The stage is set for the 30th annual Battle Against Cystic Fibrosis (BACF) All-Star Classic, and Ohio is ready to close the gap in the all-time series against West Virginia. The Mountain State currently leads 16-13, but after a narrow 9-7 Ohio win in last year’s contest, momentum may be shifting.
This year’s showdown kicks off Friday night at Bill Hanlin Stadium in St. Marys, where Fort Frye head coach Eric Huck will lead the Ohio squad. Known for his successful wing-T offense, Huck is bringing a playbook built on simplicity—but with a few surprises.
“With only a few days to prepare, we’re keeping things pretty basic,” said Huck, who led Fort Frye to a nine-win season and a Division VI regional semifinal appearance last fall. “The guys have picked it up well so far. We may throw in a wrinkle or two as we go.”
Familiar Faces and Last Rides
Huck will have the unique opportunity to coach three of his own Fort Frye players one last time—Braxton Ross, Treven Nicholson, and Maddox Huck (his son). All three earned All-Ohio honors for their efforts in 2024.
“That’s special,” Huck said. “They’ve each had a great four years, and it’s going to be fun seeing them suit up one more time.”
The event isn’t just about football—it’s about finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. Huck praised his players for embracing the cause through fundraising and community involvement.
“Hopefully, we get a good turnout,” he said. “We’re going to have some of our area’s best talent on the field. It’s for a great cause, and we’d love for fans to support it.”
Huck’s coaching staff from Fort Frye—including Chad Ross, Josh Seagraves, Brenden Huck, and Jason Schob—will assist. Huck previously served under Schob in the 2022 BACF, when Ohio won 27-6.
A Deep and Talented Ohio Roster
Thirteen schools are represented on the Ohio roster, with Barnesville leading the way with five players. Marietta, Buckeye Trail, and River each contribute four.
At quarterback, Ohio boasts two strong options: Casey Carpenter (Barnesville), a two-time first team All-Ohio pick, and True King (Frontier), a tall and mobile dual threat.
“They can run and throw, which fits well with our offense,” Huck explained. “They’ve done a good job adjusting to our motion-heavy, wing-T system.”
Ohio’s backfield is loaded, featuring Seth Britton (Marietta), Landon Vanfosson (Belpre), William Dodd (Morgan), Lucas Dennis (River), and Blake Wayble (Buckeye Trail).
Carpenter and King will also have strong receiving targets, including Max Roberts (Waterford), Dustin Vance (Meigs), Gavin Murphy (Eastern), and Zach Thomas (Southern).
Strength in the Trenches
The offensive line is anchored by centers Braxton Ross (Fort Frye) and Cole Porter (Buckeye Trail), while Treven Nicholson (Fort Frye) and Braden Butler (Barnesville) bring power at tackle.
Other key linemen include Aiden Wilkinson (Marietta), Wyatt Conner (Trail), Logan Jackson (Waterford), and Zach Goble (Meigs). Huck is pleased with the group’s size and depth.
“For an all-star game, we’ve got a strong line with a little bit of depth, which is rare,” he noted.
Evan Lough (Barnesville) will handle kicking and punting duties, a vital role in what’s expected to be a tight, competitive game.
All Hands on Deck
With 34 players on the roster, some athletes will need to play both offense and defense. While the team will platoon where possible, versatility will be key.
“Everyone’s going to get breaks, but we’ll have some guys pulling double duty,” Huck said.
Keys to the Game
As in any all-star event, turnovers and special teams could be the deciding factors.
“Eliminating big plays on defense and protecting the football are huge,” Huck said. “One sudden turnover or special teams mistake can swing the game.”
With a blend of high-level talent, community purpose, and coaching experience, the Ohio team is ready to put on a show—and maybe even inch closer in the BACF series race.
Ohio BACF All-Star Roster at a Glance
- Head Coach: Eric Huck (Fort Frye)
- Assistants: Chad Ross, Josh Seagraves, Brenden Huck, Jason Schob
Quarterbacks
- Casey Carpenter (Barnesville)
- True King (Frontier)
Running Backs/Fullbacks
- Seth Britton (Marietta)
- William Dodd (Morgan)
- Blake Wayble (Buckeye Trail)
- Lucas Dennis (River)
- Landon Vanfosson (Belpre)
- Parker Bennett (River)
Receivers/Tight Ends
- Max Roberts (Waterford)
- Gavin Murphy (Eastern)
- Zach Thomas (Southern)
- Dustin Vance (Meigs)
- Bradey McIntire (Barnesville)
- Peyton Blue (River)
Linemen
- Braxton Ross, Treven Nicholson (Fort Frye)
- Aiden Wilkinson, Isaac Klintworth (Marietta)
- Wyatt Conner, Cole Porter, Jackson Hess, Blake Wayble (Buckeye Trail)
- Braden Butler (Barnesville)
- Derek Smith (River)
- Logan Jackson (Waterford)
- Zach Goble (Meigs)
- Andrew Pickenpaugh, Tyler Whitacre (Monroe Central)
Defensive Standouts
- Gryphon Thomas (Southern)
- Si Ware (Waterford)
- Jeffrey Triplett (Frontier)
- Carson Chavez (Marietta)
Special Teams
- Evan Lough (Barnesville) – K/P
With Ohio’s best ready to shine under the lights in St. Marys, fans can expect a night of exciting football—and hope for a future free of cystic fibrosis.
