T-L Photo/SETH STASKEY PICTURED ARE the Ohio linebackers and defensive backs for Saturday’s 72nd annual OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Football Game. Kneeling, from left, are Cody Saksa (River), Zane Zimish (Steubenville), William Lowe (Cambridge) and Jalen McGhee (Steubenville). Standing, from left, are Danny Zdinak (Toronto), Billy Johnson (Shadyside), Zach Bigelow (St. Clairsville) and Troy Pontius (Buckeye Trail).

BETHANY — Zach Bigelow has honestly lost track of how many times he’s been to the OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Football Game.

He does remember the 2007 game in particular. Despite being just eight years old, Bigelow recalls sitting in the stands and watching Nick Rocchio hit a streaking Maurice Bougard down the the sideline to lift Ohio, which was coached by St. Clairsville’s coaching staff, to a 6-3 victory.

“I was little, but that was a really fun game and it’s just stuck with me,” Bigelow recalled. “My brother-in-law played around that time, so I knew some of the guys on the team.”

Since then, Bigelow has been a constant in the stands at Wheeling Island Stadium, watching the game. Each year, the same thought kept going through his mind.

“I have always dreamed to be chosen for this game and have the chance to play in it,” Bigelow said.

Half of that dream came to fruition during the spring when the St. Clairsville graduate received his invitation to be a part of the Ohio squad. The other part comes to life on Saturday when he steps foot on the field at Martins Ferry’s Purple Rider Stadium.

“It’s just really cool to have this chance and it’s made it even nicer to have (St. Clairsville classmate) Trey (Elerick) along with me,” Bigelow admitted. “I am just excited to make some new friends and memories.”

During his prep career, Bigelow was a three-year mainstay at quarterback for the Red Devils. He was an all-Ohioan as a sophomore and passed for 4,668 yards and 51 touchdowns.

He was also an effective runner, accumulating 1,069 yards and 13 scores on the ground.

However, when the game kicks off, Bigelow will be in a different position than what he’s accustomed to. He’s been working this week at wide receiver and defensive back. Many athletes with a resume like Bigelow’s wouldn’t handle a position change well. This recent graduate isn’t like many others.

“It’s nice to change things up a little bit and I’m willing to do anything I can to help the team,” Bigelow said. “It’ll be nice to give some hits rather than taking the hits. Plus, it kind of takes some of the pressure off my shoulders. I’m just looking forward to going out and playing football.”

While the opportunity to meet new friends and make long-lasting memories, the OVAC Game is serving as the final sporting event of Bigelow’s career. After opting to put away the athletic shoes and attend Ohio University Eastern, Bigelow is looking to go out with a bang.

“Everything in high school sports have gone so well for me and this is the perfect way to end that part of my life,” Bigelow said. “This is an honor that I’ll definitely cherish for the rest of my life.”

Outside of his football accomplishments, Bigelow is the only Ohio athlete in the game to own a team state championship ring, too. He was part of the Red Devils’ 2016 boys track team, which won the Division II state title. He was once again an all-Ohioan in track this past spring in the 4×2.