Riverside’s football team came into the season with one playoff victory. The Pirates now have three postseason victories after advancing to the regional semifinals this fall.
Two of the big reasons for the Pirates’ success, head coach Bryce Hodge and star running back Kale Long, were recognized for their contributions by being named the Division VII coach and offensive player of the year on the all-Southwest District football team.
The all-Southwest District teams, voted on by a panel of media members who cover teams in the district, were released Tuesday evening.
Long, a special mention all-Ohio selection last year as a junior, enjoyed an incredible final season this fall.
Moving from quarterback to tailback, the 5-11, 195-pounder piled up 2,338 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns on 237 carries. He averaged 9.9 yards per carry and 233.8 yards per game. He led the state of Ohio in rushing yards regardless of division and went over 300 yards in three games.
Long set school records for rushing yards in a season, rushing touchdowns in a season, rushing yards in a game and total touchdowns in a season.
“This is an awesome honor for Kale,” said Hodge. “It validates everything he accomplished this season and in his career. Bryce was hurt as a sophomore and then he played quarterback for us last season and had a great season. This year he moved to running back and he was phenomenal for us.
“Kale would be the first one to thank his offensive line for opening holes for him. One of the biggest keys for us this year was the improvement of our offensive line. Kale would not have been able to have the season he did if it wasn’t for the improvement those guys up front made.”
Hodge, in his second season as head coach, led the squad to an 8-2 record. The Pirates recorded playoff wins over Lockland and Tri-Village, which was ranked second in the state at the time. Riverside was defeated by powerhouse Marion Local in the regional semifinals.
“I feel very honored and I am appreciative, but the credit needs to go to our kids and our assistant coaches,” said Hodge of his coach of the year honor. “We couldn’t have done this if we didn’t have great kids and a great staff of coaches.”
Long was one of 11 local players to be named to the first team in their respective divisions.
Joining Long on the Division VII first team were teammates Max Stephens and Deven Frilling.
Stephens, a senior, spearheaded an offensive line that opened big holes for Long.
A junior, Frilling was outstanding at his defensive back spot. He picked off eight passes and had 46 tackles.
The Pirates were represented on the Division VII honorable mention list by junior Dylan Smith, sophomore Walker Whitaker and senior Kyle Robinson.
There were six area players selected to the first team in Division V.
That group included Benjamin Logan’s Aden Neely (defensive line) and Kainan Stoner (running back), Indian Lake’s Lane Mefford (linebacker), Luke Jackson (defensive back) and Logan Evans (offensive line) and West Liberty-Salem’s Nick Burden (wide receiver).
Earning second-team honors in Division V were WL-Salem’s Christian Griffith (quarterback), Isaiah McGill (linebacker) and Jace Wade (wide receiver), Ben Logan’s Gabe Hemmelgarn (offensive line) and Indian Lake’s Brandan Rettig (offensive line).
In Division VI, Triad saw wide receiver Ayden Sanford and defensive lineman Isiah Leasure land on the first-team.
The Cardinals’ Coleman Hauck and Chase Hecker were honorable mention selections.
Bellefontaine was represented on the Division III second team by wide receiver Jaeden Campbell, while the Chiefs’ Connor Rose and Ethan Moore were honorable mention picks.
The all-district teams are listed on pages 12 and 13.