Friday Night Stars: Five Central Ohio Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ohio football never fails to deliver drama, and Week 3 was no exception. Rivalries were renewed, new names stepped up, and established talents reminded everyone why recruiters have their numbers on speed dial. Here are five Central Ohio players who stole the spotlight this past week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='852080' first='Andyriq' last='Thomas'] – RB – Pickerington North – Class of 2027</strong><br>In just his third varsity start, Thomas had his breakout moment, running for 224 yards and two touchdowns in a 17-3 win over rival Pickerington Central. The 5-foot-8, 190-pound junior displayed patience early, then broke the game open with explosive runs of 45 and 86 yards. After a quiet first two weeks, Thomas proved he can carry the Panthers' offense against the toughest competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='574328' first='Levi' last='Davis'] – QB – Olentangy Orange – Class of 2026 (Ohio commit)</strong><br>Davis continues to look the part of a Division I signal caller. Against a defense full of Power Five recruits, the senior Ohio University commit was poised and dangerous. He accounted for four total touchdowns — three on the ground and one through the air — while racking up over 290 total yards. His dual-threat ability was the difference-maker in Orange's rivalry win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1708814' first='Lucas' last='Fickel'] – RB – Olentangy Orange – Class of 2027</strong><br>While Davis orchestrated the offense, Fickel provided balance. The junior back carried the ball 25 times for 125 yards and two touchdowns, wearing down Olentangy's front. His downhill style complemented Davis' creativity perfectly, giving the Pioneers a one-two punch that opposing defenses will struggle to stop this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joey Slates – RB – Dublin Jerome – Class of 2027</strong><br>Jerome leaned on Slates to put away Dublin Coffman, and the junior delivered. He rushed for 166 yards on 22 carries, including a game-clinching 64-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. With 142 of those yards coming in the second half, Slates showed he has the stamina and burst to close games when defenses wear down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deangelo Nardone – DB – Dublin Jerome – Class of 2026</strong><br>Known primarily as a Providence lacrosse commit, Nardone proved he's just as dangerous on the football field. He returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown and snagged another pick later in the fourth quarter to secure the Celtics' rivalry win. His instincts and athleticism make him one of the most versatile defensive playmakers in Central Ohio.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->