Tier 2 football all-stars: Neudorf, Leavens and Fusek MVPs
Grimsby’s Ryan Neudorf (32) was named offensive MVP of the Tier 2 football league.
Grimsby running back Ryan Neudorf has been chosen as the offensive MVP of the Niagara Region High School Athletic Association Tier 2 senior football league.
Grimsby head coach Zack Silverthorne describes the Grade 12 student as the hardest working player on his team on the field, in the weight room and in the classroom.
“He’s the ultimate team player, he leads by example and never complains about touches and it’s whatever is best for the team to win,” he said. “Even in Grade 12, he still helps bring out the bags and get the field ready for home games.”
Even with other teams keying one him, the 16-year-old still managed to rush for more than 100 yards in every game he played this season.
“We saw up to nine guys in the box and he’d still get us seven yards,” Silverthorne said. “I’d say ‘Give it to the horse.’ ”
He feels Neudorf has the ability to play at the next level and he is being scouted by multiple OUA (Ontario University Athletics) teams.
“He is excited about the opportunity to potentially keep playing football at the university level.”
Finishing a close second in the offensive MVP voting was Centennial running back Garvan Leavens. Other players receiving votes were Governor Simcoe’s Max Grant, Gabe DiSanto and Remy Gavanac and Centennial’s Brian Mauvais.
Sharing defensive MVP honours was Centennial defensive end Tommy Leavens and Governor Simcoe middle linebacker Joe Fusek.
Like Neudorf, Leavens received praise from his coach for his work ethic.
“Tommy is one of the hardest working players that I have ever had the privilege of coaching,” Centennial head coach Dom Nero said. “He doesn’t take plays off and he is pretty much willing to do whatever it takes to win every one-on-one battle he is faced with.
“It is rare to see anyone get the better of him and if it does happen, you can bet he won’t let it happen again for the rest of the game.”
Leavens has shone at all levels of football.
“He has dominated at every level he has ever played whether it’s at Spears, junior football or this year up with us at the senior level.”
Governor Simcoe head coach Jamie Brophy has watched Fusek be a key member of the Redcoats for the past several years. Fusek was also the defensive MVP of the Tier 2 loop last season.
“Joe is probably the smartest defensive player I have ever coached,” he said. “He is not only a great athlete, but he recognizes formations and tendencies of other teams.”
Fusek never gives up at any point in the game and his perseverance inspires his teammates to play their best.
“He is a great leader and emulates what Redcoats football aspires to be each year,” Brophy said.
Other players receiving votes for the defensive MVP aware were Governor Simcoe’s Alex Reynan, Centennial’s Garvan Leavens and Eden’s Stuart Huebert.
Picked for the all-star team from the league champion Grimsby Eagles were running back Neudorf, receiver Tyjae Mitchell, offensive tackle Spencer Gillies, offensive guard Ethan Zulauf, halfback Josh Seabook and linebacker Liam (Goose) Bogucki.
Chosen to the all-star team from the league finalist Centennial Cougars were wide receiver/running back Robbie Pereira, running back/linebacker Garvan Leavens, centre/defensive end Tommy Leavens, wide receiver/free safety Josh Boyle, offensive guard/defensive tackle Brandon Rocco and running back/linebacker Eli Taylor.
Members of the Governor Simcoe Redcoats chosen for the all-star squad were middle linebacker Fusek, wide receiver/safety Andrew Scott, running back/halfback Gavanac, offensive lineman/defensive tackle Mitch Miotto, quarterback DiSanto and wide receiver/halfback Reynan.
Plucked from the Golden Eagles as all-stars were quarterback Yvan Canlas, wide receiver Nate Brew, offensive lineman/linebacker Andrew Dailey, defensive back Matt York and linebacker Brodie Gibson.
Selected to the all-star team from Eden were linebacker Huebert, defensive back Dawson Abraham, offensive lineman Nick Howarth and running back Reid Woodcock.
Members of the St. Catharines Collegiate Saints named to the all-star team were receivers Joseph Waterman and Ethan Taylor, defensive back Ibrahim Al-Hatimi, linebacker Mike Huyn and defensive end Connor Weins.
