2022 Tony Fisher Award winner Mikey Maloney of Riverside, shown with Tony Fisher Jr. on Nov. 21 at Hooley House, is back for his senior season. (Brian Fisher – For The News Herald)
When the opening whistle sounds on Week 1 of the high school football season, once again the Tony Fisher Award will be on the line.
The Tony Fisher Award, named after the Euclid product who won Ohio’s coveted Mr. Football Award before moving on to play at Notre Dame and in the NFL, goes to The News-Herald’s football player of the year.
The winner of the award will be announced during a special edition of the Varsity Chalk Talk show on Monday, Nov. 20, at Hooley Pub and Kitchen.
Here is a preseason look at some of the players who might be in contention for the Tony Fisher Award this season. The list can and will change week by week. This list is just a starting point.
This year’s initial watch list, in alphabetical order, is:
Rocco Alfieri, Kirtland, Sr.: Rugged, durable and speedy, Alfieri carried 196 times for 1,340 yards last season. He’s primed to do even better than that this season.
Shahn Alston, Harvey, So.: He ran for 692 yards and scored 16 touchdowns as a ninth-grader. He also had 56 tackles and 10 TFLs. Alston already has multiple Division I college offers with more to come.
Gino Blasini, Kirtland, Sr.: Whether it’s at tight end, split end or running the ball, Blasini makes plays. He had 66 catches for 540 yards and seven touchdowns last year, along with 80 tackes and seven picks on defense.
Jackson Boland, University, Sr.: He battled injuries last year, but still threw for more than 900 yards and 12 touchdowns. In the Preppers’ offense, he’ll get plenty of opportunity to throw the ball around this year.
Andrew Bruce, Chardon: He ran for 592 yards last seasons — which will likely rise significantly this season as a feature back — and he is also a lockdown cornerback for the staunch Chardon defense.
Will Francis, Chardon, Sr.: The Chardon quarterback always piles up big stats both running and passing (when the Hilltoppers choose to pass). Francis is a first-year starter, but he’s a born leader.
Josh Grambo, NDCL, Jr.: One of the best-returning defenders with All-Ohio credentials, Grambo had more than 15 TFLs last year. He’s a very disruptive defender.
Bo Jackson, VASJ, Jr.: The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder is a state-caliber sprinter, has oodles of Division I college offers and is a star at running back and safety.
Lucas Kaltenbach, Kenston, Jr.: He was at Benedictine his first two seasons but is back at his home school now. He threw for 1,433 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
Andy Kavcic, Gilmour, Sr.: He ran for more than 1,200 yards last season, while also catching 17 passes for 289 yards. He and his twin, Jake, are one of the best 1-2 punches in the area this season.
Jake Kavcic, Gilmour, Sr.: He threw for 1,819 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also has amazing scrambling and running skills that could make him a 1,000-yard rusher. He’s the catalyst for Gilmour’s offense.
Scotty Fox, Mentor, Jr.: As a sophomore, he threw for 2,882 yards and 30 touchdowns, with 143 yards and three scores coming on the ground. He’s piling up Division I college offers with his productivity.
Jason Mackey, Riverside, Sr.: As a junior, he ran for more than 1,000 yards. With so many skilled players on the Riverside offensive set, he’s going to get a lot of looks running the ball and piling up yards again.
Mikey Maloney, Riverside, Sr.: The reigning Tony Fisher Award winner threw for 2,289 yards and 28 touchdowns, while also rushing for 677 yards and 15 scores. His work ethic and leadership are off the charts.
Luke Mangini, Hawken, Sr.: The son of former Browns coach Eric Mangini can do it all. He’s a rugged ball-carrier and an absolute hammer at linebacker.
Brady McKnight, Riverside, Sr.: He can run the ball and also catch the ball. He’s a tough matchup with his multiple skill set. Defenses will have to account for him or he’ll make them play.
Miles Miller, Berkshire, Sr.: He caused everyone on his team’s schedule a ton of headaches last year when he threw for 1,445 yards and 13 touchdowns to go with his 1,138 yards rushing yards and 16 scores.
Rocco Monastero, Mayfield, Sr.: As a junior, he threw for more than 1,500 yards. The Wildcats have a ton of skill returning this year, so expect Monastero to again pile up some big numbers in the passing game.
Walter Moses, Perry, Jr.: He burst onto the scene last season with 2,212 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. He’s picked up a pair of college offers, including UConn. He’ll also be playing cornerback this season.
Delond Moss, South, Sr.: He caught 30 passes for 606 yards last season. He’s primed to have a big senior season with Gabe Hanzlik whipping the ball around in South’s high-powered offense.
Sean Patrick, Kenston, Sr.: The University of Akron commit ran for 1,496 yards and caught 36 passes for 621 yards with a total of 24 touchdowns. He also picked off three passes. He might be the most electric playmaker in the area.
Amani Powell, VASJ, Sr.: As a junior, he ran for 1,229 yards. He’s got breakaway speed and shares the backfield with another big-time running threat Bo Jackson.
Brayden Richards, Perry, Sr.: He does it all. He ran for 891 yards, caught 37 passes for 610 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. He also saw time at quarterback. No matter where he is on the field, he’s a difference-maker.
Tanelle Rose, Brush, Sr.: Ultra-fast running back ran for 1,357 yards last season. He will again be the primary focal point of the Arcs offense this season.
Frankie Trinetti, Lake Catholic, Jr.: He threw for 1,805 yards and 15 touchdowns last season despite missing a game and a half with a concussion. He’s healthy and ready to pile up big numbers again this year.
