Week 1 of the Ohio high school football season is over, and as teams and fans look forward to the next game, a strong group of players from across Central Ohio deserves recognition.
Here’s a look at which Central Ohio players had the best games last weekend.
This list was compiled from games broadcast by the USA Today Network as well as statistics submitted by regional teams:
Caleb Anthony, Africentric
Statistics: The junior defensive back had one interception in a 38-14 win at West Jefferson, but was impactful on offense with two touchdowns on four catches and three two-point conversions – one running, one receiving and one passing.
Next game: Friday against Münster
Josh Byers, Danville
Statistics: The senior made 13 tackles as a middle linebacker and ran for 46 yards and a touchdown on three offense attempts and caught two passes for 38 yards in the 50-21 win over Worthington Christian.
Next game: Friday in Utica
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Anthony Campbell, Ready
Statistics: The senior ran for 208 yards and four touchdowns on 27 carries in a 51-19 win at Newark Catholic. Campbell was injured for most of the 2023 season.
Next game: Friday at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
Connor Corbett, Heath
Statistics: The senior rushed for 165 yards and scored four touchdowns on 11 carries in the 50-7 win over Liberty Union. Corbett also had four tackles as a linebacker, two of which were for a loss.
Next game: Friday against Buckeye Valley
Mikey Hess, Newark Catholic
Statistics: Totaled 191 yards and three touchdowns in the loss to Ready. The senior’s first touchdown came on a 65-yard run on the first play of the game.
Next game: Friday against Harrod Allen East
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Anthony Jalloh, Franklin Heights
Statistics: Five of the junior defensive lineman’s seven tackles resulted in a loss in the 12-0 win over Bexley. Jalloh also recovered a fumble.
Next game: Friday against Central Crossing
Raishad King, Groveport
Statistics: The senior led a balanced ground attack for the Cruisers, rushing for 92 yards and scoring a touchdown on 14 attempts in a 28-7 win over Hilliard Bradley.
Next game: Friday in Gahanna Lincoln
Tyson Long, Pickerington North
Statistics: The junior cornerback intercepted two passes from Lakewood St. Edward’s quarterback Thomas Csanyi in the 28-0 loss to the three-time defending Division I champions, his first interception on the game’s first possession.
Next game: Friday against Grandville (Michigan)
Dezmond Porter, Harvest Preparation
Statistics: The junior ran for 161 yards and three touchdowns on 19 attempts, securing an unexpected 24-21 win at Pickerington Central.
Next game: Friday at Cincinnati Purcell Marian
Joshua Smith, Africentric
Statistics: The junior threw for 124 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 93 yards and a touchdown in the Nubians’ win over West Jefferson.
Next game: Friday against Münster
Jackson Szabo, Worthington Kilbourne
Statistics: In his first varsity game, the freshman quarterback threw for 146 yards and two touchdowns, including the winning score in overtime of a 16-13 victory at Watkins Memorial, ending a 12-game losing streak for Kilbourne that lasted until October 14, 2022.
Next game: Friday against Thomas Worthington
Terryn Thomas, Olentangy Orange
Statistics: Two of the senior’s three catches resulted in touchdowns in a 49-13 win over Marysville. Thomas finished the game with 89 yards of gains.
Next game: Friday in Westerville North
Drew Thornsley, Circleville
Statistics: The experienced running back managed 32 runs for 177 yards and one touchdown, helping the Tigers to a 32-27 win over Vincent Warren.
Next game: Friday at McArthur Vinton County
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