Dublin Coffman quarterback Zack Stoudt and Hilliard Darby linebacker B.J. Machen were late bloomers, therefore placing themselves behind the eight-ball in their college recruitment.
The predicament was nothing that performance, technology and team success couldn't overcome, however.
Stoudt, the offensive player of the year on the Dispatch All-Metro team, never started a game until his senior season. He made it a memorable one, though, passing for 3,545 yards and 34 touchdowns in leading Coffman (13-1) to a whisker of the Division I state title game.
"Since most colleges put their recruiting lists together when players are juniors, it's a little frustrating, especially for a quarterback, because it's the most difficult position to learn and excel at and most programs only take one," said Stoudt, the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Cliff.
Pittsburgh, Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green are the only programs so far to offer a scholarship to the strong-armed 6-foot-4, 205-pounder, but coach Mark Crabtree is in the process of sending films to others.
"To be honest, the numbers Zack put up were a pleasant surprise," Crabtree said. "He has grown into the position as quickly as any quarterback I've had. He isn't quite there yet, but he has the ability and work ethic to make a really big impact at the next level."
Stoudt said he will hold off making college visits until the list of potential suitors is complete.
"I was very fortunate to be surrounded by a lot of talent, but at the same time high expectations followed us all season long," he said. "I imagined having this kind of season; we all hoped for it. You always want to go one step further, but getting to the final four is nothing to be disappointed about."
Machen, a 6-2, 215-pounder, is the team's defensive player of the year. He received few accolades during a solid junior season but won over recruiters with an impressive highlight tape. He committed to Georgia Tech last summer.
"We saw flashes of his ability last year, but when we made his highlight tape it absolutely knocked people over," Darby coach Paul Jenne said. "After that, he had over 25 offers."
He further had a sensational senior season, averaging 13 tackles per game in leading Darby (11-2) to a Division I regional final. It was the Panthers' first playoff appearance.
"I did a lot of running, cutting my 40 time down a full two-tenths, and it allowed me to play a lot faster," Machen said. "It was an amazing senior year, not just for myself, but for the team. The seniors can always say they were part of history."
Tim Brown of Groveport was selected coach of the year for the team. Schools in Franklin and its six contiguous counties are eligible.
Brown guided a downtrodden program without a winning season since 1988 to a playoff berth, a first-ever playoff victory and an 8-4 record.
He did so using creative ways to increase his roster from 34 players to 86.
"I told the administration to give me five years to turn things around and this is the culmination of that plan," Brown said. "There were times I kind of doubted that we'd get it done, with failing levies and such.
"It was pretty rough at times, but we stayed patient and the seniors pulled us out of the bottom. They worked hard to help us recruit kids and spread the word. They can leave here proud that we're not doormats any more."
