievers are so inconsistent. Smith has been one of the exceptions, as he was 18-11 with a 2.76 ERA in five seasons with the Tribe.

Looking ahead

So what will the Tribe do this off-season?

They probably will sign a free-agent reliever. They have lost Chris Perez (still unsigned) and Smith. They will give Cody Allen the first chance to close, with Bryan Shaw pitching the eighth inning. They are hoping for a comeback from Vinnie Pestano. They have several options such as C.C. Lee, Austin Adams, Brandon Wood and Carlos Carrasco (if he doesn't earn a spot in the rotation) for the bullpen.

Antonetti is shopping for a starting pitcher. He talked to Tim Hudson, who signed a two-year, $23 million deal with the Giants at the age of 38. He is checking on Brett Anderson, a lefty that Oakland is looking to trade. He was a top prospect in 2009-10. His combined record for those two years was 18-17 with a 3.40 ERA. Then injuries piled up. Anderson had elbow surgery in 2011. He then had ankle problems last season, and was 1-4 with a 6.04 ERA in 16 games.

Anderson is only 25, he is signed ($8 million in 2014), and he's a lefty. He also is on the trading block because the A's want to dump his salary after signing Kazmir.

If the Tribe does acquire a starter, it probably will be someone such as Anderson -- coming off an injury. Any major moves will come via a trade, not in a free-agent bidding battle.

And what about Ubaldo Jimenez? He won't be back with the Tribe. If Peralta received $52 million, Jimenez may haul in close to $60 million for four years. Or maybe $75 million for five years.

Who would have believed that a year ago, when he seemed to be the lost soul of the Tribe's rotation?

CHARDON, Ohio – Bruno Biello has been named the new head coach of Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin's fastpitch softball program. Biello will replace longtime coach Jack McParland, who announced his retirement in August.  Previously, Biello, who has over 17 years of coaching experience, was the varsity head softball coach at Hathaway Brown, where multiple and individual school records were set....

CHARDON, Ohio – Bruno Biello has been named the new head coach of Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin's fastpitch softball program. Biello will replace longtime coach Jack McParland, who announced his retirement in August. 

Previously, Biello, who has over 17 years of coaching experience, was the varsity head softball coach at Hathaway Brown, where multiple and individual school records were set. Biello also brought the program from a two-win team in 2010 to a school-record 17 wins in 2013.

Thad Matta saw his basketball team move up to No. 5 in the Associated Press Poll on Monday, but in Columbus right now, the only poll that matters is the BCS in football. Matta shared his take on the Ohio State football program.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Thad Matta saw his Ohio State basketball team rise up to No. 5 in the latest Associated Press Poll, but just like the rest of Columbus, Matta may have a little football fever.

“I was so caught up with where the football Buckeyes were going to be ranked, I didn’t even know where we were,” Matta joked.

That’s because the football rankings matter a lot more right now.

Ranked No. 2 in the latest BCS standings, Ohio State seems to be one win away from capturing a spot in college football’s national title game. The only game remaining for the Buckeyes is against No. 10 Michigan State on Saturday in the Big Ten Championship.

But there is some debate as to whether an unbeaten Ohio State team or a one-loss Auburn team, who beat previously No. 1 Alabama on Saturday, deserves the No. 2 spot for the right to face top-ranked Florida State on college football’s biggest stage.

To Matta, all Ohio State needs is one more win to earn that spot.

“They’re in,” Matta said.

Ohio State’s basketball coach quickly said that he doesn’t follow it closely enough to be an expert, but he subscribes to the same thought process as all of the Buckeyes football program’s followers.

What Matta does have expertise on is building a program and maintaining success, and he thinks Urban Meyer has done a tremendous job in his two years at Ohio State.

“I am excited for them,” Matta said. “It has been a two-year commitment, not only from the players but the coaches, and they have put themselves in the position that they wanted to be in. Now take care of business. You look at what they’re going against on Saturday, you have the two best teams in the Big Ten.” 

COLUMBUS, Ohio – After competitive balance referendums were voted down in each of the last three years, it seems a fourth one will not even make it to a vote. Monday was the deadline for Ohio High School Athletic Association member schools to submit petitions for 2014 referendum items, which would be voted on in May. But no petitions...

COLUMBUS, Ohio – After competitive balance referendums were voted down in each of the last three years, it seems a fourth one will not even make it to a vote.

Monday was the deadline for Ohio High School Athletic Association member schools to submit petitions for 2014 referendum items, which would be voted on in May. But no petitions were submitted.

"The OHSAA had anticipated that a petition might be submitted regarding separation of team sport tournaments into public and private divisions," said the OHSAA in a statement released Tuesday.

That petition was expected to come from Wooster Triway Superintendent Dave Rice, who has played a lead role in the three previous referendums. Last year Rice pulled a petition that asked for separate playoffs for public and private schools in favor of a revamped referendum that used multipliers to adjust enrollments at private and open-enrollment schools. It failed by 19 votes, with only 625 of the OHSAA's 823 member schools casting ballots in time or at all.

Rice went back to work on another petition after May's vote, looking again at a total separation of private and public school playoffs for football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball and softball.

Rice did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

The OHSAA statement also pointed out that its Competitive Balance Committee and Board of Directors will continue to evaluate the issue.

Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@ScottPatsko). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Owens appeared in 12 games, registering 54 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

BEREA, Ohio – The Browns placed cornerback Chris Owens on injured reserve Tuesday with a knee injury.

The move likely means more playing time for third-round draft pick Leon McFadden, who received a season-high 31 snaps in Sunday’s 32-28 loss to Jacksonville.

Owens, acquired as free agent last spring, was injured on the game’s final defensive series while tackling Maurice Jones-Drew. He’s appeared in 12 games with three starts, totaling 54 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Some assumed McFadden would challenge Buster Skrine and Owens for a starter’s position in training camp. But McFadden struggled in preseason games and didn’t earn his first regular-season defensive snap until Week 8 at Kansas City. He saw 10 snaps versus Pittsburgh before seeing significant time Sunday against the Jaguars.

McFadden has three tackles this season.

On Tuesday, the Browns also promoted defensive back Julian Posey to their active roster. He’s a first-year player from Ohio University who’s spent most of the season on the practice squad.

Has Cavaliers power forward Tristan Thompson turned things around with his 14 points and 14 rebounds on Saturday against Chicago?

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Tristan Thompson was glowing when he met with reporters on Tuesday afternoon at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Literally.

He was wearing a Zephyr sleeveless black T-shirt and the company's small, flashing monitor strapped around his chest. The monitor, a couple of inches in diameter, is used to measure the workload and output of individual players during any given workout, a more advanced version of the heart monitors worn by everyday athletes in health clubs.

"I feel like Iron Man, right?'' Thompson said with a smile.

Actually, that's the way he started off the season. After switching his dominant hand from left to right over the summer, he had seven double-doubles in the team's first 11 games, becoming the first Cavalier to do that since Zydrunas Ilgauskas had eight in the first 11 games of the 2007-08 season. He was averaging 13 points and 9.6 rebounds.

Then he hit a bump. During the team's five-game losing streak, he averaged just five points and eight rebounds.

"I think it's just the overall struggles for us as a team,'' he said before Saturday's victory over Chicago. "You're going to have your ups and downs. As a team, we're struggling right now, so everyone's struggling. We've just got to find a way to just go out there and get everything back rolling.''

Thompson and the Cavs did just that Saturday. He had 14 points and 14 rebounds in the 97-93 victory over the Bulls.

Coach Mike Brown was thrilled with Thompson's production on Saturday, but admitted he's still not quite sure he knows exactly what to expect from his starting power forward.

"I think he started the season off unusually high,'' Brown said. "I’m not sure if that’s where he is right now in his career. … I think in time he can get there … I’m not sure where his norm is. … He was hitting shots at the beginning of the year that I know watching tape I didn’t see him hit last year.''

As usual, though, when someone starts off strong, they can expect opponents to adjust defensively.

"It's called a scouting report,'' Thompson said. "They're going to try to take you out of the game and you've got to make your adjustments.''

Thompson acknowledges he was one of those who spoke out during the much-discussed players-only meeting at Minnesota last month. He sees that as part of his role as one of the team's young leaders and considers it the sort of airing of grievances that is vital in any relationship -- professional or personal.

He believes it has helped but prefers to look forward instead of back. For him, that means bringing energy, rebounding and defense every night.

"As bigs in the league, we've got to defend and rebound,'' he said. "That's No. 1 on our to-do list every night. If we take care of that, scoring will come. It comes and goes. As long as you keep playing hard and defending and rebound, those things always come back.''

Ticket sale: Single-game tickets for the second half of the season, beginning with the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 5 through the season finale against Brooklyn on April 16, will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Tickets will be available at cavs.com, charge-by-phone at 1-800-820-CAVS, in person at the Quicken Loans Arena box office or at any Discount Drug Mart.

Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets

Time: 7 p.m. Wednesday at The Q.

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Ohio, WTAM AM/1100.

Notable: Cavs have been off since Saturday, while the Nuggets will be playing the second night of a back-to-back after Tuesday's 111-87 victory at Brooklyn, the second game of a six-game East Coast swing. … The Nuggets have won seven straight and 10 of their last 12 under first-time head coach Brian Shaw. … Point guard Ty Lawson is leading the Nuggets, averaging 20.6 points per game going into Tuesday night.

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio, a former Ohio State assistant, was named this year's Big Ten Coach of the Year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State has been waiting for one of its head coaches to be named the Big Ten Coach of the Year since Earle Bruce won the award in 1979.

It will have to wait at least another year.

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio swept the Big Ten Coach of the Year honors, winning the Hayes-Schembechler award (voted by the coaches) and the Dave McLain award (voted by the media) after leading the No. 10 Spartans to an 11-1 record and the Big Ten Legends Division crown.

The Spartans will face No. 2 Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday against a Buckeyes team that has won its last 24 games, all of which have happened since Urban Meyer took over the program before last season.

Meyer, too, was a candidate to win the award due to Ohio State's vast success since he became head coach. Meyer took over at Ohio State at a time during which the program was struggling with off-the-field issues with the NCAA, but now Meyer has the Buckeyes on the verge of a national title berth.

Ohio State hasn't had a coach win the award since 1979 even though it has either won or shared the Big Ten title 14 times since. Neither Jim Tressel, who led Ohio State to the national championship in 2002, nor John Cooper won the award.

The reason for that seems to be because the award tends to favor coaches who guide programs back from tough times. Meyer certainly did that last year, leading the Buckeyes to a 12-0 record in his first season, but the award was given to Penn State’s Bill O’Brien.

It was determined that O’Brien, who led Penn State to an 8-4 record last season, had a harder time keeping his program afloat from NCAA adversity than Meyer. Penn State was dealing with the fallout from a child sexual abuse scandal involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, including severe NCAA sanctions and departures of key players.

This season, Ohio State was predicted to be in its current position. Like it or not, that works against Meyer. Michigan State, meanwhile, was coming off a 7-6 season before it emerged as one of the best teams in the country. 

CLEVELAND, Ohio – After one week of the season, there was a lot of moving and shifting, rising and falling in the latest cleveland.com Top 25 poll. When all the dust cleared, St. Vincent-St. Mary claimed the No. 1 spot from Solon.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – After one week of the season, there was a lot of moving and shifting, rising and falling in the latest cleveland.com Top 25 poll.

When all the dust cleared, St. Vincent-St. Mary claimed the No. 1 spot from Solon.

Each Tuesday at 3 p.m. we will release an updated poll, along with a video discussing the picks. The  videos will begin next week.

Look for the next poll and our first video on Dec. 10.

Here is this week's cleveland.com's Top 25 girls basketball poll. Let us know how they compare with your picks in the comments below.

1. St. Vincent-St. Mary (3-0)

Trending: Rising

Last Week: Defeated Solon, Shaker Heights and Chippewa

This Week: Plays at Youngstown Ursuline on Wednesday

Comment: The Fighting Irish move to the top after an impressive road victory over previous number one Solon.

2. Wadsworth (2-0)

Trending: Staying put

Last Week: Defeated Akron Manchester and Hudson

This Week: Plays at Cloverleaf on Wednesday

Comment: While St. Vincent- St. Mary jumped to No. 1, the Grizzles were equally as impressive last week, defeating two top 15 teams.

3. Mentor (2-0)

Trending: Rising

Last Week: Defeated Brunswick and Mentor

This Week: Plays Medina on Wednesday and Solon on Friday

Comment: Took care of business last week, have a big game against Solon on Friday.

4. Solon (1-1)

Trending: Falling

Last Week: Lost to St. Vincent-St. Mary; Defeated Hudson

This Week: Plays Mentor on Friday

Comment: The Comets played a very difficult two games, but were able to bounce back and defeat Hudson.

5. Magnificat (2-1)

Trending: staying put

Last Week: Defeated Mayfield and Cleveland Heights; Lost to Canton McKinley

This Week: Plays Lake Catholic on Wednesday

Comment: The Blue Streaks are 2-1 on the season, losing a tough game to a talented Canton McKinley team.

6. Berea-Midpark (3-0)

Trending: Rising

Last Week: Defeated Aurora, Lakewood and Twinsburg

This Week: Plays Avon Lake on Saturday

Comment: The Titans are the week’s biggest risers, looking dominant in their three victories, winning by an average of 29.7 points per game.

7. Walsh Jesuit (1-1)

Trending: Falling

Last Week: Lost to Holy Name; Defeated Firestone

This Week: Plays Shaw on Tuesday

Comment: Responded from a tough loss to Holy Name by playing terrific defense in a victory over Firestone.

8. St. Joseph Academy (1-1)

Trending: Falling

Last Week: Lost to Lakewood; Defeated Canton Timken

This Week: Plays Holy Name on Wednesday

Comment: A big test awaits on Wednesday as they play Holy Name, a game that will show where both teams are early in the season.

9. Stow (1-0)

Trending: Rising

Last Week: Defeated Medina

This Week: Plays North Royalton on Wednesday

Comment: Stow has a chance for another big victory,as they play North Royalton on Wednesday

10. Westlake (3-0)

Trending: Rising

Last Week: Defeated Rocky River, Bay, Avon

This Week: Plays at Omsted Falls on Wednesday and against Amherst Steele on Saturday

Comment: Three dominating victories have Westlake moving

11. Hudson (1-2)

Trending: Falling

Last week: Defeated Beachwood, Lost to Wadsworth and Solon

This Week: Plays Mayfield on Wednesday and Twinsburg on Saturday

Comment : Despite the two losses, this is still a very talented team. Their losses are to the No. 2 and No. 4 team in the cleveland.com top 25 poll.

12. Highland (2-1)

Trending: Falling

Last Week: Lost to Strongsville; Defeated Brecksville-Broadview Heights and Buckeye

This Week: Plays at Green on Wednesday

Comment: Marlee Profit scored 17 and 16 points respectively in the Hornets two victories.

13. Lakewood (2-1)

Trending: Rising

Last Week: Defeated St. Joseph Academy and Amherst Steele; Lost to Berea-Midpark

This Week: Plays Bay on Wednesday and at Avon on Friday

Comment: Lakewood is off to a great start, with their only loss to a Berea-Midpark team in a game that they trailed by one entering the fourth quarter.

14. Chagrin Falls (2-0)

Trending: Rising

Last Week: Defeated Berkshire and Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin.

This Week: plays Kenston on Tuesday and West Geauga on Thursday.

Comment: Hallie Thome is off to the best start of any player, as she is averaging 31.5 PPG and 13.5 RPG in her first two games.

15. North Royalton (1-0)

Trending: Rising

Last Week: Defeated Archbishop Hoban

This Week: Plays Stow-Munroe Falls on Wednesday and at Elyria on Saturday

Comment: After not starting out ranked in the opening poll, the Bears moved up after a big victory over Archbishop Hoban. Wednesday’s game against Stow-Munroe Falls is a big game for both teams.

16. Eastlake North (2-0)

Trending: Rising

Last Week: Defeated Maple Heights and Ashtabula Lakeside.

This Week: Plays Madison on Wednesday and Riverside on Saturday.

Comment: After making the third most threes in state history last season, the Rangers have hit 22 in their first two games of the season, as they average 73 points as a team.

17. Beachwood (1-1)

Trending: Falling

Last week: Lost to Hudson; Defeated Fairview

This week: Richmond Heights on Tuesday, Independence on Friday.

Comment: The Bison bounced back in an overtime victory over Fairview after falling to Hudson in their opener.

18. Akron Manchester (2-1)

Trending: Falling

Last week: Lost to Wadsworth; Defeated Norton and Canton Central Catholic. 

This Week: Plays Triway on Wednesday, and Fairless on Saturday.

Comment: Despite the loss to Wadsworth, Manchester bounced back with two straight victories.

19. Elyria Catholic (4-0)

Trending: Rising

Last Week: Defeated Elyria, Loran, Columbia and Beaumont

This Week: Plays Midview on Wednesday and at Vermilion on Friday

Comment: Sophomore Riley Schill has helped sparked the Panthers to a 4-0 start, averaging 16.3 PPG and 4.7 APG.

20. Holy Name (1-0)

Trending: Rising

Last Week: Defeated Walsh Jesuit

This Week: Plays St. Joseph Academy Wednesday, and Villa-Angela St. Joseph on Saturday.

Comment: The Green Wave had the biggest win in Week 1, and have two big games against ranked teams this week.

21. Archbishop Hoban (1-1)

Trending: Falling

Last Week: Lost to North Royalton; Defeated Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy

This Week: Plays Akron Garfield on Wednesday and Walsh Jesuit on Saturday

Comment: Lost a hard fought game to North Royalton, but bounced back against CVCA in a big way.

22. Ravenna (1-1)

Trending: Rising

Last Week: Defeated Kenston; Lost to Tallmadge

This Week: Plays at Field on Wednesday and against Kent Roosevelt on Saturday

Comment: Ravenna hit eight 3-pointers in an upset over Kenston, and have the potential to play with anybody because of the outside shot.

23. Kenston (1-1)

Trending: Falling

Last Week: Lost to Ravenna, Defeated John Hay.

This Week: Chagrin Falls on Tuesday, Perry on Friday.

Comment: A big game against Chagrin Falls looms on Tuesday.

24. Villa Angela-St. Joseph (1-0)

Trending: Rising Last Week: Defeated John Adams

This Week: Plays Holy Name on Saturday

Comment: Three scorers in double digits in their win against John Adams and a strong schedule moved the Vikings into the Top 25 poll.

25. Twinsburg (0-3)

Trending: Falling

Last Week: Lost to Berlin Hiland, Berea-Midpark and North Canton Hoover

This Week:Plays Garfield Heights on Wednesday and Hudson on Saturday

Comment: This is not the same Twinsburg team that made the state finals last year. The Titans return senior Baleigh Reid but are in a rebuilding year.

Who dropped out: Hathaway Brown (0-4); Lake Ridge Academy (1-1) ; Brunswick (0-3); Gilmour (1-1); Medina (1-1); Glenville (0-0) 

Ohio State has four different players averaging more than 10 points per game, but LaQuinton Ross isn't one of them. Head coach Thad Matta said he was 'puzzled' by Ross' slow start.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Thad Matta envisioned his team could have four different scorers averaging double figures this season, so he isn’t all that surprised that has become a reality through Ohio State’s first six games.

But what Matta probably never considered was LaQuinton Ross wouldn’t be one of them.

Which is why Matta still finds himself in the uncomfortable position of having to be uncertain of what he’ll get from Ross when No. 5 Ohio State (6-0) hosts Maryland as part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge on Wednesday evening.

“I’m always anxious to see how he comes out,” Matta said. “LaQuinton is one of these guys that the second he relaxes he becomes an average player. He’s starting to come to grips with that.”

Ross is averaging only 8.0 points per game this season, less than Amir Williams (11.3), Lenzelle Smith Jr. (11.3), Aaron Craft (11.3) and Shannon Scott (11). Ross has even disappeared from games, like when he was benched for the final 10 minutes of Ohio State’s win over Wyoming.

Matta said he was “puzzled” by Ross’ start this season, and has provided vague answers for what has hindered the junior from a fast start, saying things like “he needs to respect the game more.”

“I go back to when he hadn’t played in a couple games that well, and we need LaQuinton to play at a certain level,” Matta said. “Not greatness or anything like that, we just need him to be a consistent player and I think he can be that for us.”

Ross isn’t yet. But Matta hopes that’s coming, just on delay.

View full sizeLaQuinton Ross scored 17 points in Ohio State's last win over North Florida, but he came into that game shooting only 22 percent from the field. Jay LaPrete, Associated Press

In Ohio State’s last game, a 99-64 win over North Florida, Ross scored 17 points and displayed hot shooting from the beginning. Ross made 6-of-9 of his shots from the field and 4-of-7 shots from long range after struggling all season to knock down his attempts.

But considering Ross is still shooting the worst field goal percentage of anyone on the team at 30.2 percent, he has a long way to go. Heading into the North Florida game, Ross was making only 22 percent of his field goals, and was in 2-for-20 slump in the previous three games.

Matta hopes Ross’ 17-point performance is more like what Ohio State will start seeing.

“I am really proud of the way he played on Friday and I don’t know if there is anyone happier than I was in terms of him making shots,” Matta said. “I’ll be excited to see how he comes out and plays (against Maryland). His interaction in practice any everything has been off the charts.”

Right now, Ohio State has found offensive balance without consistently play from Ross. What Matta likes the most about his team is that he never has an idea of who is going to be the leading scorer. Even Williams, who was an offensive liability last season, led the Buckeyes in scoring with 18 points against North Florida.

And having won each of its first six games in the process, Ohio State has found top-five positioning in both major polls. That has made it a lot easier for his teammates to be patient while Ross still tries to find his groove.

Imagine adding a high-octane scorer to the mix. That’s what Ohio State is waiting for.

“I think that the best thing right now is we're winning,” Craft said. “We’re finding ways to win without him having great games. When we come along, when he comes along, that's just going to make us that much better.”

Braxton Miller was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

OLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The 2013 Associated Press Division IV All-Ohio high school football team, based on the recommendations of a state media panel: Mark Iammarino was named as one of the coaches of the year after guiding the Chagrin Falls Tigers to a 9-3 on the season, and the No. 1 seed in the Division IV, Region 11...

OLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The 2013 Associated Press Division IV All-Ohio high school football team, based on the recommendations of a state media panel:

Mark Iammarino was named as one of the coaches of the year after guiding the Chagrin Falls Tigers to a 9-3 on the season, and the No. 1 seed in the Division IV, Region 11 playoffs.

First team selections

Offense

Matt Iammarino, Chagrin Falls: Iammarino had another solid season at wide receiver for the Tigers, finishing with 53 catches, 729 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing in the kicking game as well as on defense.

Jerome Baker, Benedictine: Baker finished the regular season with 1032 yards and 18 touchdowns, and took his game to the next level as the Bengals made a regional final appearance before falling to Cardinal Mooney.

Defense

Brandon Williams, Woodridge: Williams a playmaker on both sides of the ball all season, but his 85-yard interception return for a touchdown against Streetsboro showed how great he could be on the defensive end.

DIVISION IV

First Team

OFFENSE: Ends_Ty Griffith, Newark Licking Valley, 6-2, 175, sr.; Justin Sawmiller, Kenton, 6-1, 185, sr.; Lance Billings, Lorain Clearview, 5-11, 160, soph.; Matt Iammarino, Chagrin Falls, 5-8, 150, sr.; Max Oakes, Springfield Northwestern, 6-1, 165, sr.; Troy Haven, Wooster Triway, 5-9, 160, jr. Linemen_Jimmy Longo, Caledonia River Valley, 6-1, 255, sr.; Joe Sprauer, Kettering Alter, 6-1, 223, sr.; Nick Bilas, Youngs. Mooney, 6-1, 275, sr.; Michael Deiter, Genoa, 6-5, 308, sr. Quarterbacks_David Burroughs, Circleville, 5-9, 170, sr.; Parker Carmichael, Wooster Triway, 5-10, 155, jr.; Austin Schimmoeller, Bryan, 6-2, 185, sr. Backs_Jake Davis, Gnadenhutten Indian Valley, 5-9, 201, jr.; Bayle Wolf, Clarksville Clinton-Massie, 6-1, 215, sr.; Jerome Baker, Cleve. Benedictine, 6-2, 193, jr.; Deone Lindsey, Cols. South, 6-0, 205, sr.; Axel Bueter, Wauseon, 6-0, 160, sr. Kickers_Zak Kennedy, Youngs. Mooney, 6-0, 150, jr.; Cody Pickard, Genoa, 6-0, 227, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen_Clayton Bullard, Johnston-Monroe, 6-5, 215, jr.; Chase Hambel, Duncan Falls Philo, 6-3, 215, sr.; Cedric Pettiford, WCH Miami Trace, 6-5, 200, jr.; Noah Furbush, Kenton, 6-4, 240, sr. Linebackers_Shane Hannah, Germantown Valley View, 6-0, 200, sr.; Anthonie Magda, Ashtabula Edgewood, 5-11, 193, sr.; Brandon Williams, Peninsula Woodridge, 6-0, 212, jr. Kelson Gauden, Clarksville Clinton-Massie, 6-0, 200, sr.; Jordan Jones, Youngs. Mooney, 6-2, 200, jr. Backs_Bryan Pierro, Steubenville, 5-6, 160, sr.; Mark Handel, Youngs. Mooney, 6-0, 180, sr.; Jalen Fox, Cin. Wyoming, 5-11, 180, sr.; Brandon Poncsak, Bryan, 6-2, 165, sr. Punter_Roger Engle, Lorain Clearview, 6-2, 205, jr.

Offensive player of the year: Bayle Wolf, Clarksville Clinton-Massie.

Defensive player of the year: Noah Furbush, Kenton.

Coaches of the year: Mark Iammarino, Chagrin Falls; Kris Ketron, Germantown Valley View; Doug Green, Caledonia River Valley; Tony Lee, Wooster Triway; Mark Emans, Millbury Lake.

Second Team

OFFENSE: Ends_Cameron Mack, Ontario, 6-3, 210, sr.; Tyler Sorg, Carroll Bloom-Carroll, 6-3, 170, sr.; Cody Johnston, Byesville Meadowbrook, 6-1, 170, sr.; Jake Pishotti, Cortland Lakeview, 5-10, 160, sr.; Matt Merimee, Cleve. Benedictine, 6-3, 188, sr. Linemen_Choya Gill, Duncan Falls Philo, 6-0, 300, sr.; Justin Gibson, Wintersville Indian Creek, 5-10, 230, sr.; Jared McCray, Minford, 6-6, 325, sr.; Ethan Griffith, Vermilion, 6-2, 260, jr.; Jake Quick, Urbana, 5-11, 246, sr. Quarterbacks_Grant Garber, Newark Licking Valley, 6-1, 210, sr.; Grant Sherman, Kenton, 6-5, 220, sr. Backs_David Nutter, Genoa, 6-0, 227, sr.; Frank Catrine, Middletown Fenwick, 6-0, 200, sr.; Blake Atkins, New Concord John Glenn, 5-10, 160, sr.; James Cochran, Sparta Highland, 5-7, 175, sr. Kicker_Dominic Garris, Carroll Bloom-Carroll, 5-10, 160, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen_Bill Doughty, Lorain Clearview, 6-0, 225, sr.; Kraig Howe, Kettering Alter, 6-4, 252, jr.; Jordan Hale, Caledonia River Valley, 6-1, 210, sr.; Cody Martsolf, Lisbon Beaver, 5-9, 245, sr. Linebackers_K.C. Clark, Carlisle, 6-2, 180, sr.; Nick Battle, Cols. Linden-McKinley, 6-2, 200, jr.; Nick Pollifrone, Struthers, 6-0, 210, sr.; Jake Jones, Bryan, 6-0, 200, sr. Backs_Matt Bahr, Kenton, 6-2, 215, sr.; Jared Rettig, Milbury Lake, 6-2, 185, jr.; Alex Hayes, Genoa, 5-10, 171, sr.; Jake Morgan, Sheffield Brookside, 5-10, 160, sr. Punter_Nathan Delozier, Duncan Falls Philo, 5-8, 160, sr.

Third Team

OFFENSE: Ends_Alex Armistad, Galion, 5-10, 175, sr.; Jordon Miller, Wooster Triway, 5-7, 155, jr. Linemen_Clayton Geib, London, 6-3, 240, sr.; Eddie Kontul, Sparta Highland, 6-4, 285, sr.; Daniel Herbener, Chagrin Falls, 6-1, 250, sr.; Connor Lowe, Perry, 6-1, 270, sr.; Marcus Rhoades, Kenton, 6-4, 230, sr.; Cesar Juarez, Wauseon, 6-1, 220, sr. Quarterbacks_Tyler Gullett, LaGrange Keystone, 6-2, 200, sr.; Angelo Marino, Cortland Lakeview, 5-11, 180, soph. Backs_Blake Rohr, Wintersville Indian Creek, 5-9, 185, sr.; Luke Witkowski, Struthers, 6-0, 175, jr.; Dalevon Davidson, Peninsula Woodridge, 5-10, 185, sr. Kicker_Nate Vallee, Zanesville Maysville, 5-8, 145, jr.

DEFENSE: Linemen_Jaylin Williams, Steubenville, 6-3, 225, sr.; Jarod Topping, Circleville, 6-1, 220, sr.; Drew Whisman, Germantown Valley View, 6-0, 215, sr; Antonio Robinson, Cleve. Benedictine, 5-10, 223, sr.; Jerad Carroll, Bryan, 5-10, 191, sr. Linebackers_Aaron Schuette, Wauseon, 6-0, 178, sr.; Tylor Pritchard, Upper Sandusky, 6-3, 220, sr.; Thomas Smith, Lorain Clearview, 5-11, 180, sr.; Sean Mackin, Chagrin Falls, 6-2, 205, jr. Backs_Cody Calhoun, Cols. Watterson, 5-11, 202, sr.; Rasheed Morgan, Cols. Bexley, 5-9, 155, sr.; Cole Ference, Oberlin Firelands, 5-7, 125, soph.; Riis Smith, Ashtabula Edgewood, 6-1, 178, sr. Punter_Wesley Graham, Cols. Watterson, 5-6, 155, sr.

Special Mention

Zach Newman, London; Dan Lee, Cols. Bexley; Craig Prince, Newark Licking Valley; Jarrett Peters, Carroll Bloom-Carroll; Kyla Fada, Cols. Watterson; Blake Owens, Newark Licking Valley; Chandler Ferko, Plain City Jonathan Alder; Hunter Hartshorn, Newark Licking Valley; Shannon McGowan, Sparta Highland; Bobby Fratturo, Carroll Bloom-Carroll; Tyler Simmons, Caledonia River Valley;

Brady Byers, Gnadenhutten Indian Valley; Nolan Marcus, Richmond Edison; Zak Sheridan, Duncan Falls Philo; Dalton Wiggins, Byesville Meadowbrook; Blake Roar, Wintersville Indian Creek; Dalton Hartshorn, Minerva; Keaton Herron, Uhrichsville Claymont; Zack English, East Liverpool; Hunter Smith, Duncan Falls Philo; John Gray, Uhrichsville Claymont; Logan Ryan, Gnadenhutten Indian Valley; Rich Springer, Richmond Edison; Justice May, Byesville Meadowbrook; Luke Larson, New Concord John Glenn; Brock Weber, Gnadenhutten Indian Valley; Mason Butler, Minerva; Chris Starliper, Steubenville; Colt Crall, Uhrichsville Claymont; Harrison Hoppel, Minerva; Toby Neptune, New Concord John Glenn; Stone Morgan, New Concord John Glenn; Caleb Fehrman, Byesville Meadowbrook; Kyle Contini, Gnadenhutten Indian Valley; Mitchell Ueltschy, Uhrichsville Claymont; Zach Connor, Wintersville Indian Creek; Jordan Hayes, Zanesville Maysville; Jordan Felgenhauer, Zoarville Tuscarawas Valley; Tyler Lathem, Wintersville Indian Creek; Couger Clarke, Zanesville Maysville;

Justin Hill, Circleville; David Ryan, Vincent Warren; Ty Phelps, Pomeroy Meigs; Logan Allison, Gallipolis Gallia Acad.; Logan Hess, Circleville; J.B. Brooks, Circleville; Hayden Bottorff, Washington CH Miami Trace; Dalton Hennes, Washington CH Miami Trace; David Burroughs, Circleville; Jimmy Stroker, Washington CH Miami Trace; Austin Klintworth, Vincent Warren; Wade Jarrell, Gallipolis Gallia Acad.; Trevor Haines, Washington CH Miami Trace; Dillon Binegar, Chillicothe Unioto; Zach Justice, Minford; Levi Jenkins, Minford; Tommy Russell, New Lexington; Michael Davis, Pomeroy Meigs; Kaileb Sheets, Pomeroy Meigs; Matt Joyce, Minford; Jarod Topping, Circleville; Will Giffin, Circleville; Russell Miller, Washington CH Miami Trace; Austin Howser, Chillicothe Unioto; Devon Cundiff, Pomeroy Meigs; Chris Sellman, Greenfield McClain; Nick Saxton, New Lexington; Jack White, Minford; Reid Eastman, Gallipolis Gallia Acad.; Ryan Faulconer, Greenfield McClain; Michael Spurgus, New Lexington;

Jared Peters, Cin. Norwood; A.J. Avery, Clarksville Clinton-Massie; Bryan Corpuz, Cin. McNicholas; Nate Hull, Middletown Fenwick; Clay Smith,Germantown Valley View; Terrell Dailey, Cin. Wyoming; Mike Ruffolo, Kettering Alter; Lane Breyer, Kettering Alter; Ryan Prince, Urbana; L.J. Henderson, Lewistown Indian Lake; Jordan George, Kettering Alter; Parker Topp, Carlisle; Nathan Mays, Urbana;

Drew Kostos, Fairview Park Fairview; Domnic DiFranco, Chardon Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin; Gerrell Williams, Lorain Clearview; C.J. Conrad, LaGrange Keystone; Daniel Herbener, Chagrin Falls; Connor Lowe, Perry; Matt Fitchett, Ashtabula Edgewood; J.J. Lower, Conneaut; Ed Shelley, Chagrin Falls; Luke Farrell, Perry; Alex Goebel, Chagrin Falls; Thomas Smith, Lorain Clearview; Kyle Kremiller, Perry; Matt Mears, Fairview Park Fairview; Dontez Rash, Cleve. Benedictine; Brandon Bellman, Sheffield Brookside;

Tom Morehouse, Peninsula Woodridge; Stephen Shock, Wooster Triway; Andrew Schauer, CuyahogaFalls CVCA; Tyler Maclellan, Cuyahoga Falls CVCA; Mason Hilling, Peninsula Woodridge; Jackson Schultz, Canal Fulton Northwest; Cal Huffman, Wooster Triway; Logan Taylor, Salem; Kenny Jackson, Mantua Crestwood; Denver Martin, Youngs. Mooney; Ricky Collman, Mantua Crestwood;

Adam Duncan, Millbury Lake; Quentin Spiess, Genoa; Zach Phillips, Bryan; Andrew Echelberger, Bellville Clear Fork; Daniel Pendergrast, Bryan; Jevon Thiel, Upper Sandusky; Jerad Carroll, Bryan; Blake Traver, Genoa; David Bushong, Bellville Clear Fork; Tristan Reichelderfer, Kenton; Nick Walsh, Millbury Lake; Dareian Watkins, Galion.

Big Ten will hold Fan Fest on Friday and Saturday before the championship game; also a list of Indianapolis establishments where Ohio State fans will be hanging out.

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday night in Indianapolis will feature Ohio State taking on Michigan State, as the Buckeyes try to capture their first league title game and earn a spot in the BCS Championship.

As of Tuesday evening, tickets were no longer available at Ticketmaster.com. But fans who make the trip to Indy will have other activities to get them in the spirit before the 8:17 p.m. kickoff at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Big Ten Fan Fest be held in 200,000 square feet of the Indiana Convention Center on Friday and Saturday. It will include interactive games, guest appearances, Brutus Buckeye and Sparty the Spartan, team bands, giveaways, and food and drink. Fans can get into the fest free with a ticket to the game; or fest tickets can be purchased at the convention center.

The fest is open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday.

On Saturday, the schedule will feature:

• Youth clinics from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Big Ten Network live broadcast from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.
• Michigan State pep rally, 5:30 to 6 p.m.
• Ohio State pep rally, 6 to 6:30 p.m.
• Autograph sessions and interviews with former Big Ten players, 1-4:45 p.m.
• 
  

The Big Ten has designated several Indianapolis establishments for Ohio State fans: Buffalo Wild Wings (7 E. Washington St.); Champions Sports Bar and Restaurant (350 W. Maryland); Champps (49 W. Maryland); Harry and Izzy's (153 S. Illinois); The Ram Restaurant and Brewery (140 S. Illinois); and Scotty's Brewhouse (1 Virginia Ave.).

Visit bigten.org for more information.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Here is the 2013 Associated Press Division III All-Ohio high school football team, based on the recommendations of a state media panel. Several area players were named first-teamers, including St. Vincent-St. Mary linebacker Dante Booker, who was named co-defensive player of the year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Here is the 2013 Associated Press Division III All-Ohio high school football team, based on the recommendations of a state media panel.

Several area players were named first-teamers, including St. Vincent-St. Mary linebacker Dante Booker, who was named co-defensive player of the year.

LOCAL HONOREES

Defensive Player of the Year

Dante Booker, St. Vincent-St. Mary: The Ohio State recruit put forth an outstanding season for St. Vincent-St. Mary, helping lead the Irish to their second-straight state championship game. He entered last week's state semifinal against Columbus Marion-Franklin with 113 tackles, 22 for a loss, 6.5 sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Booker is a U.S. Army All-American and ranked as the No. 65 prospect in the country according to Rivals.com.

Coach of the Year

Lou Cirino, West Geauga: Cirino coached West Geauga to a 7-4 record in 2013, including wins over three playoff teams (Riverside, Aurora and Beachwood). The Wolverines fell in the Region 7 quarterfinals to Poland Seminary 29-28. In 2012, West Geauga went 4-6 and lost four of its last five games.

Offense

Pat Connors, Rocky River: Connors was the main offense threat in a Rocky River offense which set the school record for most points in a regular season with 385. He caught 48 passes for 1,085 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Joe Lowery, Tallmadge: The 6-foot-6, 290-pound senior helped the Blue Devils finish the 2013 season with a 6-4 record.

Matt Lowry, Rocky River: The junior quarterback had an outstanding season, completing more than 56 percent of passes for 2,171 yards and 30 touchdowns to just six interceptions. He also rushed for 976 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Parris Campbell Jr., St. Vincent-St. Mary: The Ohio State recruit rushed for 1,584 yards and 22 touchdowns to help lead his Irish to a 14-0 record and their second-straight appearance in the Division III championship game.

Defense

Sam Gambatese, Kenston: The 5-foot-10, 185-pound linebacker had 105 tackles, 78 of which were solo tackles, and three sacks to lead the Bombers' defense. His team finished 7-4 and advanced to the playoffs, where they fell to St. Vincent-St. Mary.

Curt Williams, West Geauga: The 5-foot-9, 170-pound defensive back helped lead the Wolverines' defense to another playoff appearance.

DIVISION III ALL-OHIO HONOREES - COMPLETE LIST

First Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Trey Guilliam, Defiance, 5-11, 180, sr.; Pat Connors, Rocky River, 5-10, 148, jr.; Ajay Alderman, Granville, 5-11, 165, sr.; Cory Contini, Dover, 6-1, 165, jr.; Marcus Hill, Niles McKinley, 6-0, 175, sr. Linemen--Jeff Van Zant, Springfield Shawnee, 6-4, 270, sr.; Martesse Patterson, Cols. Marion-Franklin, 6-5, 305, sr.; Joe Lowery, Tallmadge, 6-6, 290, sr.; Isiah Moore, Tiffin Columbian, 6-4, 205, sr.; Clem Vinegar, Trotwood-Madison, 6-0, 315, sr. Quarterbacks--Joe Burrow, Athens, 6-4, 190, jr.; Luke Kennard, Franklin, 6-6, 190, sr.; Matt Lowry, Rocky River, 5-7, 165, jr.; DeShone Kizer, Tol. Cent. Cath., 6-5, 220, sr.; Isaac Maurer, Granville, 6-4, 200, sr. Backs--Jamal Johnson, New Philadelphia, 5-6, 170, sr.; Parris Campbell Jr., St. Vincent-St. Mary, 6-0, 180, sr.; Jacob Hall, Tipp City Tippecanoe, 6-2, 210, sr.; Breck Turner, Norwalk, 6-1, 190, jr.; DeAntae Townsend, Cols. Independence, 5-9, 155, sr.; Aaron Rossi, Geneva, 5-9, 190, jr.; L.J. Scott, Hubbard, 6-1, 218, jr. Kicker--Eric Fox, Cambridge, 6-0, 175, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Ne'Tronne Backus, Cols. Brookhaven, 5-8, 210, sr.; Ryan Reese, Trotwood-Madison, 6-1, 308, sr.; Verondtae Wilkinson, Trotwood-Madison, 6-3, 240, sr. Matt Jones, Hubbard, 6-4, 285, sr. Linebackers--Clifford Clark, Cambridge, 6-3, 205, sr.; Dante Booker, St. Vincent-St. Mary, 6-4, 220, sr.; Landon Brazile, Day. Thurgood Marshall, 6-6, 255, sr.; Kade Long, Clyde, 6-1, 220, jr.; Sam Gambatese,  Kenston, 5-10, 185, sr. Backs--Dale Irby, Sandusky Perkins, 6-3, 180, sr.; Freddy Stalder, Athens, 5-8, 155, sr.; Vayante Copeland, Day. Thurgood Marshall, 6-1, 185, sr.; Curt Williams, West Geauga, 5-9, 170, sr.; Cameron Johnson, Tipp City Tippecanoe, 6-0, 172, sr. Punter--Connor Zwick, Louisville, 5-10, 168, jr.

Offensive players of the year: Luke Kennard, Franklin; Jamal Jackson, New Philadelphia; DeShone Kizer, Tol. Cent. Cath.

Defensive players of the year: Dante Booker, St. Vincent-St. Mary; Vayante Copeland, Day. Thurgood Marshall.

Coaches of the year: Lou Cirino, West Geauga; Josh Stratton, New Richmond.

Second Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Zach Fielder, Napoleon, 6-2, 221, sr.; Andrew Gray, Chardon, 6-4, 214, sr.; Brock Hill, Granville, 6-1, 160, sr.; Ryan Luehrman, Athens, 6-4, 185, jr.; Jake Tersigni, Archbishop Hoban, 4-11, 175, sr. Linemen--Devante Collins, Cols. Marion-Franklin, 5-11, 330, sr.; Collin Prouty, Dresden Tri-Valley, 6-4, 285, sr.; Josh Krok, Niles McKinley, 6-9, 310, sr.; Kyle Gonterman, Wapakoneta, 6-2, 240, sr.; Dayomine Owens, Day. Thurgood Marshall, 5-10, 280, jr.; Konner Garcia, Clyde, 6-0, 225, sr. Quarterbacks--Connor Krouse, West Geauga, 6-2, 180, sr.; Caleb Beans, New Philadelphia, 6-3, 200, sr. Backs--Ryan Lynch, Tiffin Columbian, 5-10, 185, sr.; Layne Perone, Millersburg W. Holmes, 6-1, 215, sr.; Trae Williams, Athens, 6-0, 190, jr.; Ross Gould, Poland Seminary, 5-7, 185, sr. Kicker--Bobby Bukovec, Chardon, 5-10, 160, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Mark Barron, New Philadelphia, 5-10, 190, sr.; Dylan Kline, Louisville, 6-1, 175, sr.; J'Quan Fisher, Tol. Central Cath., 6-1, 260, jr.; Jake Hartman, Padua, 6-1, 210, sr. Linebackers--Adonis Davis, Cols. Beechcroft, 6-2, 240, sr.; Chris Green, Tol. Cent. Cath., 6-1, 220, jr.; Newman Williams, St. Vincent-St. Mary, 6-0, 240, sr.; Mick Fishel, Dover, 6-0, 180, sr. Backs--Omar Alfred, Cols. Marion-Franklin, 6-0, 165, sr.; Darnell Tate, Hubbard, 5-11, 175, sr.; Derich Weiland, Tol. Cent. Cath., 5-10, 180, sr.; Punter--Ryan Mathis, Chillicothe, 6-1, 170, sr.

Third Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Iman Lowery, Cols. Independence, 6-1, 185, sr.; D.J. Wilson, Canton South, 5-8, 160, jr. Linemen--Justin Wazbinski, Aurora, 6-3, 270, sr.; Ramon Miles, Tol. Cent. Cath., 6-5, 270, jr.; Jacob Yaratch, Sandusky Perkins, 6-1, 250, jr.; Akeem Mitchell, Cols. Independence, 6-1, 255, sr. Quarterbacks--George Bollas, Aurora, 6-3, 215, sr.; Sean Kirk, Alliance Marlington, 5-11, 190, sr. Backs--Zach Schmerge, Wapakoneta, 6-1, 230, sr.; Cory Heeter, Circleville Logan Elm, 5-11, 178, sr.; Jake Fling, Norton, 5-10, 170, sr. Kicker--Ryan Bell, Hamilton Ross, 5-8, 140, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Kareem Haddix, Lake Catholic, 6-3, 210, sr.; Aaron Adkins,St. Vincent-St. Mary, 6-0, 215, sr.; Tony Adkins,St. Vincent-St. Mary, 6-0, 220, sr.; Kyle Lewis, Sandusky Perkins, 6-4, 215, sr. Linebackers--Tyler Kelley, Chillicothe, 6-0, 200, sr.; D'Angelo James, Archbishop Hoban, 5-10, 210, sr.; Bryant Schlade, Napoleon, 6-1, 200, sr.; C.J. Yonek, Padua, 5-10, 195, sr. Backs--B.J. Upchurch, Cols. Whitehall-Yearling, 5-8, 185, sr.; Jake Walker, Alliance Marlington, 5-9, 165, sr.; Sayyid Kanu, Cols. DeSales, 5-10, 185, sr.; Anthony Cantanzriti, Chardon, 5-8, 153, sr. Punter--Griffin Rinner, Norwalk, 5-9, 165, fresh.

Special Mention
Jack Baesman, Delaware Buckeye Valley; Mike Gause, Cols. Mifflin; Shaquille Alexander, Whitehall-Yearling; Martine Perez, Cols. Eastmoor Acad.; Bradley Burkholder, Granville; Chaquez Fair, Cols. Beechcroft; Ricky Jackson, Cols. Marion-Franklin; Bryan Stopar, Cols. DeSales; Alec Eisnnicher, Sunbury Big Walnut; Cameron Jackson, Cols. Eastmoor Acad.; Takeyvion Simmons, Cols. Brookhaven; L.J. Cox, Cols. Beechcroft; Charlie Stack, Cols. DeSales; Brock Fargus, Dresden Tri-Valley; Luke Ogi, Millersburg W. Holmes; Ivan Gadson, Cambridge; Mitchell Pape, New Philadelphia; Hunter Mohler, Dresden Tri-Valley; Kordell Stage, Cambridge; Sam Shook, New Philadelphia; Josh Cercone, Dover; Alex Wengerd, Millersburg W. Holmes; Eric Fox, Cambridge; Ayden Howell, Cambridge; Jake Armstrong, Dover; Johnny Alford, Dresden Tri-Valley; Blake Burgess, New Philadelphia; Alex Bowman, Dover; Logan Geib, New Philadelphia; Clay Stutzman, Millersburg W. Holmes; Kyle Abel, Dover; Heath Wiseman, Athens; Travis Leisure, Washington CH Washington; Josh Leonard, Chillicothe; Colter Thompson, Athens; Ethan Rhodes, Circleville Logan Elm; Austin Wilson, Washington CH Washington; Dylan Bartoe, McArthur Vinton County; Casey Tyler, Circleville Logan Elm; Markel Cain, Chillicothe; Nate Rosenbauer, Chillicothe; Gabe Griffiths, Jackson; Jimmy Voiles, Jackson; Levi Thompson, McArthur Vinton County; Devin Zehner, Chillicothe; Alex Goldsberry, Athens; Michael Cline, Circleville Logan Elm; D.J. Merricks, Washington CH Washington; Chase Heath, Thornville Sheridan; Tim Ousley, McArthur Vinton County; Reagan Williams, Jackson; Caleb Price, Chillicothe; Luke Fox, Thornville Sheridan; Alan Parana, Jackson; Kendric Mallory, Trotwood-Madison; Jake Riddell, Franklin; Christian Dawson, Cin. Western Brown; Simon Stepaniak, Hamilton Ross; Devyn Wood, Cin. Western Brown; Jalen Nelson, Springfield Shawnee; Michael Crockett, Franklin; Will Lytle, New Richmond; Austin Clack, Tipp City Tippecanoe; Kevin Turpin, Trotwood-Madison; Layne Coffey, Franklin; Kei Beckham, Trotwood-Madison; Matt Creditt, Wilmington; Pedro Velasco, Kenston; Kyle Oktavec, Padua; Austin Clutter, Geneva; Andrew Lucci, Padua; Andrew Balkovec, West Geauga; Marty Keppler, Chardon; Chris Ross, Kenston; Carmen Gianguzzo, Kenston; Patrick Sullivan, Chardon; Matt Kozlowski, Geneva; Danny November, West Geauga; Joey Fodor, Chardon; Nick Lippert, Chardon; Ethan Barham, University School; Luke Turk, Lake Catholic; Justin Oh, Chardon; Alex Theiling, Rocky River; Johnny Glas, Norton; Ted Stieber, Archbishop Hoban; Kyle Paden, Niles McKinley; Kimu Kim, Canfield; Shawn Kirk, Alliance Marlington; Vlassios Pizanias, Hubbard; Brandon Zamary, Aurora; Cory Neff, Louisville; Michael Stratton, Aurora; Adam Wollett, Poland Seminary; Kordelle Phillips, Alliance; Stephen Mosely, Akron Buchtel; Sean Devany, St. Vincent-St. Mary; Jeremiah Braswell, Tol. Central Cath.; Derek Gray, Clyde; Grant Hull, Norwalk; Chance Weitz, Elida; Thomas Schoenlien, Wapakoneta; Bryant Schlade, Napoleon; Jared Cook, Norwalk; Jared Knous, St. Marys Memorial; Matt Davidson, Norwalk.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The 2013 Associated Press Division V All-Ohio high school football team, based on the recommendations of a state media panel. Gilmour coach Shawn Dodd is three coaches to receive the Coach of the Year honor. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The 2013 Associated Press Division V All-Ohio high school football team, based on the recommendations of a state media panel.

Gilmour coach Shawn Dodd is three coaches to receive the Coach of the Year honor. 

The Lancers went 9-3 this season under Dodd's direction. Gilmour won its first playoff game against Beachwood but fell to Columbiana Crestview in the regional semifinals. The Lancers gave up more than 14 points only five times in the season.

First Team selections

Offense

Tyler Edmiston, Columbia Station Columbia: The 6-foot-2, 180-pound senior wide receiver averaged 17 yards per carry this season for the 10-1 Raiders. Edminston carried the ball 41 times for 713 yards.

Jake Hanzel, Akron Manchester: The 6-foot-2, 260-pound senior offensive tackle helped create gaps for his running back and set protection for his quarterback all the way until state semifinals. Hanzel is also a defensive tackle, where he recorded 80 total tackles, 27 of which were solo, one fumble recovery and five sacks for total of 20 yards lost.

Dakota Tallman, Elyria Catholic: An Eastern Michigan University commit, the 6-foot-5, 200 pound senior played at left tackle and nose guard. Tallman was a starter for the Panthers since midway through his freshman year.

Jay Banyasz, Columbia Station Columbia: The senior quarterback averaged one yard shy of 200 yards per game this season. At 6-foot-3. 185 pounds, Banaysz managed to rack up 2,189 total passing yards and 29 touchdowns.

Defense

Ishmael Hargrove, Gates Mills Gilmour: This 6-foot-1, 198-pound senior was a starting safety on Coach of the Year Shawn Dodd's squad. A two-sport athlete (he also plays basketball), Hargrove is committed to Buffalo to play football. Hargrove amassed 86 total tackles, 55 of which were solo tackles, one fumble recovery which was returned for a touchdown, and six sacks. He also was a punt returner and rushed the ball 23 times for 222 yards and a touchdown.

John Beavers, Akron Manchester: The 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior is a two-way player. He makes the first-team defensive list for his talents as an outside linebacker. This season, Beavers made 95 tackles, 30 of which were solo tackles. He also had one sack for a one-yard loss and one fumble recovery. As a fullback, Beavers rushed 99 times for 560 yards and five touchdowns. He also had three receptions for 35 yards.

STATEWIDE LIST FOR DIVISION V

OFFENSE: Ends_Chase Cook, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 5-11, 160, sr.; Tyler Edmiston, Columbia Station Columbia, 6-2, 180, sr.; Jordan Kelley, Marion Pleasant, 6-2, 195, sr.; Dylan Miller, Wheelersburg, 6-4, 185, sr.; Stoney Epling, Doylestown Chippewa, 6-4, 205, sr. Linemen_Jake Hanzel, Akron Manchester, 6-2, 260, sr.; Nick Demaline, Liberty Center, 6-3, 285, sr.; Dakota Tallman, Elyria Cath., 6-5, 200, sr.; Wesley Martin, West Milton Milton-Union, 6-4, 290, sr. Quarterbacks_Hayden Stofcheck, Richwood N. Union, 5-11, 165, sr.; Eddie Miller, Wheelersburg, 6-2, 185, sr.; Jacob Harrison, Day. Chaminade Julienne, 5-10, 185, soph.; Jay Banyasz, Columbia Station Columbia, 6-3, 185, sr.; Hunter Wells, Navarre Fairless, 6-4, 185, sr.; Brody Hoying, Coldwater, 5-10, 180, jr. Backs_Jaylon Brown, St. Clairsville, 5-8, 160, sr.; Anthony Righi, Liberty Center, 5-10, 185, sr.; Sam Mackowiak, Cols. Hartley, 6-0, 215, sr. Kicker_Zach Musilli, St. Clairsville, 5-7, 135, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen_Robert Vargo, Martins Ferry, 6-6, 260, sr.; Camron Parsley, Wheelersburg, 6-2, 205, sr.; Jon Bezney, Cin. Mariemont, 6-6, 295, sr.; Brandon May, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 6-1, 206, sr.; Kalil Morris, Cols. Hartley, 6-4, 290, sr.; Carter Harris, West Jefferson, 6-0, 220, sr. Linebackers_Ryan Weber, Loudonville, 5-11, 215, sr.; Zach Souter, Huron, 6-4, 205, sr.; Nick Marsh, Cin. Hills Christian Acad., 6-1, 190, sr.; John Beavers, Akron Manchester, 5-11, 190, sr.; Mitch Schoenherr, Coldwater, 6-1, 195, sr. Backs_Alonzo Saxton, Cols. Hartley, 6-0, 185, sr.; Ishmael Hargrove, Gates Mills Gilmour, 6-1, 198, sr.; Adam Klosterman, Coldwater, 6-0, 170, sr.; Cody Thompson, Huron, 6-1, 190, sr. Punter_Andrew O'Hara, Rocky River Luth. W., 6-4, 210, jr.

Offensive player of the year: Brody Hoying, Coldwater.

Defensive player of the year: Alonzo Saxton, Cols. Hartley.

Coaches of the year: Shawn Dodd, Gates Mills Gilmour; Mike Bohley, Doylestown Chippewa; Eric Taylor, Cin. Hills Christian Acad.

Second Team

OFFENSE: Ends_Nate Good, Collins Western Reserve, 5-7, 140, sr.; Julio Stevens, Beachwood, 5-11, 175, sr.; Kaleb Harris, Creston Norwayne, 6-4, 210, sr. Linemen_Brandon Heidecker, Columbia Station Columbia, 6-6, 280, jr.; Jacob Halter, Cin. Hills Christian Acad., 6-6, 270, jr.; Trey Ellis, Jamestown Greeneview, 6-1, 275, sr.; Luke Straub, Martins Ferry, 5-11, 255, sr. Quarterbacks_Logan Stepp, West Jefferson, 6-0, 165, sr.; Evan Wyse, Archbold, 6-0, 190, sr. Joe Dreher, Creston Norwayne, 6-2, 170, sr. Backs_Rodell Golphin, Gates Mills Gilmour, 5-9, 165, sr.; Jewels Edmerson, Cin. Madeira, 5-11, 175, sr.; Arjay Burress, Martins Ferry, 5-11, 195, soph.; Andrew Vaughn, Sullivan Black River, 5-11, 200, sr. Kicker_Colin Barringer, Cols. Hartley, 5-10, 165, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen_Michael Glaze, Pemberville Eastwood, 5-11, 170, sr.; Ryan Prescott, Cin. Hills Christian Acad., 6-3, 230, sr.; Logan Trbovich, Magnolia Sandy Valley, 6-3, 215, sr.; Josh McDade, Columbiana Crestview, 6-2, 254, sr. Linebackers_Luke Marot, Hamilton Badin, 6-3, 180, sr.; Chase Kelly, Marion Pleasant, 5-11, 205, sr.; Jake Hatfield, West Jefferson, 5-11, 210, sr.; Parker Berzin, Gates Mills Gilmour, 6-2, 240, sr. Backs_Garrett Beech, Hanoverton United Local, 5-10, 175, sr.; Will Peterson, Day. Chaminade Julienne, 6-0, 170, sr.; Nick Mendenhall, West Jefferson, 6-6, 215, sr.; Caleb Rector, Marion Pleasant, 5-11, 185, jr. Punter_Quintin Ratliff, Andover Pymatuning Valley, 6-2, 175, sr.

Third Team

OFFENSE: Ends_Trevahn Beery, Creston Norwayne, 6-2, 175, sr.; Graham Miller, Massillon Tuslaw, 5-11, 175, sr.; Tyler Claxon, Wheelersburg, 5-10, 155, sr. Linemen_Nick Boeriu, Cols. Hartley, 6-3, 220, sr.; Austin Klosterman, Coldwater, 5-10, 190, sr.; D.J. McAninch, West Jefferson, 6-3, 225, sr.; Gabe Eaton, Sullivan Black River, 6-1, 255, sr. Quarterbacks_Lucas Diffenbaugher, Magnolia Sandy Valley, 6-0, 180, jr.; Collin Gilbert, Columbiana Crestview, 5-10, 169, sr. Backs_Khari Anderson, Gates Mills Hawken, 6-3, 195, sr.;Brycen Wise, Independence, 5-9, 163, sr.; Justin Rankin, Elyria Cath., 5-10, 185, jr.; Evan Maddox, Proctorville Fairland, 5-10, 175, sr.; Tyler Smith, West Salem Northwestern, 5-8, 155, sr. Kicker_Casey Fowler, Findlay Liberty-Benton, 6-2, 205, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen_Truman Love, Chillicothe Zane Trace, 5-11, 210, soph.; Caleb Hudson, Richwood N. Union, 6-4, 225, jr.; Sha'Huan Williams, Youngs. Ursuline, 6-2, 235, sr. Linebackers_Justin Barber, Baltimore Liberty Union, 5-10, 165, sr.; Marcus Sutton, Martins Ferry, 5-8, 175, sr.; Aaron Geye, Rocky River Lutheran West, 6-1, 185, sr.; Kimoni Shields, Cin. Shroder Paideia Academy, 6-2, 245, sr. Backs_Andrew Lancaster, Magnolia Sandy Valley, 5-6, 140, sr.; Tommy Staten, Williamsport Westfall, 5-11, 170, sr.; Mikel Winkfield, Cin. North College Hill, 5-10, 167, sr.; Asim Pleas, Youngstown Liberty, 6-2, 180, sr. Punter_Michael Bland, Mount Gilead, 6-1, 205, sr.

Special Mention

Jacob Mercier, Cols. Hartley; Scott Foster, Marion Pleasant; Nate Blevins, Marion Elgin; Parker Bozman, Baltimore Liberty Union; Logan Gregory, Richwood N. Union; Jacob Basso, Baltimore Liberty Union; Thane Hoffman, Richwood N. Union; Steven Lollo, West Jefferson; Austin Strickland, Mount Gilead; Daltin Thompson, Richwood N. Union; Tyler Magley, Baltimore Liberty Union;

Brian Styles, Martins Ferry; David Miser, Cadiz Harrison Central; Nate Shepler, Magnolia Sandy Valley; Jake Barritt, Martins Ferry; Malik Gummer, St. Clairsville; Dalton Rutter, Cadiz Harrison Central; Nate Olmstead, Cadiz Harrison Central; Nick VanVoltenburg, Martins Ferry; Cole Howes, Cadiz Harrison Central; Colton McKivitz, Belmont Union Local; Jake Geiger, Magnolia Sandy Valley; Colby Lindsay, St. Clairsville; Bruce Burger, Martins Ferry; Jake Stewart, St. Clairsville; Niko Williams, Cadiz Harrison Central; Mason Friede, Belmont Union Local; Brandon Murphy, Magnolia Sandy Valley; Michael Ferns, St. Clairsville; Jacob Wagner, Magnolia Sandy Valley;

Jordan Allen, Chillicothe Southeastern; Kyle Sowards, Proctorville Fairland; Michael Staggs, Wheelersburg; Jerrid Speck, West Portsmouth Portsmouth West; Walt Petzel, Chillicothe Zane Trace; Kyler Mootz, Frankfort Adena; Daniel Farmer, Piketon; Isaac Sherman, Ironton; Tyler Campbell, Proctorville Fairland; Cole Robinson, Wellston; Sky Oliver, Portsmouth; Tristan Cox, Ironton; Chance Short, Proctorville Fairland; Taylor Salmons, Williamsport Westfall; Austin Bricker, West Portsmouth Portsmouth West; Nate Mettler, Chillicothe Zane Trace; Dezmond Perkins, Chillicothe Southeastern; Amin Gilbert, Waverly; Dylan Miles, Chillicothe Southeastern; Alphonso Rice, Williamsport Westfall; Mitchell Warner, Wheelersburg; Tristan White, West Portsmouth Portsmouth West; Robbie Arnett, McDermott Northwest; Aaron Southworth, Piketon; Kenny Trimble, Wellston; Johnnie Charles, Portsmouth; Chad Meadows, Chesapeake; Audric Harlow, South Point; Tyler Branch, South Point; Cade Harper, Frankfort Adena; Skyler Peters, Wellston; R.J. Perkins, Waverly;

Grant Hopewell, Cin. Madeira; Brian Behymer, Waynesville; Wesley Martin, West Milton Milton-Union; Jordan Whaley-Watson, Cin. Clark Montessori; Paul Tepe, St. Bernard Roger Bacon; Cody Boxrucker, Hamilton Badin; Tre Owens, Middletown Madison; Hans Hinebaugh, Cin. Mariemont; Shane Roy, Cin. Reading; Chris Mills, Middletown Madison; Juleon Elmore, Day. Chaminade Julienne; Danny Renner, Cin. Mariemont; Tyler Williams, Hamilton Badin;

Jake Vormelker, Orwell Grand Valley; Josh Goode, Beachwood; Jimmy Wotowiec, Independence; Jack Green, Gates Mills Hawken; Dean Granot, Beachwood; Glenn Zaller, Orwell Grand Valley; A.J. Wright, Gates Mills Gilmour; Jack Konopa, Independence; Alex Scotton, Independence; Daniel Loub, Columbia Station Columbia; Jacob Kleinhenz, Columbia Station Columbia; Sam Diamond, Beachwood; Justin Reznik, Columbia Station Columbia; Conner Riddell, Elyria Cath.;

Clint Linhart, Columbiana Crestview; Gabe Eaton, Sullivan Black River; Joey Workman, West Salem Northwestern; Ty Young, Loudonville; Kolton Edmondson, Loudonville; Lynn Bowden, Youngs. Liberty; Harrison Brown, Orrville; Luke Willig, Doylestown Chippewa; Austin Weyandt, Navarre Fairless; Ryan Weber, Loudonville; Trevor Summers, Orrville; James Cupan, Girard; Connor Campbell, Canton Central Cath.; Tristan Bender, Loudonville; Bailey Breitenstine, Doylestown Chippewa; Malachi Nolletti, West Salem Northwestern;

Jase Grosjean, Archbold; Cody Cornwell, Findlay Liberty-Benton; Jacob Rahe, Pemberville Eastwood; Domenic Mayle, Huron; Austin Combs, Findlay Liberty-Benton; Andrew Schwieterman, Coldwater; Brad Racer, Ottawa-Glandorf; D.J. Dagher, Bucyrus; Grant Geiser, Pemberville Eastwood; Austin Utter, Milan Edison; Lincoln Parsley, Archbold; Tyler Zender, Ottawa-Glandorf.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - No. 11 East Tech never trailed in a 97-90 win over No. 13 Glenville. Kyauta Taylor paced the Scarabs with 28 points, including 17 points in the second half. This story will be updated shortly with game reaction.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - No. 11 East Tech never trailed in a 97-90 win over No. 13 Glenville. Kyauta Taylor paced the Scarabs with 28 points, including 17 points in the second half.

This story will be updated shortly with game reaction.

A foul-filled first half saw both teams hit the double bonus early in the second quarter. East Tech led for almost the entire first two quarters, but a 5-0 run by Glenville to close the half tied the game, 47-47.

At the break, Glenville's Jimond Ivey led all scorers with 12 points.

Contact high school sports reporter David Cassilo by email (dcassilo@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@dcassilo). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.