CHUCK RUNNER/Advocate photo
Bradford football coach Curtis Enis talks to his players including Brandon Wysong (left) and Dallas Cassel (1) during the Railroaders’ playoff game against Marion Local Nov. 2 in Maria Stein. Enis was named the Division VI co-coach of the year by The Associated Press.
DARKE COUNTY – Bradford football coach Curtis Enis was named the state’s coach of the year while several players from Bradford and Versailles earned all-Ohio honors from The Associated Press this season.
Enis, who led Bradford to the playoffs for the first time in 30 years, was named the Division VI co-coach of the year by the AP along with Mogadore’s Matt Adorni and Shadyside’s Mark Holenka. It was the second time in Enis’ three years of coaching that he earned the coach of the year honors, having also been recognized in 2010.
Bradford senior running back James Canan earned first team all-Ohio honors in Division VI. He joins Johnathan Barbee, who was named first team all-state in 2010, as Bradford running backs to earn the designation in the past three years.
During the 2012 regular season, Canan set the Railroaders’ records for most rushing yards in a game, season and career. The four-year starter had 2,254 yards and 30 touchdowns on 194 carries this season. He also had the 10th best rushing game in Ohio High School Athletic Association history, rushing for 455 yards against National Trail.
Canan also was among the players considered for the AP’s Mr. Football award in Ohio.
Versailles senior Chad Winner was named third team all-state as a punter in Division V. Winner averaged 33.2 yards per punt. Also as a kicker, 80 percent of his kickoffs pinned opponents inside the 25-yard line on top of 10 touchbacks.
Bradford’s Josh Hoelscher and Lukas Hafer were recognized as special mention all-Ohio in Division VI.
Hafer, a senior running back, tight end, linebacker and punter, had 182 yards and one touchdown on 31 carries plus nine receptions for 158 yards and one touchdown on offense. Defensively he had 30 tackles, seven tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. As a punter he averaged 35.9 yards per kick and had nine punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.
Hoelscher, a senior offensive and defensive lineman, had 33 tackles, four tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries on defense. He led the offensive line in pancake blocks and helped Canan rush for more than 2,000 yards.
Versailles senior Jacob Heitkamp was named special mention all-Ohio in Division V. He anchored the Tigers’ offensive line at left tackle and recorded 40 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six sacks and two fumble recoveries as a defensive tackle.