Lorian, Secrest lead All-County football team

With 1,684 yards and 15 touchdowns in his senior campaign, South Putnam running back Lucas Lorian completes his career as a two-time Putnam County Offensive Player of the Year.

When it came time for the coaches to pick the All-Putnam County team, there was never any doubt who would top the list when it came to the offensive side of the game.

Holding eight of South Putnam's 10 rushing records and claiming the No. 18 spot in career rushing yards and No. 17 spot for rushing yards in a single season in IHSAA history through all classes, it's little wonder that the workhorse of the Eagle offense, Lucas Lorian, was named as the 2014 Putnam County Offensive Player of the Year.

Lorian completes his career as a two-time player of the year, repeating his 2013 honor.

He is joined on the other side of the ball by Greencastle senior linebacker Zach Secrest, the 2014 Putnam County Defensive Player of the Year.

Anchoring a Greencastle defense that allowed 19.8 points per game, senior linebacker Zach Secrest is the 2014 Putnam County Defensive Player of the Year.

Lorian, having learned of the decision Monday morning, was honored to be the recipient.

"I was pretty excited when I learned about it," Lorian said. "It's a humbling feeling to be awarded and a good way to end my senior year."

South Putnam head coach Nathan Aker added that the award was the culmination of years of dedicated efforts.

"It's nice to see that the hard work that's been demonstrated over the last four-plus years by Lucas and what he's been able to do for South Putnam be rewarded," Aker said. "It's a great award for our team.

"To have a successful season this year and for the last few years, you don't get that award without team success and Lucas has been a big part of that. He's set a good example for our younger kids what you can achieve with hard work and dedication."

Lorian rushed for 1,684 yards on 298 carries, good for a 5.7 average. He had seven 100-yard performances on his way to 15 touchdowns.

Despite his impressive numbers on the field, Aker said that Lorian had proved his worth away from Mark Wildman Field as well.

"Off the field, his impact has been very pleasant," Aker added. "Whether it's volunteering at a youth football camp, going to youth practices or talking to the junior high football teams before and after games, those are the legacy-builders we talk about and look for.

"The on-field things are great and the awards are a testament to everyone in the program, especially Lucas. The off-the-field things that nobody really sees, those are the things that create a legacy that he leaves for South Putnam football."

Lorian attributed much of his success to those on the field with him.

"Individual awards aren't handed out because of the individual," Lorian said. "I have to thank the entire team for this, especially the offensive line and the new guys we had on it this year that came in, filled spots, stepped up and made plays happen.

"Joey Masters was the only returning lineman from last year and he was always making key blocks at the line of scrimmage or getting that last block down field. Running behind him has always been easy and guys like him are always the kind you want to have.

"Cody Wyatt, Brandon Gierke, Trevor Long and Josh Tubbs all did a great job this year," Lorian added. "Without those guys changing positions and making sacrifices, I could not have done what I did.

"Kyle Shaffer did a great job of blocking in the first half of the season as a fullback and I could always rely on him to make that first block. Zane Yon filled in later in the season and did a great job as well.

"It was a good team effort and I thank those guys for their effort."

As for being named the recipient, Lorian said that he would be honored to take his place among the many special players that preceded him.

"It's probably the best one that I've received," Lorian said. "There's a lot of great athletes in this area and there has been for a long time.

"It's a tough award to receive and it's one to be proud about."

On the other side of the ball, at rival Greencastle, the defensive tone was always present on a team that could be stingy with points.

Senior linebacker/running back Zach Secrest has been named Putnam County's Defensive Player of Year.

According to maxpreps.com, Secrest led his team in solo tackles with 34 and 48 total. Making plays at the linebacker position, Secrest forced three fumbles and recovered one to cap off his stellar Tiger Cub career.

"Zach just had an unbelievable season," GHS coach Ryan Spoonmore said. "He was the captain of our team and he really took the bull by the horns. He was well prepared and ready to bring it every Friday night. Zach led our team in tackles and rushing and was the most valuable player on our team."

His defensive accolades, while great, don't tell the whole story. He was a leader on both sides on the ball and Greencastle benefited whenever Secrest took the field.

"Whenever someone plays linebacker and running back, as a coach you are just holding your breath," Spoonmore said. "But Zach was a technician. He watched film and as a running back he was able to learn a lot."

The technician said he sees his effort as a extension of his team's effort and wants every player to know what is expected out of a committed football player.

"I'm sure it takes a toll but I just try to push through that," Secrest said of playing both sides of the ball. "I just see all the younger guys looking up to me. If I start to fall they'll start to fall. So whenever I get down I just try to remember that and keep driving through that."

The All-Putnam County team is comprised by the four coaches of the Putnam County schools in a collaborative effort to recognized the hard-working players who have committed their talents to the football team.

The All-Putnam offense includes North Putnam juniors Bobby Scheele at center and Brad Hodges at quarterback and Cougar seniors Danny Smith at offensive tackle and Jake Riggen at running back.

North Putnam All-County play caller Brad Hodges slices through the Greencastle defense.

Cloverdale's offensive leaders include a talented bunch of seniors who were capable of big plays.

Ethan Boyd made the team at running back for his 100 yards per game and his 11 touchdowns.

Max Secrest and Freddy Fislar made the squad at wideout while Troy Davis was the at-large winner.

Greencastle seniors Austin Mitchell and Teddy Buis were the leaders up front for the Tiger Cubs at guard and tackle.

County champion South Putnam is also represented by senior Zane Yon at tight end and several underclassmen who will be defending the title next year.

Sophomore Kyle Shaffer was Mr. Dependable all year for the Eagles and made the All-County team at running back. Juniors Jimmy Rutter (receiver), Trevor Long (guard) and Grady McHugh (punter) were also recognized.

On defense a variety of players made a difference in Putnam County and many of the players were known for their skills on offense as well for their defensive prowess.

Up front, it was senior Chris Migliano and junior Joe Masters from South Putnam and seniors Jensen Conlin from North Putnam and Tyler Lotz from Cloverdale.

The All-County linebacking corps includes junior Brandon Gierke and senior Josh Tubbs of South Putnam. Junior Brayden White of Cloverdale and senior Nate Tesmer of Greencastle round out the linebackers.

Junior Chase Chew and senior Calvin Hughes of Greencastle were recognized on the All-County defensive team as defensive backs as were seniors Tucker Lowe and Daniel Huffman of North Putnam.

Greencastle seniors Sedrick Weinschenk and Ryley Cook were chosen at kicker and special teams, respectively, and junior defensive back Dan Grundlock of South Putnam was chosen as the at-large.

Punter
Grady McHugh (11) - SP
Kicker
Sedrick Weinschenk (12) - GHS
Special Teams
Ryley Cook (12) - GHS

Cloverdale senior Tyler Lotz throws the Brown County quarterback for a sack. (Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN)

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