Ethan Hylton has played big role for improved Marion (copy)
Ethan Hylton starred as Marion beat Richlands last week in Southwest District play.
Marion's Ethan Hylton.
MARION, Va. – Just refer to Marion’s Ethan Hylton as Mr. Versatility.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound senior has contributed defense for the Scarlet Hurricanes soccer team, power for the basketball team, and offense for the football team.
Take last week’s 41-13 victory over Richlands for example.
With a physical approach at running back, Hylton rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. He added five extra point conversions as Marion won its first Southwest District game since 2023.
Hylton, a regular at running back and linebacker the past three seasons, said his success comes down to the basics.
“I’m not that elusive, but I can run people over. That’s my style,” Hylton said.
Hylton also played a vital role in the 56-19 non-district victory over Fort Chiswell two weeks ago. He scored on a six-yard run, connected on four extra-point kicks, and scored four points on a pair of two-point conversions.
Hylton has delivered a total of 36 points on the season, including three touchdowns.
“The work of our line plays a big part in what I’m able to do and what we’re able to accomplish as a team,” Hylton said. “I’m definitely glad to have those guys in front of me.”
Marion finished with 355 yards of total offense against Fort Chiswell, as junior Cole Fedorchuk contributed three touchdowns. That result ended a 28-game losing streak for the Scarlet Hurricane.
“That win was nice and it gave us a lot of momentum going into the Richlands game,” Hylton said.
“Our success on offense starts up front. On defense, we’ve gone a better job of tackling and swarming to the ball in recent weeks.”
The offensive line cast include seniors Peyton Ratcliffe, Spencer Shaffer, Brent Tolbert and Konner Whitt along with juniors Ethan Sage and Cooper Hall. Sophomore Carter Edge works at tight end, with senior Colton Ferland at fullback.
Hopes were high entering the 2026 season as second-year head Billy Testerman welcomed a total of 53 players and 15 seniors.
There were just two seniors on the 2025 roster. Hylton led that squad with four touchdowns
“I went to work off-season in the weight room and stayed with it all summer,” Hylton said. “Coach Testerman makes football fun and exciting, and that’s why we had more players come out this year.”
According to Testerman, Hylton earned his role as a team leader the hard way.
“Ethan plays hard and is a great player to coach,” Testerman said.
Hylton knows winning.
He helped Marion post a 16-11 record in basketball last winter and was a force on the 15-4-2 soccer team that made the Region 2D tournament.
