A historic matchup
Brett McLean, a veteran coach who once played in the OVAC All‑Star Football Game, now stands on the sidelines guiding his son Sam, a quarterback who earned one of two Ohio spots for the 80th edition of the showcase.
Sam McLean capped his high school career with a 60.5 percent completion rate, more than 1,500 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, leading his team to an 8‑4 record and a playoff appearance before committing to Washington & Jefferson College.
The father‑son pairing is unprecedented in the All‑Star Game’s history, marking the first time a father coaches his son while the son also competes as a player, a milestone that underscores the deep family ties to Ohio football.
Sam says he feels no extra pressure playing for his father, crediting Brett for much of his development, while Brett expresses excitement about the rare opportunity to coach his son on the same field where he once chased his own dreams.