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Ohio announces defensive backfield, kicker

WHEELING – Ohio head coach Mark Holenka has named his defensive backfield and kicker for the upcoming Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Charity Football Classic, July 28 at Wheeling Island Stadium.

And it’s a versatile group of players who could help on either side of the ball.

“These guys are all great athletes,” Holenka said. “They’re quick, can cover and they’re good against the run. Plus, they’re all able to help us on offense, too, if we choose to do that. We’ve got two of our own (Shadyside) kids there, which should help because we use the secondary to make a lot of our calls.”

Along with the defensive players, Holenka also has set Bellaire’s Dalton Conroy as the Ohio side placekicker.

“He showed time and time again that he has a big leg and he made a lot of clutch kids,” Holenka said.

Here’s a capsule look at the players:

MATT PETRELLA, Steubenville – This former Big Red standout made numerous big plays for coach Reno Saccoccia’s team last season.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder was a standout at wide receiver, making 37 catches for 500 yards. He also scored six touchdowns. Defensively, he had 32 tackles, a sack, two interceptions and a touchdown.

Petrella was named all-OVAC and second-team all-Eastern District.

The son of George and Janine Petrella plans to attend Youngstown State to play football.

IAN BAKER, Shadyside – This former Tiger was a standout in the defensive backfield for Holenka’s team.

The 5-8, 170-pounder recorded 29 solos, 28 assists, three pass breakups and an interception. He also recovered a funble and blocked a kick. He saw time offensively as a wide out and was a kick returner.

Baker was named all-Eastern District and all-OVAC.

Along with football, Baker was a standout in wrestling, winning the OVAC title and placing in the Ohio State Tournament twice. He also lettered in track.

The son of Jerry and Davida Baker plans to attend Belmont College.

DALTON CONROY, Bellaire – This former Big Reds standout was a real weapon for coach Jose Davis’ team as a kicker.

The 6-0, 235-pounder connected on 14 field goals and 76 point after touchdowns. He also had 137 kickoffs for 6,941 yards.

For his fine season, Conroy was a first-team all-Ohioan kicker in Division V. He was also all-Eastern District, all-OVAC, all-Buckeye 8 and he was named WTOV-9 Special Teams Player of the Year.

Conroy also won three letters in baseball.

The son of Christopher and Jana Conroy is undecided about his future plans.

CHASE KINEMOND, Shadyside – This former Tiger served as the quarterback on both sides of the ball for Holenka’s team.

The 6-1, 175-pounder passed for 2,083 yards and ran for 1,154, while accounting for 47 touchdowns during his career. On the defensive side, Kinemond had 149 tackles and 11 interceptions.

For his efforts, Kinemond was twice named first-team all-Ohio as a defensive back. He was also all-OVAC.

Along with football, Kinemond was an OVAC wrestling champ and twice placed in the Division III state tournament.

The son of Scott and Bobbi Jo Kinemond plans to attend Ohio University-Eastern.

KOREY LAFFERRE, Monroe Central – This former Seminole did a little bit of everything for coach Jay Circosta’s.

The 5-10, 160-pounder played quarterback and wide receiver and on defense played in the secondary. He ran for 1,000 yards as quarterback after serving as the Seminoles’ leading receiver as both a sophomore and junior.

For his efforts, Lafferre was named third-team all-Ohio, first-team all-Eastern District, all-OVAC.

The son of Kasey Lafferre and Patty Shreve plans to attend West Liberty University.

SEAN McGEE, Martins Ferry – This former Purple Rider was a mainstay on both sides of the ball for coach Dave Bruney’s team.

The 6-1, 265-pounder shined at middle linebacker and saw time both on the offensive line and some at fullback.

Along with football, McGee was twice an all-Ohioan in the shot put. He was also one of the area’s top discus throwers.

He is the son of Jamie and Jeff McGee.

CODY SCHAU, Martins Ferry – This former Purple Rider made big play after big play on both sides of the ball for Bruney’s squad.

The 6-2, 170-pounder was a wide receiver and safety for the Riders. He had 55 receptions for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also had 98 tackles and 11 interceptions.

Schau was honored for his efforts by being named first-team all-Ohio and all-Eastern District.

Schau was also a standout in basketball, helping to lead the Riders to the Division III regional. He scored better than 1,000 points in his career.

The son of Kris Schau and Sherry Dowdell plans to attend Hood College in Maryland to play basketball.

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