<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Each week across Ohio, new names emerge with highlight performances that showcase why the state remains one of the country's deepest football hotbeds. Here are six players who stood out with big-time efforts.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Nash Evans – WR/K – Clear Fork – Class of 2026</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Evans had a performance for the ages in a 31-7 win over Marion Harding. The versatile playmaker scored in three different ways: hauling in touchdown receptions of 39 and 75 yards, drilling a 25-yard field goal, and racing 91 yards on a kickoff return. He finished with three catches for 126 yards and two TDs, proving he can impact the game in all three phases. Evans' combination of hands, speed, and kicking ability makes him one of the most dynamic weapons in the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Joe Caudill – QB – Lexington – Class of 2026</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Caudill continues to develop as one of Central Ohio's most efficient quarterbacks. In a 48-6 win over Mansfield Senior, he went 10-of-16 for 168 yards and two touchdowns, spreading the ball to playmakers like [player_tooltip player_id='1155709' first='Brayden' last='Fogle'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1417592' first='Seven' last='Allen']. Caudill has shown a calm presence in the pocket and has good touch downfield. With his growing confidence and command, he's the type of steady QB that gives Lexington a chance to make noise in the postseason.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='970982' first='Brayden' last='DeVito'] – QB – Shelby – Class of 2026</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Shelby's offense has been rolling behind DeVito's arm and legs. In a 42-0 win over River Valley, he threw for 227 yards and two TDs while rushing for 34 yards and three more scores. DeVito's ability to extend plays and finish drives both in the air and on the ground makes him a dual-threat nightmare for defenses. His continued production is a big reason why Shelby remains a top contender in the Sandusky Bay Conference.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Carson Barnum – RB – Mount Gilead – Class of 2026</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Barnum's relentless running style is powering Mount Gilead's dream season. He carried the ball for 181 yards and three touchdowns in a 39-7 win over East Knox, pushing the program to a 6-0 start for the first time ever. Barnum runs with vision and power, consistently wearing down defenses and opening up opportunities for the offense. He has been the heartbeat of the Indians' historic start.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Brody Scoles – RB – Van Buren – Class of 2027</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Scoles carried the load in a 35-14 win over McComb, rushing 17 times for 232 yards. His ability to break long runs while maintaining balance through contact makes him a dangerous playmaker. With McComb being one of the area's perennial powers, Scoles' breakout game showed he's ready to emerge as a featured back in Northwest Ohio. His explosiveness and stamina are key assets moving forward.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Luke Cassidy – QB – Portsmouth Notre Dame – Class of 2026</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Cassidy turned in one of the most remarkable all-around performances of the season in a 56-46 win over South Gallia. He accounted for all eight of the Titans' touchdowns — rushing for four, passing for two, and returning two kickoffs for scores. He finished with 162 rushing yards and made plays in every phase. Cassidy's poise, athleticism, and ability to take over a game will make him a player to watch down the stretch for Portsmouth Notre Dame.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
Each week across Ohio, new names emerge with highlight performances that showcase why the state remains one of the country's deepest football hotbeds. Here are six players who stood out with big-time efforts.
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading
Already a subscriber?
Log in