Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

In a down season, Jarod Sheppard played up.
Although the Symmes Valley Vikings battled youth as they finished 3-7, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound senior linebacker put together a strong season.
Sheppard was recognized for his effort by being named to the Associated Press Division VII All-Ohio football team on Thursday as a special mention selection.
Sheppard led the Vikings with 138 tackles including four stops for a loss. He cause seven fumbles, had two fumble recoveries and had five pass breakups.
Sheppard was named to the All-Southeast Ohio District first team and was All-Southern Ohio Conference.
Also named to the All-Ohio list as a special mention selection was Green Bobcats senior running back Tyler Darnell.
The 5-10, 175-pound Darnell led the Bobcats in rushing and scoring but had his season ended early due to an injury.
Darnell set the school’s single-game rushing record last season with 312 yards against West Union.