Roy, Wolf shine in North-South Classic

DAYTON – The trick play was called Shane. And for good reason.

The end result proved successful for Reading senior defensive lineman Shane Roy. Early in the second quarter, Roy caught his first touchdown reception of his high school career for the South squad in the 69th annual North-South Classic Divisions IV-VII game at Welcome Stadium.

South defeated North 28-27 in overtime on Saturday afternoon. Miamisburg coach Steve Channell, who was the all-star game organizer, said it is believed to be the first overtime game in the history of the event.
Roy, a Pittsburgh signee, said it was the first time he caught a touchdown pass since sixth grade. Roy played tight end, offensive line and defensive line this past season for Reading.

At 6-foot-5, Roy shared the height title with just two other players on the South roster. It was impossible to miss him on the sideline of the South squad early Saturday as the game kicked off at 11 a.m.
He was even tougher to miss in the end zone on a trick play in the second quarter as part of an area player connection. Roy caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Clinton-Massie senior running back Bayle Wolf on a direct snap on second down to help give the South a 7-3 lead at the 9:34 mark of the second quarter. Wolf said it was his first touchdown throw since his junior year.

"I was a little nervous," Roy said. "It was a great thrill; the defense didn't see it coming."

Roy was genuinely pumped about catching the pass. Wolf said he joked with Roy in practice this week that the defensive lineman might have an opportunity.

Roy gave a big smile at halftime was he walked to the locker room to his high school coach who sat in the stands on the south side of the stadium.

"He enjoys playing the game," former Reading coach Scott Thamann said. "It's not for any gain or for the next step. It's right now let's go play."

Roy, an Enquirer Divisions V-VII all-area selection this past season, was Division V special mention all-state and first-team all-district. He had 94 tackles and seven sacks.

He verbally committed to Pitt on the morning of June 21, 2013 and signed this past February after he over a dozen offers during the recruiting process.

Recruited as a defensive end at Pitt, Thamann said he wouldn't be surprised if Roy is at 260 pounds by October and it is still being determined whether he will redshirt this upcoming season. Thamann said he thinks Roy is closer to 235 pounds this spring.

"The sky is the limit," Thamann said. "…He's got some growing to do. I think he's going to get bigger, stronger and faster."

Wolf (Army) won South offensive player of the game honors. His teammate, Clinton-Massie linebacker Kelson Gauden won the South defensive player of the game.

"It was incredible," Gauden said of the game. "The third greatest feeling in my life."

Gauden was an Enquirer Divisions III-IV all-area selection and was Division IV first-team all-state at linebacker.

Gauden and Wolf were part of two straight Division IV state titles at Clinton-Massie. Gauden and Wolf said they both felt honored to be selected for the statewide all-star game.

"I am definitely proud of Kelson," Wolf said. "…It was a great experience. There was a lot of great talent out here on both sides of the ball. I am just honored and humbled.

Wolf scored a 1-yard touchdown on third down in overtime to give South a 28-21 lead. The North responded with a touchdown in overtime but was stopped on a two-point conversion.

Wolf, the Associated Press Divisions IV state offensive player of the year, helped lead the Falcons to their second straight state title this past season. Wolf rushed for 1,985 yards and 31 touchdowns as the Southwest District offensive player of the year.

Saturday marked the second year the all-star game was split into two contests based on divisions. North won the Divisions IV-VII game 27-24 in 2013.

Divisions I-III Game

North 23, South 14 – Despite the outcome, Colerain offensive lineman Ross Demmel (Wofford) and Colerain linebacker Tegray Scales (Indiana) said they enjoyed meeting new players from across the state this weekend in Dayton. Demmel and Scales - Enquirer Division I all-area selections this past season - were among the area players on the South squad. The North won its third consecutive game in the large school division. The squad also featured Princeton's Tyrell Gilbert, who played defensive back and is signed with UC and was an Enquirer Division I all-area selection as a Princeton quarterback. Gilbert made a tackle on the opening kickoff and had other impact plays. Lakota West kicker Justin Martin (Miami University) made two extra points for the South in the first half. Hamilton wide receiver Tyler Denton had two receptions for 63 yards. Fairfield wide receiver Herman Brunis (Ohio) had an 11-yard reception.