Catawba Ridge linebacker Tyler Gindoff earned 5A/4A Defensive Player of the Week honors after leading the Copperheads' defense in a 24-6 season-opening win over Blythewood.

High school football coaches from York, Lancaster and Chester counties vote on the Tri-County Players of the Week each week. WRHI announced the Week 1 selections on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Gindoff, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound linebacker, made the signature play of Catawba Ridge's Friday, Aug. 21 home opener. Blythewood quarterback Veasey was sacked and fumbled. Gindoff recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown, giving the Copperheads a 21-6 lead they never relinquished, according to Fort Mill Prep Sports.

WRHI broadcaster Chris Miller called the play live on X during the game:

@ChrisWRHI: "Fumble Recovery in the End Zone by Tyler Gindoff gives @RidgeCatawba a 21-6 lead over @BHSBengalFB"

Fort Mill Prep Sports reported that the Copperheads' defense kept them in the game during a slow start before the offense found its rhythm. The game marked Catawba Ridge's first contest after dropping back to the 4A classification this season, though the Tri-County award covers a combined 5A/4A division.

The honor puts Gindoff alongside several other area standouts recognized for Week 1. Rock Hill High's Jay'Sean Culp took overall Player of the Week. Indian Land's Matt Kacia earned Offensive Player of the Week. Rock Hill's Michael Tadi won Offensive Lineman of the Week, Lancaster's Tevion Lineberger took Defensive Lineman of the Week, and Rock Hill's James Heckard claimed Special Teams Player of the Week.

Catawba Ridge travels to Fort Mill High School on Friday, Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m. for a non-conference matchup between two schools separated by less than five miles on Fort Mill Parkway. The Copperheads then visit Boiling Springs on Friday, Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m.