LEXINGTON — The North Central Ohio All-Star Football Classic is meant to be a celebration of the best football players of the graduating class.
The statistics are not recorded, and while yards rushed and carried — even the score (South 28, North 19) — will be forgotten, the pride the players have for suiting up for the summer classic may never fade.
The South inched ahead by one point at the end of the second half, despite four turnovers: three interceptions and a fumble.
Division VII player of the year, Ridge Durbin captained the South to victory, throwing two touchdown passes, but also hurling an interception returned for a score by Mansfield Seinor’s Marvin Parker. Durbin made up for his team’s misfortune by fluttering a pass over the shoulder to Galion’s Jacob Fryer who walked the ball in from nearly 65-yards out.
“He’s a big kid; he knows how to sling. He’s awesome. There are a lot of talented players on both teams,” Bennett said.
“It was an awesome game. It was a great experience. We’re all seniors, and for some of us, it’s the last time we’re going to suit up.”
The North’s Scott Hydinger played both offense and defense through out the game and caught one touchdown.
“It’s a great game,” he said. “I love these (players). You need that.”
Vince Brock and Tyquian Vickers of South were ejected for separate personal fouls.
2016 NCOFCA Scholarship Recipients
Grant Weltlin received the Buckeye, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge of Shelby $1,000 scholarship. Grant is the son of Aaron and Sandi Weltlin. Grant graduated from Plymouth High School with a 4. GPA. Grant plans to attend Kent State University and major in Pre- Med.
Alex Vredenburgh pocketed the McDonald’s $1,000 scholarship. Alex is the son of Brian and Susan Vredenburgh. Alex graduated from Ontario High School with a 3.9 GPA and plans to attend Otterbein University and major in Actuarial Science.
Grady Hedrick collected the Graywacke Engineering & Merrill Lynch Advisors $1,000 scholarship. Grady is the son of David and Lisa Hedrick. Grady graduated from St Paul High school with a 4.2 GPA and plans to attend The University of Toledo to major in Pharmacy.
Ridge Durbin earned the Richland Bank $1,000scholarship. Ridge is the son of Kirk and Tonya Durbin. Ridge graduated from Danville High School with a 4.0 GPA and plans to attend West Liberty University.
Cory Depinet was chosen for the Quest Wealth Solutions $1,000 scholarship. Cory is the son of Rick and Sherri Depinet. Cory graduated from Seneca East High School with a 3.9 GPA and plans to attend The Ohio State University to major in Mechanical Engineering.
Cal Honabarger received the Blackstone Insurance Agency & Erie Insurance $1,000 scholarship. Cal is the son of Ed & Brooke Honabarger. Cal graduated from Danville High school with a 3.6 GPA and plans to attend Otterbein University and major in Nursing.
Samuel Carper won the Atty. Jason Murray & Edward Jones Investments $1,000 scholarship. Samuel is the son of James and Mildred Carper. Samuel graduated from St Paul High School with a 4.0 GPA and plans to attend the University of Cincinnati and major in Civil Engineering.
Cameron Conaway was presented with the Ohio Health Mansfield & Diamondview Residential Care $1,000 scholarship. Cameron is the son of Calvin Conaway and Steffany Conaway. Cameron graduated from South Central High School with a 3.9 GPA and plans to attend Ohio Northern University and major in Mechanical Engineering.
Heath Snyder pocketed the Lexington Athletic Boosters $1,000 scholarship. Heath is the son of David and Nan Snyder. Heath graduated from Loudonville High School with a 3.9 GPA and plans to attend University of Mount Union majoring in Chemistry or Environmental Science.
Jacob Fryer received the Milliron Industries & Inscore, Rinehardt, Whitney, Enderle Co LPA $1,000 scholarship. Jacob is the son of James and Rosemarie Fryer. Jacob graduated from Galion High School with a 3.4 GPA. Jacob plans to attend Heidelberg University and major in either Math or Biology.
Carlos Luna was presented with the Jay Plastics $1,000 scholarship. Carlos is the son of Delafon Luna and Valorie Mounts. Carlos graduated from Lucas High School with a 4.1 GPA and plans to attend The Ohio State University and major in Aeronautical Engineering.
Hunter Carroll was honored with the OSU Mansfield/ North Central State College $1,000 scholarship. Hunter is the son of Larry Carroll. Hunter graduated from Plymouth High School and plans to attend North Central State College majoring in graphic design.
