Santo and Greenwood .....Tale of Two Athletes

Kirtland's Rossi Santo and Lake Catholic's Randy Greenwood will start of the year in a virtual tie for Northeast Ohio High School Player of the Year. Randy won it last year based on a very solid season and YES, post-season was taken into consideration. Randy played 5 positions throughout the season as well. Both players also earned the Global Intermed "Shut Up and Play the Game!" GameDay MVP awards during the season.


"Shut Up and Play the Game!"

The smaller Santo also put together a stellar season. In fact he scored more touchdowns than any other player north of Columbus. His 27 overall touchdowns were the most in ANY division. Three of those were via the interception, of which Rossi had 6 total (14 for his career).

Between these two high school seniors there is one descriptor that first comes to mind when you watch them play, HEART. Both are fast and elusive. Greenwood has a somewhat stronger running style while Santo uses speed and elusiveness as his main weapons along with an incredible ability to see the whole field. Using his blockers, finding ways through and around seemingly closed running lanes earned him the nickname "The Salamander" from his head coach Tiger LaVerde.


"The Salamander" makes his way through the line for a big gain

If we were to pin a nickname on Randy Greenwood it would be "Mr. Everything" having looked very comfortable last season at running back, defensive back, punter, receiver and even quarterback. Cougars' coach Mike Bell knows he can expect great things and stands a good chance of winning when it's crunch time and the ball is in Randy's hands.


Randy Greenwood stiffarms a Rocky River defender in the 2007 playoffs

Their respective teams may not meet in a regular season match-up, but that sure would be a classic match-up. Both are the heart and soul of their team. Neither will ever show signs of giving up and both are ready to lead their teams back into the post-season and if you ask either one their ultimate goal for this season is a state title for their TEAM. They know they aren't a one man show and they are quick to give credit to the horses around them, especially Rossi Santo who is surrounded by teammates that have been friends since kindergarten.

I have had the privilege to work with each of these players up close over the past year or two and getting to know them away from the field has been just as rewarding as seeing them on the gridiron. Cuyahoga County may be stocked with some good across the board talented teams, but when it comes to HEART, Lake County has cornered the market, starting with these two outstanding young men.

THEIR TEAMS

Randy Greenwood's Lake Catholic Cougars (Division III) won Region 9 in D-III last season during a thrilling post season journey that unfortunately ended one game short of the title game. Head coach Mike Bell knows the journey back this year will be equally as tough, but knows the Cougars are up to the task despite losing several big men at graduation.


The Cougars' loyal fan base

Rossi Santo and the Fighting Kirtland Hornets (Division V) ventured into the playoffs for the second straight year last season only to be eliminated in round one. This year will be different if you ask any of the players on this team. Anchored by Santo and one of the toughest offensive and defensive lines east of Cleveland, the Hornets have their sights set on deep run into the post season and quite possibly a state title.


WR Dominic Samf, QB Ben Madden and Santo are major players in Kirtland's title quest

PREVIEW: 2008 Northeast Ohio High School Player of the Year

The candidates are starting to filter through the offices at D1 headquarters as we go out and about to camps this summer to scout our top prospects and candidates for this year's Northeast Ohio High School Player of the Year Award. So far from what we've seen the list will be full of studs!

Of course last year's winner Randy Greenwood from Lake Catholic is in the mix as is Kirtland's Rossi Santo. Both are very talented multiple position athletes that can determine the out come of a game on their own. Euclid's Jeffron Gill also has a stake in the bidding if he can add on to a great junior season he had last year. We will also keep an eye on Willoughby South's quarterback Pat Nicely. Nice pocket passer, decent arm but no very mobile. He's the make or break point for the Rebels this year. Speaking of quarterbacks, the top of the crop right now is Perry's Vinny Hokavar. "Air" Hokavar has rebounded from a wicked shoulder injury last season and appears early on in camp to be solid. The loss to Kirtland in a recent 7on7 wasn't due in part to his play at all. VASJ has one solid player that can be a lock for this award if he's not over-used and beaten up. The smaller Toney Foster, Jr. will see the brunt of the load at runningback for the Vikings this year following the departure of stall wort runners Dan Goodrum and Nick Viola to Lake Erie College where they will be playing NCAA Division II football this season.

Don't count out Raymont Clements from Warrensville and a bit more to the west we go and St, Ignatius' quarterback Andrew Holland can throw his name into the mix among area ballers looking to earn top honors as well. A solid start to the season by the Wildcats and game play equal to the task and we may see him move up the list pretty quick. BUT remember, it's a long season and you've got to FINISH STRONG.

Speaking of west-siders, Bryan Boss of Bay High School will play a big role this year for his team at receiver. We'll see if he has what it takes to standout weekly and take on the MVP role and make a run at Player of the Year as well.


As the summer practices set in we will be making the rounds to other schools and the list may grow. It will most definitely get smaller as the season goes and the "studs" separate themselves from the pack. Good luck to all of you this year and remember it's about the TEAM!