Rising Stars Set to Shape the Season
The Tony Fisher Award, named for a former standout from Euclid who later shone at Notre Dame and in the NFL, stands as the premier recognition for Ohio’s top high school football player each year.
Presented in late November, the award now begins its preseason watch list, spotlighting early candidates who could shape the upcoming season and potentially earn the honor.
Among the highlighted seniors is Yomar Castellano of Harvey, who last year caught 55 passes for 888 yards and 18 touchdowns while also contributing four interceptions on defense.
Brogan Jones, the senior quarterback from Mentor, returns as the unquestioned offensive leader of the Cardinals, having thrown for over 2,100 yards and 21 touchdowns in the previous season.
Bo Brandehoff of Riverside, who amassed more than 1,200 passing yards last year, is expected to build on that success with a strong returning receiving corps that should amplify his impact.
Zander Perko from Kirtland earned first‑team All‑Ohio honors as a linebacker with over 100 tackles and will now add running back duties, underscoring his versatility.
Other notable names include Ethan Burge of Kenston, who missed most of the prior season due to injury but is now fully healthy and poised to reach the 1,000‑yard rushing milestone; Charlie Mallett of Hawken, who set a local record with 115 receptions for 1,251 yards and 16 touchdowns; and Dominic Gephart of Madison, who is slated to handle quarterback, defensive back, punting and kicking duties.
Veteran standouts such as Kei’Shjuan Telfair from Euclid, who recorded 29 catches for 600 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior while also returning kicks for scores, further enrich the talent pool.
The award’s history includes past winners like Bart Tanski (2007), Mike Hanhauser (2008) and Scotty Fox (2024), illustrating a legacy of recognizing elite Ohio talent.
Commitments to Louisville by Munir Lewis of Brush and D’Angelo White of VASJ signal that additional dynamic players will continue to dominate on both sides of the ball.
Logan Berwald of Mentor, the Cardinals’ top returning receiving threat, and Carter Hopkins of Perry, who overcame a hip injury to potentially become a 1,000‑yard rusher and 100‑tackle linebacker, round out a deep and competitive list.
As the preseason watch list unfolds, coaches, analysts and fans alike anticipate a fierce battle for the Tony Fisher Award, promising a season filled with standout performances and unforgettable moments.