WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Marietta College placed 13 players on the All-Ohio Athletic Conference Football Team announced Monday (Nov. 21) morning by the league office. Seniors
Bryce Agnew (Cleveland, Ohio/Berea-Midpark),
Chance Knight (Bridgeport, Ohio/Linsly School), and
David Busch (Strongsville, Ohio/Lutheran West) and sophomore
Harley Hopkins (Zanesville, Ohio/West Muskingum) were named to the All-OAC First Team. Knight also received the added honor of being named Paul Hoernemann Defensive Lineman of the Year.
In addition to the player awards, Marietta College head football coach
Andy Waddle received the added honor of being named the Larry Kehres Coach of the Year. Waddle led Marietta to an 8-2 overall record and 7-2 in the Ohio Athletic Conference, the team's best marks since the 1995 season. The only two losses on the season were to perennial favorite Mount Union and a very close defeat to John Carroll University. Waddle is the first coach in program history to win OAC Coach of the Year honors twice.
"I am proud to accept the Coach of the Year award on behalf of the entire Marietta College Football Program," said Coach Waddle. "We are blessed to have very high character players and assistant coaches who are devoted to each other and the success of the entire program. This award is a testament to the collective FIGHT shown by our entire team."
Agnew is a first team all-conference pick for the fourth straight season. He led the conference with 13 rushing touchdowns. Agnew was second in the conference with a rushing averaging of 104.8 yards per game eclipsing the 100-yard mark in six of MC's 10 games. Bryce was also second in the OAC averaging 124.4 all-purpose yards per game.
"Bryce has been the Heart and Soul of our Football program for a number of years," coach Waddle said. "He is one of the best leaders I have ever coached. He finished his career with over 4,000 yards, one of the most productive players in the country over the past four seasons."
Busch is a three-time All-OAC selection earning second team honors in 2021 and 2022. He started nine games on the offensive line this fall playing primarily at the right guard position.
"David is our rock on the offensive line," said Coach Waddle. "He is very physical in the run game and led our team with knockdowns. He is also a talented pass blocker."
Hopkins put together a great season in his first year as a starter and he was named OAC Defensive Player of the Week on two different occasions. Hopkins ranked sixth in the OAC with 9.4 tackles per game. He was ninth in tackles for a loss (11.5) and eighth with yardage lost on those tackles (60 yards).
"Harley had a breakout season," Waddle said. "As a sophomore he led our team in tackles and was one of the most productive defensive players in the OAC. He made a ton of plays versus both the pass (2 INTs and 6 Sacks) and the run. His future is bright."
Knight followed up his standout year from last year with yet another All-OAC first team selection this year. The defensive tackle finished the season with 60 tackles and was second in the OAC with 8.5 sacks. His 14 tackles for a loss was third in the conference. Due to his high performance, Knight received the Paul Hoernemann Defensive Lineman of the Year.
"Chance is one of the top defensive players in division three," Waddle said. " His production from the defensive tackle position is outstanding. Opposing coaches always needed to have a plan to account for him going into the game."
In addition to those four Pioneers, quarterback
Connor Vierstra (Thornville, Ohio/Lakewood), wide receiver Jay Melchiori, offensive lineman
Seth Wallace (Cleveland, Ohio/Holy Name), defensive lineman
Isaiah McCartney (Steubenville, Ohio/Steubenville), linebacker
Brady McManaway (Pleasant City, Ohio/Meadowbrook), and defensive backs
Brady Panucci (Crescent, Pa./Moon Area) and
Jaelon Quiero-Gordon (Westerville, Ohio/Westerville South) were named second team All-OAC. Wide receiver
Dawson Snyder (Pittsburgh, Pa./Moon Area) and defensive linemen
Jake Visnic (St. Clairsville, Ohio/Shadyside) were named honorable mention.
Vierstra had a solid 2023 at quarterback for the Pioneers. His 70.8% completion percentage was third-best in the OAC. He was fifth in the conference with completions (177), passing yards (2251), and touchdown passes (20). His 166.4 passer efficiency rating was third-best in the OAC.
Melchiori became one of Vierstra's favorite targets as the season rolled on. Melchiori caught 39 passes on the season, averaging 15.4 yards per catch, and scored four touchdowns on the season.
Wallace earned his first all-conference selection, starting nine games on the offensive line this fall playing primarily at the center position.
McCartney is making his first appearance on the all-conference team. The junior collected 21 total tackles, including four tackles for a loss, a sack, and an interception.
McManaway made the list for the first time in his Pioneer career. He finished the season with 60 tackles, including 35 solo tackles. The sophomore picked off one pass, picked up two fumbles, and had three pass break ups this fall.
Panucci, a first time All-OAC honoree, was second on the team with 71 total tackles.
Quiero-Gordon is making his third appearance on the All-OAC team. He finished the season with 40 tackles and picked off three passes. He also led the team with eight pass break ups.
Snyder, a two time All-OAC honoree, missed the last four games of the season due to injury but still averaged 74.7 receiving yards per game and caught seven receiving touchdowns, good for fourth in the OAC.
Visnic earned a spot on the All-OAC team for the first time in his career. The junior collected 40 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss. He also had 4.5 sacks and five quarterback hurries in 2023.
Fans can follow all the Pioneer teams all year long at
pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at
facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on X and Instagram.
