Top Newcomers to the EOAC in 2022

Every football season, new players make a big impact on both their team and the league. There was no exception during the 2022 EOAC football season. And although there are definitely many more players who saw important playing time, we wanted to highlight a few players who caught our eye during the past season.

Ja'Sean Lindsey - Valley Christian - Sophomore Running Back - Ja'Sean burst onto the scene in week 1 when he rushed for 73 yards and scored twice in the Eagles' 47-7 win over Campbell. He would follow up that performance with six games where he rushed for over 100 yards. He would record just under 1,000 yards on the season to help power the Eagles to a league title and a playoff appearance while also being named to the first team on the EOAC all-star team, and the NE Inland team. He would also receive honorable mention on the D VI All-Ohio team.

Tyrell Watkins - Wellsville - Sophomore Receiver/Defensive back - Although Tyrell was named to the All-EOAC on the offensive side of the ball, it was his performance on defense in week 5 that really caught our eye. In the Tiger's game against East Palestine, Tyrell would record two pick-sixes while also recording 3 receptions for 121 yards and 2 additional scores in the Tiger's big win. On the season, Tyrell would record just under 400 yards receiving and scoring twice rushing, 4 times on receiving, and the 2 interception returns.

​Ashton Hinchcliffe - Lisbon - Sophomore Linebacker/Running Back - Although Ashton was not named to the All-EOAC team this year, he certainly deserved to be on the team. As the season progressed, he gained more and more playing time in helping lead the Devils to a playoff appearance. He would rush for 153 yards and a touchdown on offense, but it was on defense that he really shined as he recorded 61 tackles (2nd on the Blue Devils team) including 8 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. He also snagged 1 interception.

Luke Kraft - Lisbon - Sophomore Tight End/Defensive Lineman - Luke made a statement right from the first game of the season when he caught 2 passes and plowed over a few would-be Windham Bomber defenders on his way to picking up first downs for the Devils. At 6'4, 225 pounds, he provided a great clutch 3rd down pass option for the Blue Devils' offense. He would catch 11 passes for 116 yards and 2 TDs on the season while also recording 11 tackles with 2 sacks and 2 blocked kicks on defense.

Dylan Bregar - Columbiana - Sophomore Receiver/Safety - Dylan enjoyed a breakout game against Southern in Week 5 against Southern when he caught 4 passes for 101 yards including a 71-yard touchdown pass in the contest. He would tally 226 yards receiving on the season with 3 touchdowns to land him on the All-EOAC second-team offense.

Jesse Lipp - East Palestine - Junior Running Back - Although Jesse has played varsity ball for the Bulldogs before this season, he really stepped up this season by leading the Bulldogs with 759 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns. His breakout season earned him a second-team All-EOAC honor.

Kasen Ramsey - Wellsville - Sophomore - Linebacker/Running Back - Karen was a standout player for the Tigers on defense recording 32 tackles with 3 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss in his sophomore season. He would also rush for over 100 yards on the season and score a touchdown to help the Tiger's offensive attack. His defensive efforts would land him on the EOAC First Team Defensive Team.

Chris Lacey - Valley Christian - Sophomore - Linebacker - Chris had a tremendous year for the Eagles in their league championship season, landing himself on both the All-EOAC team second-team defense and on the Division VI NE Inland second-team squad. Chris recorded several key tackles in the Eagle's big win over Southern to help lead them to the title.

Rich Sloan - Southern - Sophomore - Defensive Back - Rich made some key plays in the season including a couple of interceptions that made the Indian's defense one of the stingiest in the league. He would be named to the league's second-team defense for his performances.

A few more top newcomers:
Trent Ellyson - United - Sophomore Defensive Lineman
Kia Hartley - Columbiana - Junior - Linebacker
Caleb Plumm - Wellsville - Sophomore - Defensive Lineman
Cameron Roller - Leetonia - Sophomore - Running Back/Linebacker
Marcus Merchant - Valley Christian - Freshman - Offensive Guard