CLEVELAND — The state semifinals are slated to kick off this Friday, but the Ohio High School Athletic Association is getting the party started early by naming eight finalists for its prestigious Mr. Football Award.
The nominees were selected by the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association, whose members will vote on a winner through noon on Monday. Established in 1987, the Mr. Football Award is given annually to the young man believed to be the best high school football player in the entire state.
Of this year's finalists, five hail from Northeast Ohio. Here's a look at how they've performed during the season (stats provided by the OHSAA from regular season only, unless otherwise noted).
Scotty Fox - QB, Mentor
- 64.6% completion rate, 2,170 yards, 28 TDs, 6 INTs.
- Led the Cardinals to an unbeaten regular season and Division I regional final berth in his fourth year as a starter.
- Currently committed to play for West Virginia.
Nolan Good - QB, Avon
- 67% completion rate, 2,375 yards, 23 TDs, 5 INTs.
- 353 rushing yards, 9.5 yards per carry, 5 TDs.
- Has Eagles at 14-0 and in the Division II state semifinals after a ninth straight Southwestern Conference title.
- Committed to play in college at Kent State.
Grady Kinsey - RB/LB, Indian Valley
- 2,347 rushing yards, 13.2 yards per carry, 33 TDs.
- 56 tackles on defense.
- Helped Braves to 14-0 start with berth in Division IV state semifinals awaiting.
- One of only two junior finalists.
Bodpegn Miller - QB/CB/K/P, Ontario
- Full 14-game stats: 2,216 passing yards, 20 TDs.
- 1,988 rushing yards, 9.4 yards per carry, 21 TDs.
- 41 tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 sack, 3 INTs on defense.
- 35.8 yards per punt, 17 touchbacks on kickoffs.
- Led Warriors to 12-2 record and Division IV regional final appearance.
- Committed to Ohio State as a receiver, despite never catching a pass in high school.
Keller Moten - QB, Walsh Jesuit
- 13-game stats: 63.1% completion rate, 1,645 yards, 17 TDs, 4 INTs.
- 1,209 rushing yards, 9.5 yards per carry, 22 TDs.
- Guided Warriors to unbeaten regular season before falling in Division II regional finals.
In addition to the local nominees, quarterbacks Andrew Leonard of Olentangy Liberty, Matt Ponatoski of Archbishop Moeller, and Tavien St. Clair of Bellefontaine were also chosen as finalists. The winner will be announced on Dec. 5 at 4 p.m., hours before the start of the OHSAA state championship games at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
The most recent Northeast Ohio player to be named Mr. Football was Archbishop Hoban running back Lamar Sperling in 2022. Fifteen different area teens have received the honor over the last 37 years, including Euclid's Robert Smith and North Canton Hoover's Erick Howard twice each.
