FINDLAY, Ohio — Mansfield Senior’s Brian Benson rushed for more than 2,000 yards behind a makeshift offensive line that included three freshman.
Media covering the Northwest District took notice.
Senior High’s career, single-season and single-game rushing record holder, Benson was selected the Division II Offensive Player of the Year by a panel of media members when the All-Northwest District teams were announced Thursday.
“The numbers don’t lie,” Mansfield Senior coach Chioke Bradley said. “We’ve had some great ones over the years, but we’ve never had anyone rush for 2,000 yards in a season and he did it with three freshman and a sophomore who had never played varsity football on the offensive line.
“He’s a great football player, but he’s an even better young man. That’s what I love most about him.”
Benson was one of several area standouts recognized by the media. In Division III, Lexington linebacker T.J. Gerhardt was selected the Defensive Player of the Year. In Division IV, Shelby’s Devin Williams was selected the Lineman of the Year, while coach Erik Will was selected the Coach of the Year.
“Devin is a four-year starter for us,” Will said. “He’s our leader on the line.”
In Division II, Mansfield Senior’s Montrell Caldwell was a first-team selection on the offensive line. Tre Windham was a first-team selection at cornerback.
In Division III, Ashland receiver John Wolfe and offensive lineman John Valentine were first-team selections. Gerhardt was joined on the first team defense by teammates Aidan Ammons (defensive line) and Cade Stover (secondary).
Shelby’s Shorty Brooks was a first-team pick at running back in Division IV. Derek Rose was a first-team pick on the defensive line. Ontario linebacker Nick Arnold was also a first-team pick in Division IV.
The area’s lone Division V first-team selection was Galion kicker Connor Moreton. In Division VI, Crestview offensive lineman Dakota Slocum was a first-team pick.
Lucas offensive lineman Jacob Arnold and defensive lineman Jacob Robertson were first-team selections in Division VII.
