Kings senior quarterback Jensen Gebhardt committed to Lindsey Wilson this morning, according to Kings coach Andy Olds.
Gebhardt, who is 6 feet 4 and 200 pounds, also has offer from Tiffin and Notre Dame College.
Gebhardt threw for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season. The Knights were a Division II regional finalist.
Jensen will join Knight Alumni in Action Trey Knecht on the Blue Raider squad!
The Kings Football 2011 team continues to garnish awards for their past season.
Nick Bird, Sean Horan, and Tommy Schnee all were selected First Team Academic All Ohio for 2012.
Tommy Schnee won the D2 Defensive Linemen of the Year from the Anthony Munoz Foundation and Kennedy won the D2 Offensive lineman of the year as well. This makes 2 years in a row for both guys!
Last night at the annual Tri State FB awards program, Kings FB took home the most awards. Culminating the night was Kings FB winning the “”Team of the Year” award over the like of ,Moeller, St. Xavier and Colerain ! We had 7 players receive recognition! RB Jamire Westbrook and T.E. Nick Bird were selected as 1st team offense. Defensive tackle Brady Vanover, kicker Evan Berg, and defensive back Justin Crull were selected as second team. Offensive guard Kennedy Cook and linebacker Sean Horan earned third team awards.
And this a.m., the All City Enquirer Team was announced! Again, Kings FB got a lot of ink with different levels of recognition including Jamire as D2 Player of the Year for D2 for the second year. Coach Andy Olds was named D2 Coach of the Year. Nick Bird was selected 1st Team offense at T.E. while Brady Vanover, D.E. Max Demumbrum, and L.B. Sean Horan made 1st Team for the defense. Players earning honorable mention were Kennedy Cook, Justin Crull, Austin Copeland, Zac Hildebrandt, Jensen Gebhardt, Nick Wolf, and Tommy Schnee.
In December, Southwest Ohio Football Coaches association named 11 Knights the Coaches All-City team! Defensive members include: DL 1st Team – Brady Vanover, Tommy Schnee. 2nd Team – Max Demumbrum LB 1st Team – Sean Horan. 2nd Team - Austin Copeland DB 2nd Team Justin Crull, Zach Hildebrand. Offensive members include: RB 1st Jamire Westbrook, QB 1st Jensen Gebhardt, TE 1st Nick Bird, OL 1st Kennedy Cook, Nick Wolf and 2nd Team - Ryan Anthony. Evan Berg represented Special Teams as the 1st team Kicker.
Lastly, Senior Sean Horan has been selected as a finalist for one of the most prestigious awards in all high school sports in the state of Ohio, the annual “That’s My Boy”award. This award is based on success in the classroom, on the athletic field! And involvement in the community. Other Kings Football Players players to receive this honor have been Zac Murphy, Chris Maxwell, and Jesse Imes. Division 2 Ohio Offensive Player of the Year, Brad Maurer won the award in 2003.
Coach Andy Olds earned the AP’s All-Ohio Coach of the Year award. Coach Olds is joined on the All State team by Second Team All-Ohio Running Back Jamire Westbrook, Defensive Lineman Brady Vanover and Third Team All-Ohio Kicker Evan Berg and Linebacker Sean Horan. Kennedy Cook earned Special Mention All-Ohio.
DIVISION II
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The 2011 Associated Press Division II All-Ohio high school football team, based on the recommendations of a state media panel:
Offensive player of the year: Michael Simpson, Trotwood-Madison.
Defensive players of the year: Billy Skerkavich, Madison; Deon’tae Moore, Akron Kenmore.
Coaches of the year: Chris McFarland, Norwalk; Andy Olds, Kings Mills Kings.
First Team
OFFENSE: Ends_Kyle Nowlin, Cin. Harrison, 6-0, 205, sr.; Robby Buckwald, Lodi Cloverleaf, 6-1, 190, jr.; Matt Eckhardt, Avon, 5-11, 185, sr.. Linemen_Damon Dillard, Cols. Marion-Franklin, 6-5, 345, jr.; Taylor Decker, Vandalia-Butler, 6-8, 315, sr.; Anthony Stanko, Warren Howland, 6-5, 290, sr.; Troy Watson, Aurora, 6-6, 285, sr; Mike Brown, Sandusky, 6-3, 272, sr. Quarterbacks_Corry Benson, Cols. Marion-Franklin, 6-0, 187, jr.; Nathan Stock, Dresden Tri-Valley, 6-3, 185, jr.; Justin O’Rourke, Avon, 5-10, 165, sr.; Jake Schneider, Maumee, 5-10, 175, sr.; Tra Chapman, Kent Roosevelt, 6-2, 200, jr.; Michael Simpson, Trotwood-Madison, 6-3, 205, sr. Backs_Fred Lee, Cols. West, 5-5, 145, sr.; Israel Green, Trotwood-Madison, 5-9, 200, jr.; Aregeros Turner, Copley, 5-11, 180, jr.; Connor Pickens, Wapakoneta, 6-0, 215, sr. Kickers_Jimmy Gammill, New Albany, 6-1, 180, sr.; Ross Martin, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit, 5-10, 183, sr.
DEFENSE: Linemen_Terrell Jackson, Cols. Marion-Franklin, 6-3, 271, sr.; Micah Carter, Perrysburg, 5-9, 230, sr.; Jimmy Rousher, Canfield, 6-3, 255, sr.; Jon Perrin, Tol. Cent. Cath., 6-1, 305, jr. Linebackers_Dakota Hill, New Philadelphia, 5-10 200, jr.; Billy Skerkavich, Madison, 6-0, 205, sr.; Deon’tae Moore, Akron Kenmore, 6-3, 205, jr.; Mike McCray, Trotwood-Madison, 6-4, 230, jr. Backs_George “Bam” Bradley, Trotwood-Madison, 6-2, 215, sr.; Troy Robinson, Cols. Mifflin, 5-9, 165, sr.; Cameron Burrows, Trotwood-Madison, 6-1, 190, jr.; Taurice Scott, Alliance, 5-10, 165, sr.; Alex Kocheff, Chagrin Falls Kenston, 5-11, 180, sr. Punter_Anthony Melchiori, Aurora, 6-0, 190, sr.
Second Team
OFFENSE: Ends_Dameyion Smith, Sandusky, 5-10, 160, sr.; Tucker Linder, Tallmadge, 6-4, 205, sr.; Greg Harrison, Avon, 6-1, 235, sr.; Marquise Jones, Ashland, 6-0, 160, sr.; Ian McFarland, Zanesville, 5-9, 155, sr. Linemen_Trent Fielding, Sunbury Big Walnut, 6-3, 275, sr.; Paul Barrow, New Philadelphia, 6-1, 215, sr.; Lawrence Mosley, Trotwood-Madison, 6-2, 230, jr.; Thomas Scarberry, Madison, 6-4, 250, sr.; Chris Schwartz, Wapakoneta, 6-0, 220, sr. Quarterbacks_Lucas Poggiali, Sandusky, 6-2, 187, sr.; Wes Hudson, Zanesville, 5-11, 180, sr. Backs_Jamal Johnson, New Philadelphia, 5-6, 160, soph.; Jamire Westbrook, Kings Mills Kings, 5-10, 195, sr.; De’Veon, Smith, Warren Howland, 6-0, 215, jr.; Marquis Winston, Sandusky, 5-7, 175, sr. Kickers_Matthew Amicone, Dresden Tri-Valley, 5-7, 170, sr.; Greg Gallaway, Ashland, 5-10, 160, sr.
DEFENSE: Linemen_Vincent Meck, Cols. Brookhaven, 6-0, 238, sr.; Brady Vanover, Kings Mills Kings, 6-0, 220, jr.; Chris Beal, Tallmadge, 6-1, 245, sr.; Arlington McClinton, Grafton Midview, 6-6, 230, sr. Linebackers_Corey Paulino, Uniontown Lake, 6-3, 206, sr.; Matt Tomlin, Avon, 5-11, 190, sr.; Evan Karchner, Maumee, 5-11, 225, sr.; Dillon Headrick, Akron Coventry, 6-0, 195, jr. Backs_Kevin Kraft, Wapakoneta, 6-0, 170, sr.; Jacob Mullins, Avon, 5-11, 170, sr.; Josh Griffin, Cols. West, 5-10, 165, jr.; Jordan Italiano, Canfield, 5-11, 205, sr.; Jayme Thompson, Tol. Cent. Cath., 6-1, 180, jr. Punter_Adam Horrocks, Avon, 5-11, 165, sr.
Third Team
OFFENSE: Ends_Eric Lauer, Grafton Midview, 6-3, 185, jr.; Jonah Boyer, Tiffin Columbian, 5-9, 165, sr.; Jeremy Fivecoait, Vincent Warren, 6-3, 210, sr. Linemen_Reno Reda, Pataskala Watkins Memorial, 6-6, 250, sr.; Jon Cipa, Tallmadge, 6-4, 290, sr.; Cole Lautzenheiser, Louisville, 6-3, 308, sr.; David Gilchrist, Grafton Midview, 6-4, 245, sr.; Carter Mullins, Tiffin Columbian, 6-0, 260, sr. Quarterback_Cody Callaway, Grafton Midview, 6-1, 170, soph. Backs_Austin Jones, Dresden Tri-Valley, 5-9, 185, jr.; Aaron Male, Akron Ellet, 5-10, 175, sr.; Brock Jones, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit, 5-10, 190, sr.; Ross Douglas, Avon, 5-10, 175, jr. Kickers_Evan Berg, Kings Mills Kings, 6-1, 195, jr.; Brad Young, Avon, 5-9, 155, sr.
DEFENSE: Linemen_Thomas Dexter, Canal Winchester, 6-2, 200, sr.; Joshmere Dawson, Akron East, 6-0, 240, sr. Linebackers_Sean Horan, Kings Mills Kings, 5-11, 210, sr.; J.T. Haughey, Aurora, 6-2, 205, sr.; Cody Thompson, Mansfield Madison, 6-2, 220, sr.; Brendan Wilson, Wapakoneta, 5-10, 170, sr. Backs_Stefan Willis, Akron Firestone, 6-0, 170, sr.; Rich Graves, Kent Roosevelt, 5-7, 175, sr.; Tristen Jeffries, Sandusky, 6-1, 183, sr.; Christian Watkins, N. Ridgeville, 6-0, 190, sr. Punter_Gio Masi, Lexington, 5-9, 148, soph.
AREA SPECIAL MENTION
Jesse McCann, Wilmington; Kennedy Cook, Kings; Kevin Richardson, Piqua; Frank Heimkreiter, Ross; Trevon Williams-Brown, Trotwood-Madison; Cody Lotton, Ross.
Game Summary: Recap
Coach Olds Corner: Fight the Good Fight
WKNG Radio: Archive
External News Coverage: Pulse-Journal | Pulse-Journal Photo Gallery | Cincinnati Enquirer | Cincinnati Enquirer Photo Gallery | Tri State Football
(Football by Kelcey – Photo Contributed by Kelcey Cook)
Out of town and can’t make it live listen to WKNG Radio: WKNG Live Broadcast Link
Set your DVR before leaving for the game: The Kings vs. Trotwood game will air on Time Warner Cable channel 99 at 11 PM on Friday and 5PM on Saturday Click to learn about Time Warner Channel 99 broadcasting times
Pre-game Ticket Sales: $7.00 in advance. A portion of the pre-sale money goes directly back to the Kings athletic program, so please buy your ticket early! All tickets are $9.00 at the gate. Tickets on sale at Athletic Department Office until 3:30PM Friday.
Directions: Friday’s game is at Welcome Stadium on the campus of the University of Dayton. Click for Google Maps for directions.
Parking/Seating: Parking is $3.00. Kings will be the visiting team Friday night, Knights fans will sit in the East Stands (opposite the pressbox). The East side stands seats 5904, but we can squeeze in 6000 if needed! Come out Friday night and support your Knights!
External Pre-Game: Pulse -Journal Cincinnati Enquirer | WCPO TV
Playoff Brackets: JJ Huddle Brackets
Kings High School senior Zach Hilderbrand has caught 29 passes for 439 yards this season, including five for 100 yards in last week’s 24-0 win over Turpin. See Scott Haye’s article in the Pulse-Journal.
In a rematch of the 2010 Region 8 Championship game, Kings takes on the Trotwood-Madison Rams this Friday night at Dayton’s Welcome Stadium, game time 7:30 pm. The battle of unbeatens features the Division II #1 ranked Rams versus #2 Kings for the right to represent Region 8 in the state tournament.
Pre-Game
Head Coach: Maurice Douglas (75-42, eleventh season @ Trotwood)
2010 Record: 12-3, 4-0, GWOC-North Champion, Division II State Runner-up
2011 Record: 12-0, 4-0, GWOC-North Champion
Trotwood enters the Championship game highly touted and for good reason. The Rams ran the table in 2011, defeating their opponents by an average score of 42-15. According to Coach Douglas the winning game plan is a simple one - “We want to play each and every play the way we’ve played all year. Play fast, play hard and play physical.” It has served them well. The Rams also expect to strike early and often. Over the last four weeks Trotwood has outscored their opponents 82-3 in the first quarter, including a four-touchdown scoring blitz in the first five minutes against Ross. The Rams have delivered under pressure too. Their closest margin of victory came against Piqua, a 26-23 victory, in a game in which Trotwood scored the winning touchdown with just 14 seconds left.
Offense: The Rams opened the season with a few questions on offense due to the graduation of several key skill-position players. Those questions were quickly answered in the form of transfer QB Michael Simpson (3,216 yards and 26 TD’s while attending Chaminade-Julienne) and the emergence of RB Israel Green. In 2011 Simpson has thrown for over 2,000 yards with 25 TD’s and only 6 INT’s. He gets great protection up front with an experienced line led by Jordan Ashe and LJ Mosley that has surrendered just 17 sacks all year. RB Green has rushed for over 1,300 yards with 17 TD’s while averaging nearly 10 yards/carry. His backfield mate, RB Ashton Jackson has racked up over 800 yards with 14 TD’s. When Simpson drops back his favorite targets have been Trai Mobley (45 receptions, 7 TD’s) and Dalin Byrd. When the Rams need a big play though, watch for his big TE, Michael McCray, to get the ball (24 receptions, 9 TD’s). As a team, the Rams average an impressive 450 yards per game in total offense, with a Run/Pass balance of 56/44, the most balanced offense the Knights have faced so far.
Special Teams: Kicker Eric Copsy is 45/59 on X/P’s and 0/1 on FG attempts this year. Trotwood has used a few different punters this year but as a team averages around 31 yards per attempt.
Defense: The Rams bring the GWOC’s number 1-rated defense to the game, surrendering 255 yards per contest. The defense is led by Bam Bradley, a Second-Team All-Ohio selection last season. Bradley leads the team in tackles and has 3 INT’s this year. He’s joined in the secondary by Cameron Burrows and Reon Dawson, each with three interceptions as well. Treyvon Williams-Brown leads the Rams in sacks from his DL position. Trotwood has size, strength, and speed on this side of the ball and uses it effectively, forcing 25 turnovers in 2011. In their 1st round play-off game against Ross the Rams blocked two punts, returning one for a score. Michael McCray recorded two interceptions last week (a third was nullified by penalty) versus Wapakoneta, returning one 75-yards for a touchdown.
Team Comparisons:
Congratulations to the Knights recognized by the Associated Press for the 2011 Associated Press Southwest All-District football teams:
Coach of the Year: Andy Olds
1st Team: Kennedy Cook - Offensive Line, Jamire Westbrook – Running Back, Evan Berg – Kicker, Brady Vanover – Defensive Line, Sean Horan – Linebacker
Honorable Mention: Zach Hilderbrand – Wide Receiver
First Team players will also be eligible for the AP All-State team announced in the next few weeks.
Click Western-Star to see the entire list of Divison 1-6 All-District players.
The Knights will play Region 8 rival, Trotwood Madison in a rematch of last years Regional Championship Game on Friday November 18th at 7:30 at Welcome Stadium, University of Dayton. Click Welcome Stadium Directions for Google Maps link supplied by the OHSAA.
Pre-sale tickets for the event will go on sale on Wednesday this week. Tickets will be on sale Wednesday and Thursday at the High School Athletic Office from 7am – 5:00 pm each day. Tickets will be on sale on Friday from 7am – 3:30pm. Pre-Sale tickets are $7.00. A portion of the pre-sale money goes directly back to Kings to support the athletic program, so please buy your ticket early! No passes will be accepted. This includes employee badges, Kings Season Passes, FAVC Passes or others.
Playoff T-shirts are also available here at the High School via the spirit shop. Costs of the t-shirts are $10.00.
We look forward to your continued support for the Knights in the Regional Championship on Friday night!
Knight Nation, Thank you for your letters last week. The players and coaches appreciate the community’s overwhelming support this year! Enjoy this video put together by an old friend that shows how you plastered the locker room and hall ways before last Friday’s game.
You can still send words of encouragement to the team via KelceyCook@gmail.com for this weeks game.
Game Summary: Recap
Coach Olds Corner: Timing is Everything
WKNG Radio: Archive
External News Coverage: Pulse-Journal | Pulse-Journal Photo Gallery | Cincinnati Enquirer | Tri State Football
External TV Coverage: Blitz 5 | Fox 19 | Local 12
Photo Gallery: Mindseye Facebook Album | Full Album
Vote Jamire Westbrook: WLWT Fastest Play of the Game
