As the summer heat fades and the first whistles echo across the fields, high school football teams in Tuscarawas County and the surrounding region are gearing up for the 2026 season. Practice began this week, and the excitement is palpable as coaches finalize rosters and fans mark their calendars for the opening games that will set the tone for the year.
Key Players to Watch
The local media has compiled a list of the top 52 players to watch, blending a ranked top‑11 with an alphabetical roll‑call of 41 additional standouts. The rankings reflect a mixture of statistical dominance, leadership qualities and the potential to influence team success.
Leading the conversation is Jaxon Jones, a 6‑foot‑4 senior quarterback from Malvern. He hopes to build on a strong previous season, aiming to boost his passing yards and touchdown total and to guide the Hornets back to a winning record.
Close behind, Dover’s junior quarterback Dieter Weber has already set a school record for completion percentage, hitting 76% last year. His precision and poise under pressure make him a focal point for the Eagles’ offensive scheme.
Defensively, Martin Hernandez of Newcomerstown earned first‑team honors in the IVC’s North Division after posting 58 tackles and 4.5 sacks. His relentless pursuit of the ball adds a critical edge to the crew’s defense.
Mason Shalosky, a senior linebacker and running back from Newcomerstown, contributed 84 tackles and 674 rushing yards last season, showcasing a rare blend of offensive firepower and defensive grit.
Titan Peterman, a senior from Indian Valley, helped his team amass 4,061 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns, a testament to his blocking prowess and the squad’s explosive ground game.
Carson McGarry, a senior linebacker from Dover, recorded 100 tackles a season ago, anchoring a defense that aims to tighten up in the upcoming schedule.
Caleb Crowthers of New Philadelphia added 120 tackles and five sacks, positioning him as one of the most feared pass‑rushers in the area.
Ryker Williams, the Indian Valley quarterback, threw for 1,283 yards and 15 touchdowns last year, displaying a strong arm and quick decision‑making that have drawn praise from coaches.
Ryan Becker, a senior from Strasburg, logged 50 total tackles while also catching 660 receiving yards, illustrating his all‑purpose role.
Keizer Thomas, another Strasburg standout, tallied 102 tackles and 803 rushing yards, underscoring his importance to the team’s offensive rhythm.
Kaden Leggett, the senior quarterback from Conotton Valley, posted 3,084 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, numbers that place him among the most prolific signal‑callers in recent memory.
Beyond the headline names, the remaining 41 players are listed alphabetically, reflecting the depth of talent across schools such as Sandy Valley, Carrollton, Tusky Valley and Garaway. Each brings a unique skill set that could shape pivotal moments.
With the first games on the horizon, the community looks forward to seeing how these athletes translate preseason promise into on‑field impact. The early contests will not only test their readiness but also set the narrative for the rest of the season.