RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesCAMBRIDGE — It's almost time to kick off a new high school football season, with the same high stakes on the line. But championship runs aren't built overnight — they're powered by battle-tested veterans and breakout underclassmen ready for the prime time under the Friday Night lights.
Before the first kickoff of the 2026-27 gridiron campaign, here are 20 of the top returning players you need to know across Guernsey, Muskingum, Noble and Belmont counties.
BARNESVILLE SHAMROCKS (Division VI)
TREY TOLIVER (RB/DB) ∣ Senior
With the Shamrocks continuing their run as an OVAC powerhouse, Toliver returns as one of the most explosive and physical backfield threats in the entire Eastern District. Last season, churning out 1,245 rushing yards with 18 touchdowns, he gives Barnesville a home-run threat on every hand-off, while leading the defensive backfield with elite closing speed finishing with three interceptions last season. Toliver reeled in All-Ohio Honorable Mention, First Team All-Eastern District (Division VI) and First Team All-OVAC after his breakout season a year ago.
CHRISTIAN HANNAHS (OL/LB) ∣ Senior
A tough hard-nosed trench anchor and linebacker who brings physical toughness and defensive stability to the Shamrocks front seven. Hannahs, an All-Eastern District and All-OVAC Honorable mention selection last year plays with rapid decision making and disciplined leverage, allowing him to blow up run plays on defense. It also paves the way for Barnesville's heavy ground game along the offensive line.
PHOENIX GRAHAM (WR/LB) ∣ Senior
A versatile long-limbed perimeter athlete who steps into a commanding two-way leadership role for his senior season, bringing height, range and fluid open-field movement to the outside. Graham serves as both a mismatch weapon in the passing attack, along with a rangy defender who excels at setting the boundary against opposing outside runs.
MEADOWBROOK COLTS (Division IV)
BENTLEY SEDOR (WR/DB) ∣ Senior
A reliable go-to target who came up huge in key MVL matchups last fall while earning All-Eastern District, All-MVL, and All-OVAC honors last fall returns after hauling in 32 receptions for 495 yards with five touchdowns last season. His exceptional hands, subtle speed variations and high-pointing capability make him QB Michael Ray's most dependable go-to target on third-downs and in red-zone opportunities.
MICHAEL RAY (QB/ATH) ∣ Senior
A dynamic 6-foot-3, 190 pound dual threat quarterback and athletic team leader who generated over 2,400 total yards of offense last season. Ray compiled 1,777 yards passing and 15 touchdowns, along with 599 yards rushing and another nine touchdowns on the ground. Ray's ability to extend plays with his legs, throw with anticipation and make split-second decision under pressure makes him one of the premier individual offensive forces in the Muskingum Valley League. Ray's efforts last season were recognized with ALL-Eastern District (Division IV/Quarterback), All-MVL, and All-OVAC recognition.
AIDAN BARNETT (WR/DB) ∣ Senior
A steady, technique-driven two-way contributor for the Colts who brings disciple, positional awareness and route precision to the receiving cops. Barnett doubles as an intelligent cornerback capable of playing sticky press coverage or dropping back into zone schemes to deny perimeter passing lanes.
CAMBRIDGE BOBCATS (Division IV)
AJ LAWRENCE (QB/DB) ∣ Junior
A dynamic, 5-foor-11, 160-pound dual threat quarterback and defensive back who projects as one of the most explosive multi-sport signal-callers in Guernsey County. Lawrence brings dual-threat capability, rapid acceleration and a live arm to take full command under center at QB and in the Bobcats secondary.
TATE SIKORA (RB/DB) ∣ Junior
A quick hard-charging running back and strong defensive back who provides the Bobcats with explosive perimeter speed and reliable open field tackling. Sikora's elite acceleration and lateral agility make him a dangerous weapon on sweeps and screen plays. His tight coverage skills bolster Cambridge's defensive secondary.
MARSHALL LAISHLEY (RB/OLB) ∣ Senior
A gritty, 5-foot-5, 155-pound two-way player who steps into an expanded high-volume role in the Bobcats' backfield and linebacking unit. He brings relentless edge pursuit and quick-cut lateral acceleration, Laishley delivers tough-yardage interior rushing and aggressive perimeter tackling.
BUCKEYE TRAIL WARRIORS (Division IV)
DREW MCGLUMPHY (QB/DB) ∣ Senior
McGlumphy's return to the football field is one of the most anticipated comeback stories in East Central Ohio this fall after missing his entire junior season due to a season ending leg injury in last year's first scrimmage. A Division I prospect who earned an offer from Miami of Ohio following a stellar sophomore season where he led the Warriors to an OHSAA playoff berth with a 6-4 record by passing for over 1,000 yards and rushing for over 1,000 yards. McGlumphy earned Division VI All-Ohio Honorable Mention, First Team Division VI All-Eastern District and First Team All-OVAC following his breakout sophomore campaign.
DALLAS COOLEY (RB/LB) ∣ Senior
A physical downhill linebacker and power runner who steps into the primary middle linebacking role and feature backfield workload for the Warriors. Cooley plays with an aggressive, nose for the football mentality, delivering punishing hits in the hole on defense and grinding out tough yards between the tackles on offens.
NATE TAFLAN (WR/DB) ∣ Senior
A swift, sure-handed perimeter option who gives Drew McGlumphy a dependable target in the passing game and secondary coverage. Taflan excels at finding soft spots in zone coverage, running crisp and routes, while defensively he provides clutch pass breakup ability in single coverage situations.
JOHN GLENN MUSKIES (Division IV)
CHARLIE CAMERON (OL/OLB) ∣ Senior
A battle-tested veteran and four-year letterman at middle linebacker who serves as the heart an...
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