Risser leads WBL past MAC/NWC all-stars

VAN WERT — Shawnee’s Dillon Risser took his pole vaulting skills to new heights last weekend when he finished third in Division II at the state track and field meet.

On Friday night, Risser took his football skills to an entirely new level when he led the Western Buckeye League All-Stars to a 40-25 victory over the Midwest Athletic Conference/Northwest Conference All-Stars in the annual Van Wert County Hospital All-Star game at Van Wert.

Risser, who had only three quarters of varsity experience as a signal-caller, just missed the game’s all-time passing record for yards. Risser completed 22 of 46 passes for 351 yards, which was one yard shy of the record. He had six touchdown passes, which is a new record — the previous record was four. He spread the passes around also, hitting 10 different receivers on the night.

Risser said the transition from being a wide receiver/defensive back to playing quarterback went rather smooth. He had just one week to hone his passing skills and learn the plays.

“It’s a blessing … God blessed me with the presence to be here today and I was able to put the ball where I needed,” Risser said. “The line did a great job. The receivers did a heck of a job, blocking as well as catching the ball. I couldn’t ask for a better team.”

WBL coach Mike Mauk — the head coach at Kenton — said Risser caught on to the system quick.

“He came in this week with a great attitude,” Mauk said. “I knew he had great athleticism and a quick release. I think he also showed a great deal of leadership.”

Risser said the past week has been very eventful.

“It’s been a pretty good past few days,” Risser said. “I had my state track championships on Saturday, then the next day I had my high school graduation, then we started (football) practice on Monday.”

Risser will be competing in track and field at the University of Cincinnati next school year.

For the MAC/NWC, Lima Central Catholic’s Desi Kirkman led the way, catching 12 passes for 186 yards. Delphos Jefferson quarterback Jordan Jettinghoff completed 24 of 46 passes for 332 yards.