WHEELING - Ohio head coach Eric Schumacher expects his offense to put the ball up often during the 67th-annual Rudy Mumley Ohio Valley Athletic Conference All-Star Charity Football Classic on July 29 at Wheeling Island Stadium.
The Conotton Valley mentor feels with the quarterbacks the Buckeyes boast and the talented group of receivers on the perimeter, the Ohioans could rack up some yardage on the flanks.
"The receivers are a good group," Schumacher said. "The best thing about them is they all catch the ball well. We wanted kids who ran good routes and could catch almost everything coming their way. These guys all did the fundamental things."
Along with the pure receivers on the squad, Schumacher expects to shift some guys to the outside who didn't play there for their respective high school teams, but they are quality athletes who can make plays.
"We're going to run a couple of different things," Schumacher said. "We're going to spread it out and mix things up to best use the abilities of our skill players."
Here's a capsule look at the players:
BRANNT PIENIAZEK, Steubenville Catholic Central - This former Crusader had a big season on both sides of the ball for Coach Steve Daley's team last season.
The 5-11, 168-pounder made 39 receptions for 786 yards and 10 touchdowns. On the defensive side, Pieniazek made 73 tackles, had three sacks and three tackles for loss.
For his efforts, Pieniazek was first-team all-district, all-county and all-OVAC.
Along with football, Pieniazek was a member of the Crusaders' basketball and baseball teams. He was also a four-year member of the Key Club.
The son of Bridget and Brian Pieniazek of Wintersville plans to attend Slippery Rock University.
ZANE AYOUCH, Union Local - This former Jet had back-to-back highly productive seasons in Mark Cisar's pass-happy offense.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pounder caught 73 passes for 1,037 yards and eight touchdowns. As a junior, he caught 36 passes for 441 yards and four scores. He was also a standout in the secondary with two picks, two fumble recoveries, 38 tackles and two forced fumbles.
Ayouch was a first-team all-OVAC, all-district and all-Buckeye 8.
The son of John and Anita McCormick of Bethesda will attend Capital University to play football.
TYLER FITZPATRICK, Barnesville - This rangy tight end was a solid option for coach Luke Johnson's Shamrocks.
The 6-5, 215-pounder made 32 catches for 464 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, Fitzpatrick had 123 tackles, including 46 for loss. He also recorded six sacks.
Fitzpatrick was a first-team all-district and all-OVAC.
Along with football, Fitzpatrick was a standout for the Shamrocks' basketball team.
The son of Troy and Melissa Fitzpatrick of Barnesville will attend Edinboro University to play football.
CORY KOTOPKA, St. Clairsville - This former Red Devil had a standout season for coach Brett McLean's Red Devils despite missing part of the early season with an injury.
The 6-2, 200-pounder was also a standout in the defensive secondary as he captured three letters for the Red Devils.
Kotopka was a second-team all-district selection.
Along with football, Kotopka was a standout on the baseball field for a Red Devils' squad, which advanced to the Division III regional final.
The son of Mike and Debra Kotopka plans to attend Capital University.
TYREL SIMMONS, Martins Ferry - This former Purple Rider starred at tailback for coach Dave Bruney's club last season.
The 6-3, 205-pounder was the Purple Riders' leading rusher with 213 carries for 1,296 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was also a standout as a defensive back at his safety spot.
Simmons was a first-team all-Ohioan, all-OVAC, all-Buckeye 8 and was chosen to play in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game.
The son of Andrew and Lisa Simmons of Martins Ferry is undecided about his collegiate plans.
MARKY THOMPKINS, East Liverpool - This former Potter is expected to play a hybrid-type position after playing a bevy of positions during his prep career.
The 6-0, 175-pounder played most of his career at quarterback. Along with football, Thompkins was a standout in basketball.
The son of Karrine and Brent Parson of East Liverpool will attend Geneva College.
