Area football teams are senior-laden so here's our look at the Top 20 seniors throughout the area

The football season is just over two weeks away, and some of the top offensive and defensive players throughout the area have been recognized.

Now, it's time to rank the top seniors, juniors and sophomores throughout the area, and up first, the Top 20 seniors who are ready to take the gridiron in a couple of weeks.

More: Check out some of the area's top defensive players as the football season nears

More: Football season has begun so let's look at the area's top offensive performers

20. Christian Browning, Crooksville

The two-way threat is among the reasons why the Ceramics are optimistic. Browning will be Brayson Hill's go-to wideout on offense, and his coverage skills aid the defensive backfield in Crooksville

19. Isaiah Stephens, New Lexington

The talent is there for the lefty, but cutting down on the turnovers is key for the Panthers' signal caller. Stephens is poised, and if his decision-making improves, New Lexington will be a challenge for every opponent.

18. Lincoln Gilcher, John Glenn

The Muskies will again lean on the running game, meaning Gilcher will get his fair share of carries. He provides a physical presence to the John Glenn offense, which is breaking in a new starting quarterback but has plenty of experience up front.

17. Malakye Thresher, New Lexington

Thresher brings an athletic end to the Panthers' defense. While the offense should put up numbers, players like Thresher make the defense just as formidable.

16. Wes Houston, West Muskingum

The Tornadoes graduated a strong senior class, but Houston will keep the program among the area's top teams. He has the combination of physicality and speed that will set the tone for the West M defense.

15. Andrew Glaub, John Glenn

The ball-hawking safety returns after grabbing a school-record nine interceptions. While it may be hard to replicate that production, Glaub's vision will make it tough for opposing teams to throw on the Muskies.

14. Talon Preston, Philo

The quarterback turned running back gives the Electrics plenty of offensive options. His speed out of the backfield balances well with fullback Talan Bailey. Preston can also play outside and deliver some big plays when given space.

13. Jake Anton, West Muskingum

Without Rashid SeSay, the offense will lean on Anton to make plays. His ability to escape pressure and hurt teams with his legs and arm make him worthy of being in our Top 10. He also delivers on defense, grabbing seven picks a year ago.

12. Canon Mercer, Zanesville

Injuries lingered last season for Mercer, but he returns ready to make the most of his senior season. The Blue Devils will be young on offense, but Mercer provides leadership and a go-to blocker for new coach TJ Carper.

11. Aiden Sparger, Ridgewood

The Generals will again have a strong defense, and Sparger highlights that unit. His quickness allows him to fill the running gaps quickly, while he can also provide coverage when teams try to throw down field.

10. Gavin Spiker, Tri-Valley

The Scotties are loaded with talent, but the offense's success starts in the trenches. Spiker has put in his time, and his experience will anchor a strong group up front.

9. Jack Robinette, Sheridan

There are plenty of new players for the Generals, but Robinette continues in the tradition of strong senior lineman at Sheridan. His leadership and blocking will be crucial for an offense with only three starters back.

8. Logan Wilhite, Maysville

The Panthers will be carried by the defense, as Wilhite will anchor that group. He made 100 tackles last season, and his ability to get to the ball will be needed with several new faces.

7. Brayden Bernard, Philo

Bernard came into his own last year, and his physicality and nose for the ball are much-needed assets for the Electrics. Philo prides itself on the defensive side of the ball, and Bernard exemplifies what is expected out of that group.

6. Keaton Hahn, Tri-Valley

The Scotties are loaded with talent, and Hahn is among the area's top playmakers. He has a strong connection with Max Lyall, and he will be No. 1 option when Tri-Valley looks to go deep with its aerial attack.

5. Shawn Griffey, Sheridan

Griffey will be one of the anchors for the Generals' defense. He showed off his play-making ability during last year's postseason run, and he should be one of the best in the area.

4. Chris Gargasz, Tri-Valley

It's not just the offense that has playmakers in Dresden. Gargasz took a big step last season and should build on what he accomplished. His presence will cause havoc for opposing offenses.

3. Bentley Hanson, New Lexington

Hanson can deliver on both sides of the ball. He will be a top option for Stephens and has the quickness to turn short gains into big plays. He also can cover with the best defensive backs in the area so few teams will likely throw in his direction.

2. Max Lyall, Tri-Valley

The area's top quarterback is among the reasons the Scotties have sky-high expectations. He has four years of experience in the offense, and his arm will provide balance with a strong running game.

1. Jayden Wallace, Tri-Valley

Wallace is the area's top player due to his ability to make plays in space. He hits the hole quickly, but also has the hands to deliver big plays in the passing game. His all-around ability gives the Scotties an element that few teams have in the area. He can take the ball to the end zone nearly every time he touches it.

Others considered: Logan Sesser, Ridgewood; Mat Harper, Maysville; Landon Gill, Philo; Carson Kellogg, New Lexington; Clay Mathers, John Glenn; Grant Lahmers, Ridgewood; Colton Conkle, Coshocton; Hayden Henry, Sheridan; Ryan Anderson, Sheridan.

bhannahs@gannett.com; X: @brandonhannahs

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Area football teams are senior-laden so here's our look at the Top 20 seniors throughout the area