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Monroe Central quarterback Tucker Howell received first-team status in Division VI, while Shadyside defensive back Cole Micker and Steubenville Catholic defensive lineman Peyton Rauch were named in Division VII.

Howell, a repeat honoree, led the Seminoles to the playoffs with a 9-1 record. They lost 37-36 in the first round to North Crawford Colonel Crawford. He is a two-time Eastern District Player of the Year.

The 6-2, 205-pound senior holds the Monroe Central school record for completion percentage (57.9), passing yards (4,476) and passing touchdowns (59).

This past season he ran for 887 yards and 16 touchdowns on just 72 carries, while also passing for 1,599 and 254 TDs on 80 of 130 accuracy.

COLE MICKER

“Tucker is a very humble kid and never worries about stats,” Monroe Central head coach Jonathan Calder said. “He just wants to win for his team. He is a true leader on and off the field. He leads by example.”

Defensively, he made 17 tackles, picked off three passes and ran a fumble recovery back for six points.

Micker was the Tigers’ do-everything as a senior. He led the team with 127 tackles. Offensively, he rushed for 350 yards and five touchdowns on 57 carries and caught 33 passes for 308 yards and four more six-pointers.

The 5-10, 170-pounder also returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

“I am very happy for Cole and proud of him,” Shadyside head coach Mike Kernik said. “He has worked extremely hard throughout his high school football career. He is very deserving of this award and honor.”

PEYTON RAUCH

Despite going 3-7, Shadyside qualified for the playoffs, but dropped a 34-12 decision to Portsmouth Notre Dame which it had beaten during the regular season.

Rauch was a terror along the defensive line for the Crusaders, who went 7-3 in the regular season before outlasting River in overtime, 28-22, in the playoffs. They lost to Miller in the second round.

The 6-2, 235-pounder recorded 75 tackles, sacked the quarterback an eye-popping 20 times, forced a fumble and recovered one.

“An incredible player and person,” Steubenville Catholic head coach Eric Meek said. “He lives in the weight room. He’s very coachable, fast, physical and aggressive. As a senior, teams ran away from him as they could not block him.”

Earning second-team laurels on offense were Toronto quarterback Zeb Kinsey and wideout Mason Marchbank, along with Monroe Central defensive back Chance Allen.

In Division VII, a quartet of players earned third team status. They included River quarterback Lucas Dennis; Bridgeport offensive lineman Logan Bennett; and the Steubenville Catholic duo of linebacker Noah Hough and defensive back Tommy Pergi.

Several local players were accorded honorable mention.

A complete listing can be found on page 11.