Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S 19HP Riding mower, compression gauge, way to the edge

Question
Had to stop to re-air a tire on the rider. We'd been using the mower about 45 mins when I stopped it. It sat off for about 10 mins while I dragged the air compressor over. Started the mower just fine, drove from the drive way to the edge of the yard. Engaged the brake, tried to engage the mowing blades, got it about half way engaged and the engine died. I had trouble getting the mowing blades to disengage. Tried to start the mower again, the engine will spin but will not turn over. Brand new battery, brand new spark plugs, confirmed fuel filter is operational. You can smell gas, almost like it's flooded. It will not turn over. Oh, and we did not hear a bang, which I would have thought I'd have heard if it threw a rod. Any ideas? Worth repairing? Thanks!

Answer
Do you have a compression gauge to check the engine compression?  Not looking for a hard number, just need to verify the cylinder has compression.

Did you check for spark?  If the blade safety switch circuit is malfunctioning then you may not be receiving spark.

Eric