The Mount Vernon News sports department’s Athlete of the Week is a weekly feature that spotlights local student-athletes and their schools. Based on their performances, we will select an Athlete of the Week and recognize other outstanding athletic accomplishments.
Last week, most schools had basketball scrimmages and winter practices. One school continued to play OHSAA competition, and that was Danville, which fought its way into the District 7, Region 25 final with a semifinal victory over Lucas. From that game comes this week’s Athlete of the Week winner, a second-time honoree, Levi Lyons.
Male Athlete of the Week
Levi Lyons
Danville moved on to the OHSAA football District 7, Region 25 final with an epic comeback over Lucas. Down 20-0 in the fourth quarter, the Blue Devils ran off 27 unanswered points to win 27-20. True, it was the offense that lit up the scoreboard in the final quarter, but it was the defense that kept the game within a manageable distance, and leading the defense, as he has all season, was linebacker Levi Lyons, who also provided strength to the offensive drives.
Lyons is a two-time Athlete of the Week, having won Oct. 8 for his 15-tackle performance against Cardington-Lincoln. Lyons also earned honorable mention recognition twice this season. Lyons, a two-time All-Ohio linebacker (and likely to earn another nod there for 2022), led the KMAC in tackles this season and ranks No. 12 among all Ohio high school players with 149 tackles in 2022. Lyons gets this week’s award for his game-stabilizing 21 tackles – 11 solos and 10 assists – against Lucas.
Danville football coach Matt Blum said Lyons’ energy, focus and determination were game changing. “Levi is very deserving of this honor,” said Blum. “He played both sides of the ball Saturday night and did not come off the field for a single offensive or defensive play. On our game-winning drives, while playing right guard, he opened up running lanes and gave our quarterbacks time to throw when it was most needed. Defensively, he made plays all over the field.”
Blum said his team captain is a four-year starter with high character who also excels in the classroom. “He is by far one of the most coachable and smart kids I have had the privilege of coaching,” Blum said.
Earning honorable mention, Lyons’ Danville teammate, linebacker Ryan Lucas, was in on 15 tackles (nine solos). Other Blue Devils deserving of recognition include Kaiden Colopy, who was in on 12 tackles (five solos) and Walker Weckesser, who made his presence felt on 11 tackles (four solos). Dillon Looney had two clutch tackles for loss among his six tackles. On offense for Danville, Weckesser threw for 123 yards, rushed for 44 yards and caught three passes for 73 yards. Colopy caught six passes for 106 yards and two TDs, and Max Payne rushed for 65 yards and completed six of seven passing attempts for 93 yards and two scores.
To coaches and community members, join us in our award process. Send us your choices for MVN Athlete of the Week, a recap of their prowess in competition and a photo of them and give them the community recognition they deserve. Encourage your community members and coaches to contact us each week. Send your selections to mike.blake@mountvernonnews.com.
