ZT’s Dunkle earns Player of the Week honor

CHILLICOTHE – In light of a 34-28 victory over Logan Elm, Zane Trace’s Joel Dunkle was named Player of the Week by the Gazette’s readers.

The Pioneers’ quarterback earned 232 votes out of 751 cast, or 30.89 percent.

Dunkle’s Week 1 performance included 30 carries for 195 yards on the ground and 129 yards through the air on 8-for-18 passing. The senior also scored five touchdowns — four rushing and one passing — including the game winner in overtime.

The victory for the Pioneers marked the first against Logan Elm in school history.

Following Dunkle in the voting was Waverly’s Drew Harris, who earned 193 votes, or 25.7 percent of the final vote. Harris rushed for 178 yards on 27 carries and a touchdown in a 9-8 win over Piketon.

Paint Valley quarterback Anthony McFadden followed with 140 votes — 18.64 percent — thanks to a four-touchdown performance in a 36-6 win over Fisher Catholic. Adena’s Cale Free earned 129 votes — 17.18 percent — with a 23-carry, 198-yard outing, including three touchdowns.

Unioto’s Erique Hosley came in fifth with 57 votes — 7.59 percent — after scoring three touchdowns in a 21-6 win over Vinton County.

Next week’s Player of the Week poll will be posted Monday morning on ChillicotheGazette.com. Voting will open at 8 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Thursday.