St. Edward Eagles Dominates Ohio High School Football Awards
St. Edward High School has received top honors in Ohio high school football. The team secured both Division I Coach of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards. These accolades recognize an outstanding 2021 season.
Coach Lombardo Earns Top Recognition
Tom Lombardo, St. Edward’s head coach, was named Division I Coach of the Year. He led the Eagles to a 15-1 overall record. The team also captured the Division I state championship. This marks his third state title, and second with St. Edward. His leadership proved instrumental in the team’s success.
Watson Named Defensive Player of the Year
Senior defensive lineman Desmond Watson earned Division I Defensive Player of the Year. Watson was a dominant force on the field. He recorded 10.5 sacks during the season. He also had 18.5 tackles for loss. Watson finished with 60 total tackles. His performance significantly contributed to St. Edward’s strong defense.
All-Ohio Selections Highlight Team Depth
Several other St. Edward players received All-Ohio honors. Senior offensive lineman Carson Rummel was a First Team All-Ohio selection. Junior quarterback Casey Bullock earned Second Team All-Ohio recognition. Senior linebacker Wyatt Gedeon also made the Second Team. These selections underscore the team’s talent across multiple positions.
Further demonstrating the team’s depth, honorable mentions went to several Eagles. These included senior defensive back Jonathan Slaper. Senior defensive lineman Jack Laux was also recognized. Additionally, senior offensive linemen Michael and Max Hartman received honorable mentions. These awards reflect a strong collective effort.
Other Division I Stars Recognized
Beyond St. Edward, other talented players across Ohio were honored. Ben Fought, a senior running back from Toledo Whitmer, was named Division I Offensive Player of the Year. Fought was a key player for his team. His season performance stood out among offensive talents statewide.
The First Team All-Ohio offensive lineup featured several standout athletes. Luke Montgomery, an offensive lineman from Findlay, was included. Running backs Elijah Brown (Massillon Washington) and Miki Clinton (Cleveland Heights) also made the team. Receivers Will Butler (Toledo Whitmer) and Tee Hippenhammer (Concordia) were honored. Tommy Dunn (St. Ignatius) at tight end and Ben Hartman (Toledo Whitmer) at quarterback completed the offensive roster.
On the defensive side, First Team All-Ohio included top players from various schools. Defensive backs Alex Afari (Lakota West), Jaydan Stover (Dublin Coffman), and Jaivian Norman (Springfield) were recognized. Linebackers Gabe Powers (Marysville), C.J. Hicks (Lakota West), Brady O’Keefe (Mentor), and Kyle Perelka (Medina) also received honors. Defensive linemen Mason Williams (Princeton) and Trey Pace (St. Xavier) completed the Division I defensive first team.
Widespread Recognition Across Divisions
The Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association (OPSWA) announced awards across all seven divisions. While St. Edward’s dominated Division I, many other schools and athletes were celebrated. These statewide honors recognize excellence in high school football throughout Ohio. The awards highlight the impressive talent and dedication seen across all divisions.
