Emerson, Hopkins highlight All-Ohio selections
COLUMBUS — John Glenn junior Colt Emerson and West Muskingum senior Harley Hopkins were among the area's most dynamic playmakers.
Each was recognized by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association, as Emerson, a wide receiver, and Hopkins, a quarterback, were All-Ohio first-team selections in Division IV and V, respectively.
The Division IV and V teams were announced on Tuesday.
Emerson contributed in all phases for the Muskies. He finished with 756 yards and eight touchdowns on 58 receptions and grabbed five interceptions in the secondary during the regular season. He also averaged nearly 40 yards per punt and better than 10 yards on eight punt returns.
The on-field success started in the offseason where Emerson focused on improving his physique. He also credited his teammates for playing key roles that helped him achieve in all three phases of the game.
"I worked out before the season and changed myself. It helped me a lot on the field," Emerson said. "Before games, I got in the mindset of having inner peace and giving it my all. I had a determination to win and took the field with that attitude.
"My team gave me this opportunity, and Brad Morgan threw me a lot of touchdown passes," he added. "I'm thankful to get this award. It's a really great honor. We had a great season as a team, and to end it on a high note like this means a lot."
Talent and attitude were traits that allowed Emerson to thrive, noted John Glenn coach Matt Edwards.
"He's a phenomenal athlete and has been given talents that we can't coach," Edwards said. "He's as competitive as anyone I've ever coached. His competitiveness and work ethic drive him to be the best. It's why he excels in all three phases and has such an impact on the game."
Hopkins was another great athlete, who produced with his arms and legs. He led the Tornadoes to a 6-4 record, their best season mark since 2009, after throwing for 1,726 yards and 18 scores and running for another 1,339 yards and 20 TDs.
West Muskingum coach Nate Brownrigg said this season's success was due to the approach Hopkins took after his junior season ended. His selfless attitude and aiming to do what was best for the team — Hopkins played every snap at quarterback and linebacker this season — stood out to Brownrigg.
"We talked last November about how he could be the best player in the MVL and that our team would be more competitive and win more games," Brownrigg noted. "He didn't believe me at first, but he put aside individual things so he could help the team first.
"He was focused on changing the perception of West and the personal accolades were a bonus for him," he added. "He's become my poster child for our standard. This honor shows what can happen when you put the time and effort in."
Being an example aided Hopkins' development. He felt that kept his determined, and he hopes the standard he helped set will allow future teams to be successful.
"I know a lot of people looked up to me, like Rashid (Sesay). When you have that, it motivates you to do better because you're not just doing it for yourself," Hopkins said. "It's great to get this because I never even thought about honors like this.
"The team, my parents and coaches and the support of the school and community played big roles in this," he added. "There's so many great players in the state so it's great to be mentioned with them."
Meadowbrook senior quarterback Josh Hupp and senior linebacker Brady McManaway joined Emerson on first team. Hupp finished with 2,678 yards, 25 TDs and six interceptions and 446 yards and 12 TDs on 93 carries, and McManaway made 80 tackles, to go with more than 1,100 yards of offense as a receiver.
Maysville senior defensive lineman Gauge Samson was named to the second team in Division IV, and John Glenn junior linebacker Nathan Walker, Philo junior linebacker Drew Lincicome and Meadowbrook senior lineman Hayden Loy and senior defensive back Hunter Eubanks received third-team recognition.
John Glenn senior offensive lineman Tuff Zemba, Philo senior quarterback Owen Smith and senior wide receiver Jaxson Radcliffe, Maysville junior running back Hayden Jarrett, River View junior wide receiver Slater Sampsel and Meadowbrook senior wide out Damen Launder and senior punter Aiden Reis were honorable mention.
Edwards noted having three players recognized speaks volume of them, as well as the program.
"It speaks to their work ethic. These guys have been committed to the program for three, four years, and they're great leaders for us," Edwards said. "When you have good team success, which we've had lately, it leads to these types of honors. Walker is as athletic as any player I've coached, and Tuff is a great kid. All three were a big part of our success and very deserving of these honors."
In Division V, New Lexington junior wide out Tatem Toth, Morgan junior offensive lineman Wade Pauley and senior defensive lineman Jarrell Hill and Coshocton senior running back Korbyn Haley, senior offensive lineman Brandon Crown and senior linebacker Isaac Shook received honorable mention.
A full list of All-Ohio Division IV-V is available online at OHSAA.org and under football.
bhannahs@gannett.com
Twitter: @brandonhannahs
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Emerson, Hopkins highlight All-Ohio selections
