Overton’s Jayden Edwards hauls in a pass Friday against Evadale in San Augustine. (Audrey Blashke/Henderson News)

From Staff Reports

BRYAN — Overton receiver Jayden Edwards, Mount Enterprise fullback Kaegan Ash and Elysian Fields return specialist Brandon Kennedy headed up a large contingent of players named to the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 2A All-State Football Team for the 2024 season.

Edwards, Ash and Kennedy were first-team selections on the elite team that was selected by TSWA members based on nominations from coaches and media members from around the state.

Garrison defensive lineman Gavin Pollard also earned first-team honors.

Late Hawkins receiver, Carter Snider, who died in a car accident in November, was among the second-team selections. Snider caught 60 passes for 1,002 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Grapeland offensive tackle Rickie Gilmore, Shelbyville quarterback DJ Barnes, Cayuga fullback Shiloh Peckham, Joaquin defensive back Tate Bass, Timpson punter Cole Bruister Beckville tight end Tyson Oden and Beckville running back Jordan Prince were also second-team selections.

Waskom fullback Nate Espy, Shelbyville offensive guard Jose Gonzalez, Alto wide receiver Tim Bond and Beckville defensive back Aiden Harris earned third-team honors.

Earning honorable mention status from East Texas were offensive tackles, Jabrahlyn Jones of Garrison and Cason Lee of Shelbyville, centers Trace Chamness of Beckville and Eathen Oates of Overton, quarterback Bryce Still of Overton, running backs Kelton Williams of Waskom and J.J. Garner of Timpson, all-purpose standout A.J. Donnell of Frankston, defensive linemen Zaylyn Donnell of Frankston, Jesse Ellington of Grapeland, Jabrahlyn Jones of Garrison and Deandre Prince of Waskom, linebackers Logan Brown of Big Sandy, Carter Cooper of Union Grove, Kit’Raviunce “Tray” Gilmore of Grapeland and Justin Weir of Overton and defensive back Joe Irving of Waskom.

Edwards caught 80 passes for 1,501 yards and 22 touchdowns for Overton in 2024. Ash carried 244 times for 1,960 yards and 32 touchdowns and also caught one TD pass and Kennedy averaged 24.8 yards per kickoff return with one touchdown and 32.7 yards per punt return with a couple of scores.

Kennedy also rushed for 1,195 yards and 14 touchdowns, caught 35 passes for 692 yards and seven scores and recorded 63 tackles, three interceptions, two sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns.

Oden had 28 catches for 494 yards and six scores, and Prince carried 235 times for 2,132 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Espy finished with 105 carries for 900 yards and 11 touchdowns, and Harris had 93 tackles, three tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, a fumble recovery and three interceptions.

Ganado quarterback Bryce Ullman and Stamford linebacker Kaston Vega were named Players of the Year.

Ullman passed for 2,779 yards and 47 touchdowns and rushed for 300 yards and seven scores in leading Ganado to the Division I state championship.

Vega had 238 tackles and 35 tackles for loss for Division I runner-up Stamford.

Coach of the Year honors went to Ganado’s Josh Ervin.

FIRST TEAM

Offense

Guards – Jessie Rodriguez, Stamford, 5-8, 260, sr.; Brayden Henderson, Refugio, 6-0, 270, sr.

Tackles – Wesley Maupin, Gruver, 6-4, 260, sr.; Zach Smith, Muenster, 6-1, 220, sr.

Center – Juan Hernandez, Weimar, 6-2, 230, sr.

Wide receivers – Jayden Edwards, Overton, 6-0, 165, sr.; Cooper Ellison, Miles, 5-11, 170, sr.

Tight end – (tie) Camden Ables, Hawley, 6-4, 220, soph.; Garrett Hess, Muenster, 6-3, 185, jr.

Quarterback – Bryce Ullman, Ganado, 5-10, 170, sr.

Running backs – Ian Vergara, Post, 5-7, 150, sr.; Jordan King, Refugio, 5-10, 215, sr.; HD Davis, Wolfe City, 6-0, 205, jr.

Fullback – Kaegan Ash, Mount Enterprise, 6-0 205, jr.

All-purpose – Coldyn Horn, Axtell, 5-8, 165, sr.

Place-kicker – Marcos Estrada, Junction, 5-8, 150, sr.

Offensive player of the year – Bryce Ullman, Ganado

Defense

Linemen – Gavin Pollard, Garrison, 6-3, 270, sr.; Victor Saenz, Ropes, 6-0, 210, jr.; Jackson Graves, Wheeler, 6-5, 225, jr.; Jared Werner, Shiner, 6-1, 205, sr.

Linebackers – Kaston Vega, Stamford, 5-11, 185, sr.; Kaden Riker, Ropes, 6-2, 185, soph.; Garrett Trevino, Collinsville, 5-10, 220, sr.; (tie) Kye Adamek, Shiner, 6-0, 185, sr.; Levi Beavers, Honey Grove, 6-0, 215, sr.

Secondary – Stephen Cowan, Gruver, 6-1, 170, sr.; Jake Simper, Shiner, 5-10, 150, jr.; Keith Crawford, Somerville, 6-0, 196, sr.; Luke Sanderson, Goldthwaite 5-9, 170, sr.

Punter – Brandon Berend, Windthorst, 6-4, 245, sr.

Utility – Logan Bures, Ganado, 5-8, 155, soph.

Kick returner – Brandon Kennedy, Elysian Fields, 5-10, 170, jr.

Defensive player of the year – Kaston Vega, Stamford

Coach of the year – Josh Ervin, Ganado

SECOND TEAM

Offense

Guards – Chris Turner, Three Rivers, 6-4, 330, sr.; Tyler Gilchrist, Lovelady, 5-10, 210, sr.

Tackles – Diego Cantu, Stamford, 5-10, 275, sr.; Rickie Gilmore, Grapeland, 6-5, 265, sr.

Center – Rylan Todd, Mason, 5-9, 220, sr.

Wide receivers – Carson Kahlig, Rosebud-Lott, 6-0, 185, sr.; (tie) Carter Snider, Hawkins, 6-1, 175, sr.; Caden Klement, Muenster, 6-3, 185, sr

Tight end – Tyson Oden, Beckville, 6-2, 200, sr.

Quarterback – DJ Barnes, Shelbyville, 5-11, 185, sr.

Running backs – Elijah Hardison, Joaquin, 5-9, 175, sr.; Sutten Silerio, Mason, 5-11, 185, sr.; (tie) Walker Maupin, Gruver, 5-9, 160, sr.; Jordan Prince, Beckville, 6-0, 180, jr.

Fullback – Shiloh Peckham, Cayuga, 5-11, 205, sr.

All-purpose – De Montrel Medlock, Mart, 6-1, 226, sr.

Place-kicker – Sam De La Mata, Muenster, 6-2, 180, sr.

Defense

Linemen – Brysen Maxwell-Steele, Marlin, 6-1, 310, jr.; Case Beeson, Stamford, 6-1, 210, sr.; Cody Mahan, Honey Grove, 6-3, 230, sr.; Jackson Bates, Hamilton, 5-11, 180, sr.

Linebackers – Tank Scott, Bremond, 5-6, 160, jr.; Eddy Carrizales, Bremond, 5-9, 180, jr.; Landon Hicks, Ganado, 5-11, 155, jr.; Bobby Rogers, Tom Bean, 6-1, 215, sr.

Secondary – Garrett Ashurst, Wheeler, 5-10, 165, jr.; Branson Simental, Ropes, 5-8, 155, soph.; Tate Bass, Joaquin, 5-10, 165, sr.; Nate Harlow, Electra, 5-8, 162, sr.

Punter – Cole Bruister, Timpson, 6-1, 150, sr.

Utility – Maziq Gunnell, Kerens, 5-10, 187, sr.

Kick returner – Maverick Bayer, Muenster, 5-7, 165, soph.

THIRD TEAM

Offense

Guards – Cason Serna, Tioga, 6-2, 225, sr.; and (tie) Jose Gonzalez, Shelbyville 5-6, 225, jr. and Jon Conley, Sudan, 5-11, 285, sr.

Tackles – Nick Adams, Hamilton, 6-2, 275, sr.; Jarrell Wright, Centerville, 6-1, 265, jr.

Center – Tatum Banker, Honey Grove, 5-11, 245, sr.

Wide receivers – Tim Bond, Alto, 5-10, 155, sr.; (tie) Chad Davidson, Collinsville, 5-8, 140, jr.; Johnny Dorpinghaus, Tioga, 5-8, 175, sr.

Tight end – Caleb Strickland, Wellington, 5-10, 210, sr.

Quarterback – Casen Carney, Muenster, 5-9, 165, jr.

Running backs – Cortavies Whitaker, Lovelady, 5-11, 185 sr.; Kernyd Faciane, Wink, 5-8, 185, soph.; Julius Atherton, Wheeler, 5-11, 215, sr.

Fullback – Nate Espy, Waskom, 6-0, 195, jr.

All-purpose – Michael Daniels, Ozona, 5-9, 150, sr.

Place-kicker – Isiah Smith, Collinsville, 5-10, 140, jr.

Defense

Linemen – Miguel Rincon, Wellington, 5-10, 185, sr.; Asher Price, Honey Grove, 6-4, 215, sr.; Cadynn Villarreal, Mart, 6-0, 250, sr.; (tie) Zander Pruitt, Bremond, 5-10, 225, jr.; Aden Standley, Corrigan-Camden, 6-0, 220, sr.

Linebackers – Simon Johnson, Muenster, 5-9, 160, jr.; Clancy Osbourn, Mason, 6-1, 205, jr.; Zander Wills, Refugio, 6-0, 190, jr.; (tie) James Contreras, Three Rivers, 6-0, 210, jr.; Mason Banker, Honey Grove, 5-7, 160, jr.

Secondary – Xavier Carranza, Three Rivers, 5-11, 170, sr.; Aiden Harris, Beckville, 5-10 160, sr.; Caiden Crook, Panhandle, 6-2, 170, sr.; Keyandre Jefferson, Post, 5-9, 150, sr.

Punter – Brady McCullough, Lovelady, 5-9, 155, jr.

Utility – Dereion Mitchell, Hearne, 6-5, 210, sr.

Kick returner – Kasen Wiles, Windthorst, 5-9, 155, sr.

HONORABLE MENTION

Offense

Guards – Edward Martinez, Goldthwaite, 6-1, 250, sr.; Cayson Merz, Thorndale, 6-0, 220, soph.

Tackles –Jabrahlyn Jones, Garrison, 6-3, 325, sr.; Cason Lee, Shelbyville, 6-1, 250, jr.; Reid McCaleb, Ropes, 6-4, 260, sr.

Centers – Trace Chamness, Beckville, sr.; Grayson Ellis, Wink, sr.; Aiden McQuerry, Windthorst, 6-0, 225, jr.; Hunter Morawietz, Falls City, 5-10, 155, sr.; Eathen Oates, Overton, soph.

Wide receivers – Jason Galey, Three Rivers, 6-0, 160, sr.; Brenden Garcia, Wellington, 6-3, 165, sr.; Cain Hayden, Ganado, 5-7, 170, sr.; Austin Norwood, Tioga, 6-2, 185, sr.; Austen Pena, Ganado, 5-9, 150, jr.; Jaibryn Ornelas, Sudan, 6-0, 155, sr.

Quarterback – Keagan Ables, Hawley, 6-1, 210, sr.; Brock Belcher, Windthorst, 6-0, 180, soph.; Christian Duran, Stamford, 5-7, 156, sr.; Jaxon Jenkins, Collinsville, 6-0, 155, soph.; Braylon Johnson, Falls City, 5-10, 168, jr.; Armando Lujan, Sunray, 6-0, 185, sr.; Briggs Satterfield, Gruver, 6-1, 165, jr.; Carson Schuette, Shiner, 5-10 150, sr.; Cody Sells, Three Rivers, 5-11, 180, sr.; Bryce Still, Overton, 5-9, 160, sr.; Rocky Urich, Tioga, 6-2, 175, sr.; Gared Wood, Italy, 1-10, 170, sr.

Running backs – Noah Crabtree, Thorndale, 5-9, 175, sr.; Adryean Finney, Cooper, 5-11, 190, sr.; J.J. Garner, Timpson, 5-11, 190, sr.; Kelton Williams, Waskom, 5-7, 155, sr.; Kameron Striegel, West Sabine, 5-7, 145, sr. Ja’Sean Johnson, Valley Mills, 5-10, 200, jr. Ryelan Morris, Honey Grove, 5-10, 177, jr.; Amarius Phillips, Centerville, 5-10, 170, soph.; Derrick Reagie, Corrigan-Camden, 6-2, 190, soph.; Christian Villarreal, Ozona, jr.

All-purpose – A.J. Donnell, Frankston, 6-2, 175, jr.; Halston Haile, Hamilton, 5-9, 180, jr.; Carson Herron, Wolfe City, 5-10, 165, sr.

Defense

Linemen – Yancey Bean, Wortham, 6-0, 190, sr.; Jonathan Clay, Archer City, 6-2, 235, sr.;Zaylyn Donnell, Frankston, 6-3, 235, sr.; Grant Dragon, Three Rivers, 6-0, 215, sr.; Riley Ehrlich, Falls City, 6-0, 230, jr.; Jesse Ellington, Grapeland, 6-2, 310, jr.; Treylan Fennell, Italy, 6-2, 225, sr.; Jabrahlyn Jones, Garrison, 6-3, 325, sr.; Arnold Mendoza, Sunray, 5-7, 165, sr.; Colton Kelly, Miles, sr.; Sergio Ochoa, Junction, 6-1, 230, sr.; Deandre Prince, Waskom, 6-0, 200, sr.; Dale Shaffer, Falls City, 6-3, 255, sr.

Linebackers – Ja’Marijon Benford, Hearne, 6-1, 220, sr.; Fisher Bradley, Mason, 6-1, 175, jr.; Logan Brown, Big Sandy, 6-0, 195, sr.; Brayson Choate, Panhandle, 5-10, 185, sr.; Carter Cooper, Union Grove, 5-8, 165, jr.; Chris Deere, Somerville, jr.; Victor Flores, Gruver, 5-9, 185, jr.; Kit’Raviunce “Tray” Gilmore, Grapeland, 6-2, 232, sr.; Bryan Gonzales, Junction, 5-10, 185, jr.; Garrett Guinn, Hamilton, 6-2, 190, sr.; Zach Harper, Cooper, 5-10, 180, sr.; Dallon Jordan, Joaquin, 5-9, 180, sr.; Ty McDowell, Sunray, 5-10, 180, sr.; Braylon Nava, Electra, 6-0, 170, jr.; Justin Ovalle, Corsicana Mildred, 5-11, 195, sr.; William Walden, Shelbyville, 5-11, 190, soph.; Justin Weir, Overton, 5-8, 163, soph.; Cle’ Whitfield, Stamford, 5-10, 185, sr.

Secondary – Kason Brown, Reagan County, sr.; Levi Glover, San Saba, sr.; Joe Irving, Waskom, 5-10, 165, sr.; Zach Norrell, Weimar 6-1, 170, sr.; Jayden Tally, Wink, 6-2, 155, sr.; Kye Terry, Lovelady, 6-2, 180, sr.

Utility – Noach Cornell, Archer City, 6-0, 190, sr.; Ashton Frye, Corsicana Mildred, 5-9, 169, sr.