Northeast standouts to watch this weekend in the state football finals

With no shortage of teams in the state championships representing Northeast Ohio, it comes as no surprise that there are star players leading each team. From Youngstown Mooney and Ursuline, to Cleveland Glenville and Maple Heights. To Chagrin Falls. There is star power galore.

Of course every individual would surely point out his teammates as key reasons why they are successful but in the end, the statistics don't lie. They tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

So I pass on to you, the reader, these five players and hope you can pick the top Northeast Ohio standout leading their teams to the state championship games this week.

Chris Trinetti, Quarterback, Chagrin Falls: Had a modest semifinal in Division IV in a  20-14 win over Ottawa-Glandorf, throwing a touchdown and rushing for the game-deciding score.

Braylon Heard, Running Back, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney: Dominated previously un-dominated Steubenville 45-7 in Division III to the tune of 298 yards and scoring runs of 94, 43 and 65 yards. The West Virginia recruit went off.

Allen Jones, Running Back, Youngstown Ursuline: Ursuline destroyed West Lafayette Ridgewood 48-6 in its Division V semifinal as Jones rushed 19 times for 159 yards and touchdowns of 9 and 44 yards. He now has 29 scores on the year and unofficially broke Terrance Graves's career rushing record of 4,163 yards.

Cardale Jones, Quarterback, Cleveland Glenville: Glenville’s 6-foot-5, 210-pound quarterback was a one-man wrecking crew as his Tarblooders beat Massillon 31-17 in a Division I state semifinal game. He was 9 of 20 passing for 199 yards and two scores with no picks. He also carried the ball 16 times for 150 yards. With just over five minutes left on the clock, he scampered 26 yards for the game’s dagger.

Shaq Washington, Quarterback, Maple Heights: While running back DeVonte Ransom had a big night with 129 yards and a touchdown, Washington led the way with key runs in a 6-play, 65-yard drive to beat Lake Catholic 21-14 in a Division IV semifinal. Washington is a Glenville transfer and on the night, he had 30 carries for 193 yards and a touchdown that gave his team a 13-10 lead.