After the third week of the season, new names begin to contend for the 2023 Matt Wilhelm Award.
The award is given to The Morning Journal’s football player of the year. It is named after the former star of the Elyria Catholic Panthers and Ohio State Buckeyes. He won a BCS national championship in college and the Super Bowl with the Packers during his seven-year NFL career.
This list is fluid and can change from week to week. Players are listed in alphabetical order.
RB J.R. Bires, Jr., Amherst: The quarterback, running back duo of Bires and Cole Norris continue to shine in the first three weeks. Bires rushed for 166 yards and a touchdown to defeat North Olmsted, 41-13, on the road.
RB Jakorion Caffey, Sr., Avon: So often this season, Caffey forces teams to stack the box to contain. Avon is doing its best to get its best weapon involved in other ways. Against Glenville, he rushed for 73 yards and caught five passes for 96 yards and scored a touchdown. Avon won, 24-16.
RB Marco Cirigliano, Sr., Columbia: Cirigliano did not repeat his school record-breaking rushing performance against Northwestern last year. This year, he rushed for 248 yards and four touchdowns.
QB Cy Christensen, So., Clearview: Clearview did not have to throw the ball as much against John Hay, which they defeated, 34-6. Christensen threw for 86 yards and a pair of touchdown passes and interceptions.
RB Nick DiSalvo, Sr., Rocky River: DiSalvo has totaled over 600 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. Rocky River’s offense hit a speed bump in a 59-28 loss to Sandusky Perkins. However, he was the Pirates’ best weapon with 173 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
QB Nolan Good, So. Jr., Avon: Good makes his first appearance on the watch list. He played a pivotal role in Avon ending Glenville’s 17- game winning streak. Good rushed for 87 yards on the ground and threw for 224 yards and three touchdowns.
QB Julian Patti, Sr., Rocky River: Perkins was the first team to contain Rocky River’s offense this season. Patti completed 53.7% of his passes for 259 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
WR/DB Cooper Rummel, Sr., Westlake: The three-headed monster of quarterback Sam Brucchieri, running back Matthew Porcelli and Rummel continue to showcase their abilities. However, Rummel stood out in a 35-34 win at Warrensville Heights. He caught 11 passes for 70 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also deflected the Tigers’ last offensive play in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
RB John Salaman, Sr., Lorain: Lorain suffered its first loss of the season to Sandusky, 30-23. Against the Blue Streaks, Salaman rushed 27 times for 137 yards and a touchdown. He has broken the 500-yard milestone in three games and scored six rushing touchdowns.
ATH Charlie Steinmetz, Jr., North Ridgeville: After North Ridgeville’s last-second win over North Royalton, Steinmetz and running back Zack Barnhart remain as the top two offensive producers. However, Steinmetz leads the team with 492 yards from scrimmage. Steinmetz and Barnhart each have four touchdowns.
WR/DB Luke Stuewe, Jr., Avon Lake: Chardon’s defense limited the Shoremen to 10 points and Stuewe’s numbers took a toll in the race to the award. He caught three passes for 74 yards. Stuewe averages over 19 yards per reception.
