The eight nominees have been announced for the 47th annual Vince Lombardi Down Lineman of the Year Award Dec. 9 at the Clinton County Fairgrounds Expo Center.
The nominees are Chris Custis and Brock Rappach of Wilmington, Garrett Elzey and Mason Huff of East Clinton, Davis Wulf and Brody Muterspaw of Clinton-Massie and James Peters and Christian Stubbs of Blanchester, according to event chairman Bill Liermann.
The event begins 6:30 p.m. with dinner followed by the keynote speaker and presentation of awards.
A buffet-style meal is provided by McCoy’s Catering and the public is welcome to attend. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $15.
The award is made possible by Wilmington Auto Center, along with NAPA Auto Parts, and assistance from Red Dot Trophy in New Vienna, who secures the block of granite each year, Liermann said.
Greg Oliver, a former Wilmington College assistant football coach under legendary head coach Bill Ramseyer and a long-time administrator in the Great Oaks system, will be the speaker for this year’s event.
Peters is a three-time first team All-SBAAC performer for Blanchester. He was honorable mention All-Ohio as a junior. This season, Peters, a defensive lineman, had 30 solo tackles, 23 assists, two sacks and 10 tackles for loss. He also forced two fumbles and had a safety.
“James was the anchor to the defensive line this year. He always drew a double team and was still the fourth leading tackler on the team,” coach Jon Mulvihill said. “He worked his tail off all year and did everything we asked him to do. He was also one of our captains.”
Stubbs, who played on both the offensive and defensive lines for BHS, was first team All-SBAAC this season and a four-time scholar-athlete.
He has 17 pancake blocks on offense and 14 solo tackles, 20 assists, two sacks, nine tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries on defense.
“Christian was the unquestioned leader of our team. He came to practice every day ready to work and was always focused. He was also a captain,” said Mulvihill.
Huff, a center for East Clinton, is a senior and three-year letterman. He was voted captain.
“His leadership, both on and off the field, made him an invaluable member of the team. His play on the field lead to him being named second team All-SBAAC this past season,” EC coach Steven Olds said.
Elzey, a senior offensive guard and defensive tackle, also is a three-year letterman and captain.
“He was named the ‘Randy Adams Award’ winner for his efforts in 2019, which is given annually to the senior Astro football player who most epitomizes great character,sportsmanship, and leadership, among other traits,” said Olds.
Custis, a senior defensive end, was first team All-SBAAC and first team All-Southwest District.
He had 43 tackles and 11 sacks this season.
“Chris is a young man that led by example and provided great leadership to our young players,” said WHS coach Scott Killen.
Rappach, a junior who plays both ways on the line, is a two-year letterman.
“He was the anchor of a young offense and was responsible for making the calls up front,” said Killen.
Wulf, a 6-3, 265-pound senior, paved the way for Clinton-Massie rushing for 3,666 yards and 59 touchdowns this season.
Muterspaw, a 5-10, 225-pound junior, was the second best lineman on the team behind Wulf.
