Buckeye Bucks Football: News

From the GAZETTE, by Dan Brown

YORK TWP. — It’s not unusual for Carlton Watkins to miss a call on his cell phone. This call, however, was his future. Inching closer and closer to committing to Division III John Carroll University, the Buckeye High standout got a call that changed everything. “The night before my overnight to John Carroll, I got a call back from Tiffin,” Watkins said. “It was one of their coaches and they had just got done with a spring practice and he said they needed a receiver.”

The chance to play at the Division II level and join former teammate Austin Friel and Gazette boys track MVP — and cousin — Malik Tuck of Medina was too good to pass up, so Watkins made his commitment to play football and compete in track for Tiffin. “It caught me off guard,” Watkins said of the phone call. “I was actually golfing when I saw the missed call and got a message to give them a call. I couldn’t believe it. I thought someone was messing with me. They told me that going D-III, I was limiting myself. You can go a higher level and earn a scholarship.”

Those words were enough to sell the 5-foot-10, 170 pound wide receiver on the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference program, which is looking for a fresh start after a 1-10, 0-10 campaign. While Watkins didn’t know he was going to find himself on the western side of the state with his former quarterback, Friel seemed to know something else. “After I got the call, I called Austin and I told him, ‘You will never believe who called,’” Watkins said. “The crazy thing is, I never said anything and Austin already knew I was going and put my name down for housing. He just knew.” Selling Watkins the most was the fact he will be paying about $4,000 less at the D-II school, with the possibility of earning scholarship money his second year. Add in that Tiffin has one of the best criminal justice programs around and the former Buck is happy to be a Dragon.

“I had it settled with John Carroll and it was going to cost $7,000 to go there, so I thought, ‘Why not try some other schools,’” Watkins said. “Tiffin is great for two-sport athletes, and their criminal justice program is top five in the country, so it’s really a go academic-wise, and that’s why I want to go to college. To play football, too, that’s just a plus.” Tiffin runs a spread offense with four wide receivers, a system Watkins is familiar with, as Buckeye ran a hybrid of that offense last fall. “The opportunity is great to get in there this year,” said Watkins, who also was looking at Westminster (Pa.), Thiel (Pa.) and Notre Dame of Ohio. “All I have to do is show them what I can do. It’s in my hands.

“You’re going to get a chance with four wide, because they will be using their receivers every play. That’s where my chance comes in.” Watkins had spoken to the school’s track program just weeks after breaking the Buckeye school record in the high jump with a leap of 6 feet, 6 inches at the Ernie Moore Invitational in Doylestown. He knows that doing both sports at the collegiate level is a challenge, but with friends Friel and Tuck by his side and the confidence that helped him earn accolades in both sports at the prep level, Watkins is ready for the next test.

“It worked out good,” he said. “I’m going down there with two guys that I’m really close to, and after meeting the (football) team, I got real comfortable with them and they welcomed me with open arms. “Every school I talked to, I talked about doing both sports. The way I see it, why not? You only live once.”

Contact Dan Brown at sports@medina-gazette.com.

Buckeye senior quarterback Austin Friel wrestled with his decision for awhile but finally came to a conclusion.

Trying to decide between schools like Mount Union, Findlay, Notre Dame College and Ashland, Friel decided to carry over his academic and athletic career to Tiffin University.

Friel, 6 feet 3 inches and 190 pounds, passed for 1,280 yards and seven touchdowns on 104 of 218 last fall for Buckeye High School. He was first in Medina County in total passing yards and second in total offense. Friel finished with 222 rushing yards and six scores on the ground.

Friel admitted it was a tough decision, but said he felt most comfortable at Tiffin, which competes in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

“I think it’s stressful for everyone,” said Friel. “I probably spent more time than I wanted to trying to decide between schools and everything. I thought I found a good fit with Tiffin and I’m glad I chose that now.

“It’s close and I know people and Tiffin gave me that small-town feel.”

Friel was voted to the All-Patriot Athletic Conference and is second all-time in school history in passing attempts and completions in a seasons. He’s also third on Buckeye’s all-time list in single season passing yards.

This fall, Friel could be able to jump in and compete right away for new Tiffin head coach Gary Goff.

“It’s a new offense and I guess their quarterback last season moved back down to Florida so really they’re looking for a new starter to take over,” said Friel. “Coach Goff told me that if I come in and work hard and the job is ready for taking next year.

“As a freshman I have an opportunity to go in and start right away so that’s also really motivating.”

Buckeye finished 3-7 last season. Friel, who hopes to major in either sports management or business, sounded very blessed to have the opportunity to play at the college level.

“Ever since I was a little kid, this has always been my goal to get to the next level and play college football and everything,” said Friel. “I’m just really excited to have that opportunity to go on and keep playing after high school because it’s such a privilege and I don’t want to take anything for granted.”

Friel also competed for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL-sponsored 7-on-7 high school tournament in Minneapolis, Mn.

Contact Blake at 216.986.7536

Buckeye Football Awards

The Buckeye Football Awards were held on Wednesday, November 17th at Buckeye High School. The award winners are listed below:

4 Year Letter Award Winner: Zach Maxworthy

Most Valuable Player: Carlton Watkins

Most Improved Player: Marc Persic

Iron Antler Award: Kyle Gatt

Golden Buck Award: Carlton Watkins

PAC Awards 

A Number of Bucks were named in the presentation of the All Patriot Athletic Conference Awards.

Carlton Watkins was named Most Valuable Receiver for the PAC Stars Division. He amassed 907 yards on 60 catches this season for the Bucks.

The Bucks on the PAC Stars Division First Team were Watkins, Tyler Carrow, Zach Maxworthy, Chad Gatt and Kyle Gatt.

Second Team honors went to T.J. Hugney, Austin Friel and Marc Persic.

Shane Nalepa garnered Honorable Mention.

All Northeast Inland District Awards

Division III First Team Offense: Carlton Watkins

Division III Special Mention: Zach Maxworthy

 All Ohio Awards

All Ohio Third Team: Carlton Watkins

 All GAZETTE Team

All GAZETTE Offensive First Team: Carlton Watkins, Wide Receiver; Zach Maxworthy, Offensive Lineman.

All GAZETTE Defensive Team Honorable Mention: Tyler Carrow, Defensive Tackle; Kyle Gatt, Defensive Back 

Making the First Team Offense were Kelton Keller as an Offensive Lineman and Mike Kelly as Quarterback. Gaining Honorable Mention were Cody Carrow at Center and Zach Maxworthy at Guard.

Making First Team Defense was Ryan McCormick as a Punt Returner. Honorable Mention went to Jake Boettner at Free Safety. Congratulations to all of the award winners.

First Team - Mike Kelly QB, Kelton Keller OL, Carlton Watkins WR, Ryan McCormick RB, Cody Carrow DL, Zac Callihan LB, Jake Boettner DB, Zach Maxworthy LB and Chad Gatt P.

Second Team - Tyler Erb OL, Shawn Cordes RB, Kyle Miller DB, Kyle Gatt DB and Tyler Carrow DL.

Honorable Mention: Andy Young 

Kelton Keller garnered "PAC Offensive Lineman of the Year"

Jake Boettner garnered "PAC Defensive Back of the Year"

Billy Burke garnered "PAC Coach of the Year"

Mike Kelly was the receiptient of the Coke Academic Award and the Most Valuable Player Award. The Iron Antler Award was given to the Seniors as a Group. The Golden Buck Award went to Kelton Keller. Kyle Miller was named Most Improved Player. Congratulations to all the award winners and the Bucks on their Season and their 4th PAC Stars Division Championship and 4th OSHAA Playoff appearance! Nice job everyone and GO BUCKS!

Kelton Keller was named as a 2nd Team All Ohio Offensive Lineman on Wednesday. Keller was a 4 year letter winner with the Bucks from 2006-2009, Congratulations Kelton.

From the GAZETTE:

"COLUMBUS — Make no bones about it, Buckeye’s Kelton Keller and Black River’s Jon Sas were the best lineman and linebacker in the Patriot Athletic Conference.

With that said, each was an easy second-team All-Ohio selection when the Associated Press Division III and IV teams were released on Tuesday.

For Keller, it caps a season in which he exploded onto the scene as a playmaking offensive and defen­sive lineman. Not only was the 6­foot-3, 230-pound senior and four­year starter a powerful blocker, but well over a dozen tackles for loss proved he could do it on both sides of the ball.

Keller’s selection marks the sixth season since 2002 that Buckeye has had a player make second team or better.

“I think he’s well-deserving of any all-state recognition he may get,” Bucks coach Billy Burke said. “He’s a great kid and very coachable kid that has done everything we’ve asked him to.”

The All Inland District team for Division III has been named and several Bucks made the list. The Inland District includes high schools in Medina, Summit, Portage, Stark, Wayne, Tuscarawas, Trumbull and Mahoning counties.

First Team: Kelton Keller - Offensive Lineman

Second Team: Cody Carrow - Offensive Lineman and Mike Kelly - Quarterback

Honorable Mention: Jake Boettner - Defensive Back and Ryan McCormick - Offensive Back

Buckeye Athletic Director has decided not to renew the contract with Highland after the two teams playing each other in football for 57 years, or the entire time Buckeye has existed as a school system. They Hornets held a 33-22-2 series record over the Bucks and were 6-4 since 2000 against Buckeye. Last week the contract with Cloverleaf was renewed.The Hornets will be replaced on the 2010 schedule in Week 2 by Elyria Catholic.

The Panters and the Bucks have met 6 times, in 1954 and 1955 and then from 1989 through 1992, with the two teams splitting the wins in those games. The Panthers are in Division 4 Region 14, have a record of 3-1 this season and are currently ranked 10th in that region.

We also bid farewell to the Pride of Highland band who have always been entertaining during halftime and their great selection of football fare at the concession stand when we were at their field. A rivalry and big piece of Buckeye Football history has gone by the wayside.

Former Buck Chaz Jordan and his teammates at Mount Union are the NCAA Division III Football Champions. They defeated Wisconsin-Whitewater 31-26 in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl this past Saturday in Salem, Virginia. The win was their 3 Championship in the last 4 seasons and 10th Championship overall. Wisconsin-Whitewater defeated the Purple Raiders in 2007 to be Division III Champs.

Chaz finished the game with 11 tackles from his Free Safety position. He had 2 interceptions on the season and returned 7 Kickoffs for 153 yards. Jordan's fellow Purple Raider Nate Kmic finished out his college career with 8,074 rushing yards, the most of any running back at any level in NCAA history. Congratulations to Chaz and the Purple Raiders on their Championship!

Reisner Highlights: Medina County career leader in rushing touchdowns (54) and fourth in single-season rushing touchdowns (25)… 3,613 career rushing yards rank fifth in area all-time. … Ranks second in county in career points (364). … Led county in scoring (164). … Rushed for 1,454 yards and team-leading 23 touchdowns as junior. … Touchdown total in 2007 was second behind Wadsworth’s Dru Jones.

Buckeye coach Billy Burke on Reisner: “He’s a very rare player coaches get once in a lifetime. He’s a great football player, a throwback-type of football player.”

Muhek Highlights: Key component on squad that led Medina County in rushing, averaging 312.0 yards per game. … Spearheaded squad that led area in rushing touchdowns (37). … Bucks led seven-school region in total offense (367.5). … Second-team All-Northeast Inland District selection in Division III. … First-team All-Patriot Athletic Conference selection.

Buckeye coach Billy Burke on Muhek: “Cody Muhek is a kid that loves to play football and loves the physical nature of the game. He’s really worked hard to make himself the player that he is.”

Named to the Patriot Athletic Conference 1st Team were:

Named to the PAC 2nd Team were:

Receiving Honorable Mention was:

On Thursday night November 8th the Buckeye Football awards were held at the high school for the 2007 Season.  This years winners of All PAC honors were:

First Team - Cody Muhek, Jake Wuensch, Darrin Read, Cory Reisner, Dan Novotny, Mike Kelly and Josh Varney.

Second Team - Josh Bennett, Tucker Gregor, Jesse Horton, Darren Boulton and Shawn Cordes.

Honorable Mention: Kelton Keller

Cody Muhek garnered "PAC Offensive Lineman of the Year".

Dan Novotny was the receiptient of the Coke Academic Award and also received the Iron Antler Award.  The player who received the 30th Annual Golden Buck Award was Josh Varney.  Congratulation to all the award winners and the 2007 Bucks on their 2007 Season and their 2nd PAC Stars Division Championship! Nice job everyone and GO BUCKS!

Chaz Jordan and Cory Reisner both went over the 100-yard rushing mark against Brookside. They had 280 yards on 27 carries, last year Dustin Supan put up 306 yards on 21 carries. The Bucks have had twin 100-yard rushers 2 other times this season. They also did it against Oberlin and Black River.

Ed Catanese of Brookside picked off a pass and went 95-yards for a TD against the Bucks in Week 9.  Prior to that when was the last time that Buckeye had been burnt for an INT for a TD?  Answer Week 7 of the 2004 Season as Josh Heim of Manchester returned an INT 70-yards for a score, a string of 22 games.

The Keystone Wildcats scored against Buckeye in the first quarter of their Week 8 game. When was the last time the Bucks had given up any 1st quarter points?  Answer: Week 7 of the 2004 Season to the Manchester Panthers in a 10-7 loss. That is a string of 20 games.

Black River returned a punt for a touchdown in Week 7's game. When was the last time the Bucks had a touchdown scored on a punt return against them prior to that?  Answer: Week 3 of 2001 by Highland in a 31-8 loss.

Buckeye scored 50 points or more in 3 consecutive games this season, they did it once last year against Oberlin, winning 62-0. When was the last time Buckeye gave up 50 points or more in a game?  Answer: The Clear Fork Colts beat the Bucks 56-27 in 2000.

The Midview Middies shut out the Bucks 21-0 in Week 3 this season. When was the last time the Bucks suffered a shut out?  Answer: In Week 6 of 2000 by the West Holmes Knights 42-0. The Knights were the culprits the last 2 times as they put up a 55-0 score in Week 6 of 1999.

Chaz Jordan scored 26 points against Black River which was within 6 points of tying the Bucks' All Time record for points scored in a game.  Who holds that record?  Answer: Alan Kiene with 32 vs. Avon in 1970 and Jim Tighe with 32 vs. Lincoln West in 1997.