Mahoning Valley football player to watch: Vote before poll closes Sunday
Football season is around the corner in the Mahoning Valley, and communities are gearing up to fill the stands and cheer on their local teams. Before players hit the field this fall, the Mahoning Matters newsroom wants to know which student-athlete you’ll be watching most closely this season.
Voting is open now, but time is running out. The poll closes Sunday, July 5 at 12 p.m. Readers can cast a ballot as many times as they like until then — simply refresh the page to vote again.
Seven standout players from across the Mahoning Valley are on this year’s ballot, each nominated by their coaching staff or athletic director. Here’s a closer look at the athletes competing for the title of player to watch.
The candidates
M’Kyan Haynes, United High School
The incoming senior put together a well-rounded 2024 campaign on both sides of the ball. Haynes recorded 91 tackles, including six tackles for loss, while also carrying the ball 86 times for 772 yards. His combination of production on defense and impact in the run game makes him one of the players to keep an eye on for United.
Deon’Dray Richard, Austintown Fitch High School
Richard, an incoming senior, was one of the most explosive backs in the Valley last season. He rushed for 1,204 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 7.7 yards per carry. Richard also contributed as a receiver, hauling in eight receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown. His breakaway speed and dual-threat ability could make him a difference-maker again this fall.
Tommie Brown, United High School
Brown gives United a second candidate on this year’s ballot. The incoming senior handled a heavy offensive workload in 2024, carrying the ball 120 times for 1,190 yards. He also lined up under center, completing 35 of 54 passing attempts for 611 yards. His versatility as both a runner and a passer will be key to United’s offense this season.
Peyton Cowdery, Beaver Local High School
Cowdery is the only junior-to-be on the ballot who plays both middle linebacker and running back. He anchored the Beaver Local defense last season with 110 tackles and also found the end zone six times as a backup running back. With an expanded offensive role likely on the horizon, Cowdery could take a significant step forward in 2025.
Vinnie Fecko, Ursuline High School
The incoming senior represents Ursuline on this year’s ballot. Fecko carried the ball 39 times for 168 rushing yards and one touchdown during the 2024 football season. With another year in the program and an opportunity for a larger role, he’ll be a name to track this fall.
Levi Lucas, United High School
Lucas is the third United player on the ballot, giving the school significant representation in this year’s poll. The incoming senior anchored his position on defense with 30 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks in 2024. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses in the backfield could make him a key contributor again this season.
Ashton Pascarella, Struthers High School
Pascarella, an incoming junior, may have the most varied stat line on the ballot. He threw for 865 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 375 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. On defense, he tallied 46 tackles and three tackles for a loss. That kind of all-around production, with another two years of high school football ahead, makes him one of the most intriguing names in the Valley.
How the poll works
The players featured in this poll were nominated by their coaching staff or athletic director. The poll is not scientific, and readers can vote multiple times simply by refreshing the page.
That means every vote — and every refresh — counts down to the deadline. If there’s a player you want to see recognized as the Mahoning Valley’s football player to watch, now is the time to make your voice heard.
Final days to vote
With the poll closing Sunday, July 5 at 12 p.m., readers have just a few days left to weigh in. Whether you’re rooting for a defensive standout like Haynes or Lucas, a workhorse back like Richard or Brown, a two-way player like Cowdery or Pascarella, or an emerging contributor like Fecko, this is the moment to make it count.
Football fans across the Mahoning Valley have watched these athletes put in the work during the offseason, and many will be back on the field in a matter of weeks. The player-to-watch poll is one way to celebrate their upcoming seasons and generate excitement heading into kickoff.
Cast your vote before Sunday at noon, and check back with Mahoning Matters to see which Valley athlete comes out on top and which teams could be poised for big fall campaigns.
Photos by Mahoning Valley Sports