WARREN, Pa. – Jase Ferguson impacted games on both sides of the football for District 9 Class 2A champion Central Clarion, and it was that play that earned the junior quarterback/defensive back the 2023 YDL Sports Network TapNPay+ Jim Kelly Football Player of the Year Award.
On offense, Ferguson, a Clarion-Limestone Student who was the 2022 District 9 Offensive Player of the Year, accounted for 56 touchdowns – 46 passing and 10 rushing – and 3,566 total yards of offense, while on defense he scored twice more while recording 47 tackles, six interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and two fumbles caused. He threw for 2,698 yards (141 of 222) and ran for 868 yards.
Ferguson also garnered the Individual Performance of the Year for his efforts in a 57-6 win over Port Allegany when he accounted for seven touchdowns while playing key roles on both sides of the football – more on that farther down.
In addition to the Player of the Year and Individual Performance of the Year, there are 10 other major postseason awards plus first- and second-team Allegheny Grille of Foxburg All-District 9 teams named.
Redbank Valley’s Braylon Wagner is the Offensive Player of the Year, Central Clarion’s Braylon Beckwith is the Defensive Player of the Year, Keystone’s Eli Nellis is the Rookie of the Year, Central Clarion’s Jimmy Kerr is the Offensive Lineman of the Year, Redbank Valley’s Brandon Ross is the Defensive Lineman of the Year, Redbank Valley’s Owen Clouse is the Special Teams Player of the Year, Karns City’s Joe Sherwin is the Coach of the Year, Clearfield’s Nate Glunt is the Assistant Coach of the Year, the Brookville vs. Karns City District 9 Class 2A semifinal game is the Game of the Year, and Kane’s Casey Jones is the Unsung Hero.
The Allegheny Grille in Foxburg first- and second-team All-District Offensive/Defense/Special Teams can be viewed below.
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ABOUT THE ALLEGHENY GRILLE
The Allegheny Grille, where you come for the food and stay for the view, is a restaurant situated alongside the Allegheny River in Foxburg with breathtaking views, stellar service, and fine cuisine. Enjoy fabulous fine dining in a casual, elegant atmosphere.
The Allegheny Grille offers the perfect setting for all your holiday parties, weddings, banquets, and more! And make sure to check out their new wood-framed indoor/outdoor event center For more information or to make a reservation, call the Allegheny Grille at 724-659-5701 or visit it on the web at www.alleghenygrille.com.
ABOUT JIM KELLY
Jim Kelly is the Hall of Fame quarterback of the Buffalo Bills who grew up in East Brady, Pa., and went to Miami (Fla). Kelly was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002 after passing for over 45,000 yards as a pro, including two seasons in the USFL, with 320 career touchdown passes. He led the Bills to four straight AFC Titles. Kelly’s name on the award is being used with his permission.
YDL SPORTS NETWORK JIM KELLY ALL-DISTRICT 9 AWARDS
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jase Ferguson, Jr., QB/DB, Central Clarion
Offense: 141 of 222 passing (63.5%), 2,698 yards, 46 TDs, 7 Ints; 115 carries, 868 yards, 10 TDs
Defense: 47 tackles (3.9 TPG), 6 interceptions, 2 fumbles caused, 2 fumbles recovered, 2 defensive touchdowns, 4 passes defended
Jase Ferguson, Photo by Noah DiTullio/JB Graphics
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Braylon Wagner, So., QB, Redbank Valley
Wagner became the first Redbank Valley quarterback to throw for 3,000 yards in a season despite missing a pair of District 9 playoff games due to an injury. He was 181 of 267 passing (67.8%) for 3,045 yards, 46 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Wagner added 52 carries for 309 yards and eight touchdowns while helping the Bulldogs reach the PIAA Class 1A semifinals for the second time in three years.
Braylon Wagner. Photo by Jared Bakaysa/JB Graphics
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Braylon Beckwith, Jr., LB, Central Clarion
Beckwith was the unquestioned leader of a Central Clarion defense that allowed 12.1 ppg, including 8.1 ppg during the regular season averaging 10.8 tackles per game (130 total tackles) to go with 5.5 sacks, 24 quarterback hurries, and 19 tackles for a loss. He also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble while helping the Wildcats record four shutouts on the season while holding two additional opponents to six points on the way to a District 9 Class 2A title.
Braylon Beckwith. Photo by Jared Bakaysa/JB Graphics
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR: Jimmy Kerr, Jr., T, Central Clarion
Kerr anchored the line of the highest-scoring team in District 9 (the Wildcats averaged 10 ppg more than anyone else in D9 at 56.8 ppg) and the team that averaged the most yards per game in the district at 451.1 yards per game (59.5 yards more per game than anyone else).
Thanks in large part to Kerr, the left tackle who is listed at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, Central Clarion also ranked third in D9 in rushing yards per game (226.3) and fourth in passing yards per game (224.8).
Jimmy Kerr. Photo by Jared Bakaysa/JB Graphics
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR: Brandon Ross, Sr., DT, Redbank Valley
Ross had a sensational season from his interior defensive line position recording 92 tackles (6.6 per game), including 22 for a loss. He also recorded three sacks and a quarterback hurry while helping Redbank Valley allow the second-fewest points in District 9 at 14.0 ppg.
With Ross’s help, the Bulldogs won the District 9 Class 1A team and advanced to the PIAA semifinals.
Brandon Ross. Photo by JB Graphics
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Eli Nellis, Fr., RB/DB, Keystone
Nellis stepped into a prominent role in Keystone’s offense this season and delivered 878 yards rushing (11th most in District 9) on 130 carries with 12 touchdowns (tied for the 7th-most rushing TDs). He also caught 21 passes for 337 yards and three touchdowns.
On defense, Nells recorded 56 tackles while picking off two passes and recovering a fumble.
Eli Nellis, Keystone. Photo by Noah DiTullio/JB Graphics
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Owen Clouse, Sr., PK/P/KR/PR
Clouse did everything on special teams for Redbank Valley, literally.
One of the most accurate place kickers in Pennsylvania, he was 63 of 65 on extra points and 4 of 7 on field goals with a long of 37 yards. On kickoffs, his boots averaged to the opponents’ 12-yard line with eight touchbacks.
He also was an outstanding punter for the Bulldogs averaging 36.3 yards per punt, which ranked fourth in D9.
Those two things alone would have been enough to put him into strong consideration for the award, but what separated Clouse from the others was his return abilities.
As one of the primary kick returners for Redbank Valley, he averaged 17.6 yards per kickoff return and 32.1 yards per punt return returning two of his eight punts for touchdowns.
Owen Clouse, Redbank Valley. Photo by Jared Bakaysa/JB Graphics
COACH OF THE YEAR: Joe Sherwin, Karns City
Sherwin’s squad went 5-6 on the season, but the record doesn’t begin to tell the story of the outstanding coaching job the veteran Karns City mentor did.
The Gremlins experienced one of the most traumatic things a football team could experience when senior quarterback and leader Mason Martin collapsed on the field during a game with Redbank Valley on Sept. 1. Martin is still in the hospital to this day.
No one would have blamed Karns City for not playing the following week at Ridgway or the rest of the season, but the players and coaches decided to fight on for Martin and fight they did.
After starting 0-2, the Gremlins responded with three straight victories, including an emptional 35-14 win at Ridgway the week after Martin collapsed.
But a three-game losing streak from late September through mid-October had Karns City’s playoff streak in jeopardy.
Add that to the fact backup quarterback Cole Johnston was also lost for the season to an injury, and no one would have blamed the Gremlins for packing it in.
But Karns City rallied and won games over Bradford and District 6-playoff-bound Mount Union to qualify for the D9 Class 2A semifinals.
They then went toe-to-toe with a Brookville squad that had beaten it, 44-14, three weeks earlier before losing 42-41.
District 9 committeeman Pete Grecco (left) hands Karns City head coach Joe Sherwin the D9 2A championship trophy in 2020
ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR: Nate Glunt, Defensive Coordinator, Clearfield
Glunt, a holdover from Tim Janocko’s staff, proved to be a valuable resource to first-year Clearfield head coach Myles Caragein.
“Nate put in extra hours breaking down film and also helped run special teams while also giving insight on our offense,” Caragein said. “He just put in the time to help the kids and the program.”
Going against the toughest schedule in District 9, Glunt’s defense still ranked seventh in District 9 allowing 20.1 ppg. That included four games of allowing just seven points, including a 13-7 win over District 6 Class 2A champion Bald Eagle Area.
INDIVIDUAL GAME PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR: Jase Ferguson, Jr., Central Clarion, Sept. 1, 2023
In a battle of defending District 9 champions, Ferguson was a key reason Central Clarion blew past Port Allegany in the first game at the newly-christened Larry Wiser Field in 20 years.
The junior quarterback/defensive back impacted the game on both sides of the ball accounting for seven total touchdowns.
He was 13 of 19 passing for 226 yards and five touchdowns while running eight times for 64 yards and a score.
On defense, he returned a fumble for a touchdown and also intercepted a pass.
Jase Ferguson shows emotion during Central Clarion’s win over Port Allegany Sept. 2. Photo by Noah DiTullio/JB Graphics
GAME OF THE YEAR: Brookville 42, Karns City 41, District 9 Class 2A semifinals Nov. 3, 2023
Three weeks after Brookville beat Karns City, 44-14, in the regular-season matchup, the teams met in Kane in the D9 Class 2A semifinals in a game that became an instant classic.
The contest featured four ties and two lead changes and wasn’t decided until Brookville came up with a defensive stop with 4.7 seconds left.
The Raiders, who led 14-0 early but trailed on four different occasions, found itself down 41-35 following a Luke Cramer touchdown run with 1:34 to play.
But Jack Pete caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Charlie Krug with 24.4 seconds left, and Steven Plyer hit the extra point to give Brookville a 42-41 lead.
Karns City, though, drove quickly to the Brookville 31-yard line on a 33-yard Cramer, who was not a quarterback, pass to Zach Kelly. But Hayden Freeman picked off a Cramer pass in the end zone as time ran out to seal the win.
There were 944 total yards of offense in the game, including 580 by Karns City, 493 on the ground.
Cramer and Hunter Scherer each ran for two touchdowns for Karns City with Cramer rushing for 189 yards and Scherer 160. Cramer also threw for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Charlie Krug, meanwhile, threw five touchdowns for Brookville while going 17 of 38 for 283 yards. Three of those scores went to Pete, who caught eight passes for 151 yards.
Jack Pete celebrates his game-tying TD in the D9 semifinals vs. Karns City. The Raiders took the lead for good moments later on the extra point. Photo by JB Graphics
UNSUNG HERO: Myles “Casey” Jones, Clock operator, Kane
Jones, 92, has been running the clock at Kane for over 50 years and has been involved in the program since his son, Jim, was a member of the Wolves in the late 60s and early 70s, according to his daughter, Julie Wismar.
“Casey is a vital part of football in Kane,” Kane athletic director and former football coach Jason Barner, said. “He has been running the clock for all levels of Kane football for over 50 years. Casey is someone I can trust and count on to always be there for Kane football. He always arrives early and gets everything in order for the game. He always checks on things prior to the season as well as during the summer months. He is passionate about his position and takes great pride in his work. He is a tremendous asset to the Kane Area School district and has given a lot of his time and energy to support the Kane football program. He is one of the best, and we look forward to many more seasons with Casey keeping time for Kane football.”
Jones graduated from Sheffield High School in the late 1940s where he played football for the Wolverines. He served in the Navy during the Korean War and worked for Bell Telephone out of Kane until he turned 65.
“Dad really got interested in Kane football during my brother’s time playing,” his daughter said. “He was president of the booster club and that really got him involved. He loves high school football and loves keeping time for Kane. He gets nervous every year that they won’t ask him back, but he does a great job.”
Kane’s Casey Jones looks out over the field at halftime of the Redbank Valley/Coudersport D9 1A semifinal game Nov. 10, 2023. Jones, as he has done for over 50 years, was running the clock for the game. Photo by Chris Rossetti
JIM KELLY YDL SPORTS NETWORK MAJOR AWARDS POWERED BY TAPNPAY+
Player of the Year: Jase Ferguson, Jr., Central Clarion
Offensive Player of the Year: Braylon Wagner, So., Redbank Valley
Defensive Player of the Year: Braylon Beckwith, Jr., Central Clarion
Rookie of the Year: Eli Nellis, Fr., Keystone
Offensive Lineman of the Year: Jimmy Kerr, Jr., Central Clarion
Defensive Lineman of the Year: Brandon Ross, Sr., Redbank Valley
Special Teams Player of the Year: Owen Clouse, Sr., Redbank Valley
Individual Performance of the Year: Jase Ferguson, Jr., Central Clarion (Sept. 1, 2023 vs. Port Allegany)
Coach of the Year: Joe Sherwin, Karns City
Assistant Coach of the Year: Nate Glunt, Clearfield
Game of the Year: Brookville 42, Karns City 41, Nov. 3, 2023, D9 2A Semifinals
Unsung Hero: Myles “Casey” Jones
JIM KELLY YDL SPORTS NETWORK ALL-DISTRICT 9 TEAMS POWERED BY THE ALLEGHENY GRILLE IN FOXBURG
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
Co-QB: Jase Ferguson, Jr., Central Clarion
Co-QB: Braylon Wagner, So., Redbank Valley
RB: Matt Davis, Sr., St. Marys
RB: Aiden Bliss, So., Port Allegany
WR: Ashton Kahle, Sr., Redbank Valley
WR: Mason Clouse, Sr., Redbank Valley
WR: Blake Pisarcik, Jr., Brockway
OL: Jimmy Kerr, Jr., Central Clarion
OL: Matt Gruskey, Sr., Punxsutawney
OL: Carson Neely, Jr., Port Allegany
OL: Brandon Ross, Sr., Redbank Valley
OL: Sean Slaughenhoupt, So., Karns City
All-Purpose Back: Gavyn Ayers, Sr., Coudersport
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL: Brandon Ross, Sr., Redbank Valley
DL: Miska Young, Sr., Port Allegany
DL: Hayden Hindman, So., Central Clarion
LB: Braylon Beckwith, Jr., Central Clarion
LB: Johnny Varischetti, Jr., Brockway
LB: Caden Adams, Sr., Redbank Valley
LB: Colton Ryan, So., Clearfield
DB: Mason Clouse, Sr., Redbank Valley
DB: Brady Quinn, Sr., Central Clarion
DB: Jase Ferguson, Jr., Central Clarion
DB: Ashton Kahle, Sr., Redbank Valley
FIRST TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS
Co-Place Kicker: Owen Clouse, Sr., Redbank Valley
Co-Place Kicker: Thomas Uckert, Jr., Central Clarion
Punter: Gavyn Ayers, Sr., Coudersport
Returner: Jack Pete, Sr., Brookville
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Charlie Krug, Sr., Brookville
RB: Landon Martz, Sr., Punxsutawney
RB: Luke Cramer, Sr., Karns City
WR: Dawson Smail, Sr., Central Clarion
WR: Carter Freeland, So., Clearfield
WR: Jack Pete, Sr., Brookville
OL: Miska Young, Sr., Port Allegany
OL: Christian Clinger, Sr., Redbank Valley
OL: Nick Bailor, Jr., Clearfield
OL: Reese Yahner, Sr., Brockway
OL: Coleman Slater, Sr., Central Clarion
All-Purpose Back: Brady Quinn, Sr., Central Clarion
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DL: Matthew Grusky, Sr., Punxsutawney
DL: Mason Sheely, Sr., St. Marys
DL: Mason Bell, So., Karns City
LB: Matt Davis, St. Marys
LB: Luke Wilson, Union/A-C Valley
LB: Jack Knapp, Brookville
LB: Charlie Hepf, Central Clarion
DB: Jack Pete, Sr., Brookville
DB: Jake Narby, Jr., Cameron County
DB: Brody Dittman, Sr., Union/A-C Valley
DB: Matt Brubaker, Sr., Brockway
SECOND TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS
Place Kicker: Caleb Daugherty, Fr., Brockway
Punter: Garret Nissel, Sr., DuBois
Returner: Owen Clouse, Sr., Redbank Valley
HISTORY OF YDL SPORTS NETWORK MAJOR AWARD WINNERS
JIM KELLY PLAYER OF THE YEAR
2023: Jase Ferguson, Jr., QB/DB, Central Clarion
2022: Blaine Moses, Sr., RB/LB, Port Allegany
2021: Chris Marshall, Sr., WR/DB, Redbank Valley
2020: Noah Lent, Sr., QB/DB, Smethport
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
2023: Braylon Wagner, So., QB, Redbank Valley
2022: Jase Ferguson, So., QB, Central Clarion
2021: Christian Coudriet, Sr., QB, St. Marys
2020: Jack Krug, Sr., QB, Brookville
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
2023: Braylon Beckwith, Jr., LB, Central Clarion
2022: Ryan Hummell, Sr., LB, Central Clarion
2021: Oliver Billotte, Sr., DL, Clearfield
2020: Nathan Waltman, Sr., LB, Karns City
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
2023: Eli Nellis, Fr., RB/DB, Keystone
2022: Drew Keth, So., QB/DB, Keystone
2021: Brayden Fox, Fr., QB, Brockway
2020: Micah Rupp, So., WR/DB, Karns City
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
2023: Jimmy Kerr, Jr., T, Central Clarion
2022: Carson Neely, So., G, Port Allegany
2021: Josh Griffiths, Sr., C, Karns City
2020: Garrett Bauer, Sr. G, St. Marys
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
2023: Brandon Ross, Sr., Redbank Valley
2022: Isaac Samsel, Sr., Clearfield
2021: Oliver Billotte, Sr., Clearfield
2020: Joe Mansfield, Jr., Redbank Valley
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
2023: Owen Clouse, Sr., K/P/KR/PR, Redbank Valley
2022: Payton Hetrick, Sr., K/P, Punxsutawney
2021: Jake Mullins, Sr., K/P, Curwensville
2020: Beau Verdill, Sr., K/P, Central Clarion
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
2023: Jase Ferguson, Jr., Central Clarion – Sept. 1, 2023
2022: Dan McGary, Sr., Curwensville – Sept. 2, 2022
2021: Christian Coudriet, Sr., St. Marys – Oct. 1, 2021
2020: Jack Krug, Sr., Brookville – Oct. 23, 2020
COACH OF THE YEAR
2023: Joe Sherwin, Karns City
2022: Justin Bienkowski, Port Allegany
2021: Blane Gold, Redbank Valley
2020: Blane Gold, Redbank Valley
ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR
2023: Nate Glunt, Defensive Cooridnator, Clearfield
2022: Chad Saltsman, Defensive Coordinator, Port Allegany
2021: Jason Kundick, Offensive Coordinator, Redbank Valley
2020: Mike Kunes, Wide Receivers/Defensive Backs Coach/Strength Coordinator
GAME OF THE YEAR
2023: Brookville 42, Karns City 41, Nov. 3, 2023 – D9 2A Semifnals
2022: DuBois 27, Brockway 26, Sept. 2, 2022
2021: Redbank Valley 23, Bishop Canevin 14, Dec. 3, 2021 – PIAA Class 1A Semifinals
2020: Karns City 16, Brookville 14, Oct. 30, 2020 – D9 Class 2A Championship Game
UNSUNG HERO
2023: Myles “Casey” Jones, Kane Clock Operator
2022: Patrick Crants, Port Allegany Photographer
2021: Scott Salberg, Volunteer Assistant Coach Ridgway
2020: Ruben Carrillo, Volunteer Assistant Coach Redbank Valley
