Bryson Smith, Sr., John Tyler: All-East Texas Player of the Year (Lang White / Correspondent)

Just when you think he’s in your grasp, he’s gone, evading a sack with a spin or a juke.

Just when you think you’ve contained him, he’s picking out a 60-yard bomb.

Just when you think you’ve covered his receivers, he’s sprinting through your defense for a long run.

John Tyler quarterback Bryson Smith accomplished many things throughout his three-year varsity career with the Lions, from winning district titles to setting school records.

Now he’s the Player of the Year on the Tyler Morning Telegraph and ETFinalScore.com’s 2016 All-East Texas Football Team. The award is presented by HearLife Hearing Care, and is compiled from nominations from area coaches before being voted on by the staff of the Tyler Paper.

“It’s a blessing,” Smith said of the award. “It’s an honor to represent John Tyler.”

Smith follows Mineola quarterback Jeremiah Crawford as the award’s recipient. The two swapped positions on the All-East Texas Team as Smith was named Offensive Player of the Year last year, an honor that was awarded this year to Crawford.

Crawford’s coach, Joe Drennon, was named Coach of the Year after guiding the Yellowjackets to the Class 3A Division I state title. Drennon follows West Rusk’s John Frazier.

Arp’s Demarvion Overshown, who was Newcomer of the Year last year, is this year’s Defensive Player of the Year, an honor won by Nacogdoches’ Brandon Jones last year.

This year’s Newcomer of the Year honors went to Robert E. Lee standout running back Ladarius Wickware.

 

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

With John Tyler moving up from Class 5A to Class 6A, one might have expected Bryson Smith’s numbers to go down.

On the contrary – he only got better.

Smith threw for 3,277 yards with 32 touchdowns to nine interceptions during his senior campaign, an improvement of 34 percent.

“I think I improved a lot,” said Smith, who on Wednesday signed with Houston. “I’m more patient and threw the ball to different spots and not just to the receiver.”

But Smith wasn’t named All-East Texas MVP just for his throwing exploits. The elusive, agile, speedy quarterback was one of the area’s top runners the last two years.

After going for 1,441 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior, Smith amassed 1,653 yards and 23 TDs as a senior. His career total of 3,182 rushing yards set the school record, no small feat for the school that produced record setters like Kendall Hunter, Jeremy Johnson, Greg Ward and, of course, Hall of Famer Earl Campbell.

Not bad for a guy who said he’s reluctant to tuck the ball and run.

“I just made plays when I had to,” Smith said. “I really don’t try to run, but sometimes it happens and I make plays. It’s just what I do.”

In his three-year varsity career, Smith produced 9,355 total yards and 102 touchdowns.

As he prepares for the next stage in his football career at Houston, Smith said one thing stands out from his time at John Tyler.

“Just the bond I built with my brothers,” Smith said. “The games, the practices, a lot of fun times we had together, building all that chemistry we need to win to produce during the season.”

 

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Jeremiah Crawford’s numbers were jaw dropping.

In helping Mineola win its first state championship, the senior quarterback ran for 2,869 yards and 45 touchdowns, adding 885 yards and 15 more TDs through the air. Those numbers could have been higher had he not been relegated to the bench in the second half of countless blowouts as his team steamrolled through district play.

But when asked what it was that helped the Yellowjackets win it all after two years of coming close, the quarterback said it wasn’t the experience of playing 47 games or his uncanny ability to find holes and explode for huge gains.

It was the team’s brotherhood.

“The experience we had as brothers is what brought us to where we were,” Crawford said. “There were teams that had more athletes or were better than we were. They weren’t put together like we were.

“We were a brotherhood. We loved each other.”

Crawford, who signed with Tyler Junior College on Wednesday, started all four years at Mineola and left an indelible mark on the program.

What stood out most to his coach was his maturation from his first year to his last, noticeable when comparing his body language in the 2014 state title game loss to Cameron Yoe to the 2016 state title game win over Yoakum.

“That’s a kid from being 15 years old to 18 years old,” Drennon said. “Just a maturity level of playing that many football games is his story of how he’s grown up and been one of the best players in this area.”

It also helped that he was one of the most explosive athletes in the area.

“He is just like a stick of dynamite; you know something’s fixing to happen when he gets the football in his hand,” Drennon said. “I tell you what he has more than anything: He’s got a lot of heart. The kid hates to lose. He hates to lose bad.”

 

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Arp’s Demarvion Overshown was named Newcomer of the Year on last year’s All-East Texas Football Team for his performance playing both defensive end and linebacker as a sophomore.

But Overshown played neither position in earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. This year he moved to free safety.

“It was always something I wanted to do, play safety – step back there and hit people,” Overshown said. “It’s a chance that you get to hit people without getting in trouble or getting any punishment. I’d rather lay out the punishment than get punished.”

Overshown punished a lot of people – 173 to be exact – to lead the Tigers in tackles. He added five interceptions, two blocked punts, three fumble recoveries and seven tackles for loss.

The junior was a key part of Arp’s 13-2 season as the Tigers reached the state semifinals for the third time in school history.

“We had a lot of seniors and they were some real good leaders,” Overshown said. “Kayce (Medlock), Tyler (Stewart), all them. We set the bar high from the first day of two-a-days and we knew what we wanted to get even though we didn’t make it to where we wanted but we got far. It was a pretty nice season.”

Though Overshown and the Tigers didn’t quite get to the title game like they wanted, the 6-4, 200-pounder has a bright future ahead of him, having already received nine college offers already, including: Texas, TCU, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Kansas, SMU, Southern Miss, UTSA and SFA.

 

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Robert E. Lee wasn’t able to make the playoffs in coach Clayton George’s first year, but anyone who watched the Red Raiders play saw plenty of talent on offense.

Right in the middle of that was sophomore running back Ladarius Wickware, this year’s Newcomer of the Year.

The District 11-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year rushed for 1,404 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging a staggering 8.0 yards per rush.

Wickware made an immediate impact, running for 200 yards and two touchdowns in Lee’s season-opening win over Marshall, which showed Wickware he could succeed at the varsity level.

“I didn’t really think about it until my first game came out good so I thought I could have a good season,” Wickware said.

Wickware finished the season strong, totaling 1,068 yards in his final five games, an average of 213.6 per game.

His finest moment may have come against Mesquite when he ran for 261 yards and five touchdowns, though he also contributed 277 total yards and three touchdowns in Lee’s loss to rival John Tyler.

Wickware will hope to continue to put up big numbers next year as he returns alongside senior-to-be Chance Amie, Lee’s first-team all-district quarterback.

“We can be a good,” Wickware said of the backfield duo. “We’re working on getting better as brothers and get better to (lead) the team.”

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

This was supposed to be Mineola’s year, but when the Yellowjackets started the season with two losses, some began to wonder.

Then Joe Drennon’s crew won 14 straight.

The key?

“We quit playing Van and Kaufman,” Drennon said.

Jokes aside, when playing teams in their classification, the Yellowjackets dominated, outscoring opposition by an average of 37.5 points per game.

But Drennon goes back to the losses to Van and Kaufman when talking about how this Mineola team was the one to get over the hump after reaching the state title game in 2014 and the semifinals in 2015 only to run into a caliber of opponent they had never seen.

“I think it made all the difference, I really do,” Drennon said. “When realignment came out we said we need to do something to get us ready for when we get back in that moment again.

“They exposed our weaknesses. We got it corrected; our kids got it corrected. It worked out really well.”

Drennon and his staff led a remarkable run to the Class 3A Division I state title, one that will last long in the coach’s memory, especially with his son, Michael, a junior linebacker on the team.

Every day was a blast, Drennon said, with the players dancing around and having fun but getting down to work when they needed to.

“It’s been a blessing, it’s been a great advertisement for our school, our community and our football program,” Drennon said. “Just a special group of young men that have really set a community on fire.”

TWITTER: @TYoestingETFS

 

 

Tyler Morning Telegraph and ETFinalScore.com’s All-East Texas Football Team

Presented by HearLife Hearing Care

 

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Bryson Smith

School: John Tyler

Class: Senior

Position: Quarterback

Notable: Threw for 3,277 yards with 32 TDs, 9 INTs while running for 1,653 yards and 23 TDs for District 11-6A champion Lions. Leaves John Tyler as school’s career leading rusher with 3,182 yards.

 

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Jeremiah Crawford

School: Mineola

Class: Senior

Position: Quarterback

Notable: Named Offensive MVP of state title game as Yellowjackets won their first state title. Ran for 2,869 yards, 45 TDs and threw for 855 yards, 15 TDs and 7 INTs. Named MVP of District 7-3A Division I.

 

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Demarvion Overshown

School: Arp

Class: Junior

Position: Safety

Notable: The former defensive lineman/linebacker who was named last year’s All-East Texas Newcomer of the Year moved to safety and recorded 173 tackles, 7 TFL, 3 FR, 2 blocked punts and 5 INTs for the 13-2 Tigers. Named District 9-3A Division I Defensive MVP.

 

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Ladarius Wickware

School: Robert E. Lee

Class: Sophomore

Position: Running Back

Notable: The runner racked up 1,404 yards and 14 touchdowns rushing while adding 120 yards and a score receiving for the 2-8 Red Raiders.

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Joe Drennon

School: Mineola

Notable: Guided the Yellowjackets to the school’s first state championship after reaching at least the state semifinals the two years prior.

—

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

Center

Dau’quawn Montgomery, Sr., John Tyler – Graded at 92 percent with 65 knockdowns and no sacks allowed in 339 passes. Made 40 consecutive starts.

Offensive Line

Ronald Baker, Sr., Grace Community – Paved way for 534.5 yards per game of offense and named TAPPS Division II first-team all-state.

Kris Dike, Jr., Van – Graded at 92 percent with 52 pancakes and no sacks allowed for the 12-2 Vandals.

Jake Neal, Sr., Palestine – Notched 46 pancakes and 28 knockdowns without allowing a sack. Graded at 94 percent for 5-5 team.

Hugo Sanchez, Jr., Mineola – Named District 7-3A Division I Offensive Lineman of the Year for state title winning team.

Quarterback

Garrett Moseley, Jr., Van – The District 8-4A Division I Offensive Player of the Year threw for 2,785 yards with 39 TDs and 4 INTs while running for 1,689 yards and 24 TDs for the 12-2 Vandals.

Running Back

Michael Edmonson, Sr., Harmony – Powered the Eagles with 1,731 yards and 24 TDs, adding 204 yards and a TD receiving.

Keaontay Ingram, Jr., Carthage – Racked up 2,244 yards and 32 TDs for the 13-2 Bulldogs, adding 47 catches for 492 yards and 4 TDs receiving.

Dylon Mosley, Jr. Rains – Rushed for a school-record 2,006 yards with 16 TDs, plus ran for four two-point conversion.

Receiver/Tight End

Isaiah Allred, Sr., Van – Led Vandals with 66 catches for 1,278 yards and 17 TDs.

Judah Bell, Sr., Gorman – Caught 111 passes for 2,353 yards and 19 TDs in being named TAPPS Division II first-team all state.

Damion Miller, Sr., John Tyler – Texas signee hauled in 41 passes for 922 yards and 8 TDs to go along with 319 return yards.

LaMarcus Morton, Sr., Gilmer – Oklahoma State early enrollee went for 1,368 yards on 67 catches with 15 TDs for the 13-2 Buckeyes.

Kicker

Pablo Tarango, Jr., Winona – Went 12 for 13 on FGs with a long of 47 and hit on 82 of 85 PATs with 37 touchbacks.

Utility

Kayce Medlock, Sr., Arp – The SMU signee had 1,250 yards and 17 TDs rushing, completed 7 of 9 passes for 148 yards and two TDs and caught 8 passes for 256 yards and 5 TDs. Named District 3-3A Division II Offensive MVP.

 

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE

Defensive Line

Dekalen Goodson, Jr., John Tyler – Led Lions with 12 sacks to go with 70 tackles, 9 TFL, 5 QBP, 5 PBU, 1 FF, 2 FR.

Howard Hawkins, Sr., John Tyler – Registered 90 tackles, 8 sacks, 12 TFL, 23 QBPs, 1 FF, 2 FR for 11-2 Lions.

Kourtland Sinches, Sr., Mineola – The state title game Defensive MVP made 77 tackles (33 solo), 26 TFL, 9 sacks, 2 FR, 4 FF and 20 QBPs.

Ndukwe Uduma, Sr., Grace Community – TAPPS Division II first-team all-state selection and made 6 sacks.

Linebacker

Martrevious Allison, Jr., John Tyler – Led Lions with 118 tackles and 3 INTs to go with 4 PBUs, 2 FF and 2 sacks.

Noah Bush, Sr., Athens – Racked up 118 tackles, 13 TFL, 4 sacks and 2 FF for 2-8 Hornets.

Sam Reeves, Sr., Van – Was a force with 164 tackles, 13 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF for 12-2 Vandals.

Sloan Rodberg, Sr., Wills Point – District 6-4A Division II Player of the Year amassed 217 tackles (78 solo), 7 TFL, 9 FF, 1 INT, 9 PBU, 5 QBPs and blocked a punt for 7-5 Tigers.

Defensive Back

Cooper Bledsoe, Sr., Van – Made 170 tackles and 9 INTs, one returned for a TD, adding 3 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF, 2 FR for 12-2 Vandals. Finished career with 425 tackles and 13 INTs.

Javontayvious Mosley, Sr., John Tyler – UTSA signee broke up 18 passes to go along with 59 tackles, 2 INTs, 2 TFL, 2 QBPs, 2 FF and 1 FR for 11-2 Lions.

Javier Neal, Jr., Whitehouse – Returned two of his 8 INTs for TDs while making 63 tackles, 5 TFL, 10 PBU, 2 FF and 1 FR for 6-4 Wildcats.

Traveion Webster, Sr., Longview – Louisiana-Monroe signee tallied 81 tackles, 2 INTs, 2 TFL and 3 FF for 8-3 Lobos.

Punter

Austin Owens, Sr., Union Grove – Averaged 42.6 yards on 31 punts, with 9 inside the 10 and 4 inside the 5.

Return Specialist

Josh Thompson, Sr., Nacogdoches – Texas signee returned . He also made 71 tackles, 2 INTs, 5 PBUs and 10 TFL for 4-6 Dragons.

—

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

Center

Mack Stroupe, Sr., Arp – Three-time all-district selection had 87 pancakes and no sacks allowed for the 13-2 Tigers.

Offensive Line

Larry Coker, Sr., Malakoff – Blocked for the 14-1 Tigers who averaged 48 points per game.

Tanner Elliott, Sr., Carthage – With an 88 percent grade, had 82 pancakes for 13-2 team.

Dylan Scarlett, Sr., Kilgore – Graded at 94 percent with 32 knockdowns for 7-5 team.

Steven Soto, Jr., Alto – Tallied 62 pancakes and 81 knockdowns while grading out at 94 percent.

Quarterback

Aaron Brown, Jr., Gilmer -Tallied 3,522 yards, 35 TDs and 9 INTs passing for the 13-2 Buckeyes.

Running Back

D.J. Williams, Sr., Elkhart – Racked up 1,843 yards and 14 TDs for the 5-5 Elks.

Chantz Perkins, Sr., Mineola – Totaled 1,383 yards and 20 TDs rushing with 94 yards and a TD receiving for the 14-2 state champion Yellowjackets.

LaKendrick Van Zandt, Sr., Henderson – The District 9-4A Division I MVP tallied 1,582 yards and 13 TDs rushing and 228 yards and two TDs receiving. TCU signee.

Receiver/Tight End

QT Barker, Sr., Malakoff – Had 1,421 yards and 21 TDs on 60 catches, adding 253 yards and 2 TDs rushing for the 14-1 Tigers.

Trestan Ebner, Sr., Henderson – Hauled in 57 passes for 1,074 yards and 16 TDs for 11-2 Lions. Baylor signee.

Zach Parker, Jr., Whitehouse – Tyler Junior College signee went for 959 yards and 7 TDs on 57 receptions for the 6-4 Wildcats.

Dhailon Phillips, Sr., Lufkin – Trinity Valley signee amassed 1,016 yards and 9 TDs on 61 receptions.

Kicker

Luis Hernandez, Sr., Carlisle – Connected on 59 of 61 PATs and 10 of 12 FGs with a long of 48. Kicked 31 touchbacks for the 11-2 Indians.

Utility

Keylon Kincade, Soph., Winona – Tallied 574 yards and 6 TDs passing, 740 yards and 10 TDs rushing and 112 yards and a TD receiving.

 

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE

Defensive Line

Tyriq Burnett, Jr., Wills Point – Tigers defender made 106 stops, 6 sacks, 8 TFL, 2 PBUs, 3 FF, 1 FR, 21 QBPs and blocked a FG.

Kelton Collier, Sr., Gilmer – Of his 89 tackles, 65 were solo, adding 10 sacks, 15 TFL and 7 QBPs for 13-2 Buckeyes. Signed with Texas A&M Commerce.

Danyal Littleton, Sr., Malakoff – The 6-4, 220-pounder made 107 stops, 24 TFL, 13 sacks, 1 FR, 3 FF and 1 INT for 14-1 Tigers.

Drason Tenner, Sr., Mineola – District 7-3A Division I Defensive Lineman of the Year made 103 tackles, 23 TFL, 2 sacks, 13 QBPs, 4 FF, 2 FR.

Linebacker

Isaac Little, Sr. Whitehouse – Harding University signee led Wildcats with 128 tackles (85 solo), 9 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 PBU and 2 INTs (1 returned for TD).

Josh Spitzer, Sr., Grace Community – Tallied 133 tackles, 8 TFL and 5 sacks to be named TAPPS Division II second-team all state.

Trent Staneart, Sr., Carlisle – Had a school-record 158 tackles, 33 TFL, 6 sacks, 3 PBUs, 3 FF, 3 FR and an interception returned for a TD for 11-2 Indians. Was named District 11-2A Division I Defensive MVP.

Shaundrick Williams, Sr., John Tyler – Mary Hardin-Baylor signee recorded 110 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 FR, 8 TFL as defensive captain for 11-2 Lions.

Defensive Back

Brandon Cook, Sr., White Oak – Racked up 117 solo tackles (157 total), 3 TFL, 2 FF, 2 FR, 3 PBUs for 10-2 Roughnecks. The District 8-3A Division I Defensive MVP returned 2 of his 3 INTs for TDs.

Tyler Russell, Sr., Malakoff – Had 11 INTs to go with 59 tackles and 9 PBUs for the 14-1 Tigers.

Noah Sneed, Jr., Mineola – Totaled 106 tackles (42 solo), 2 INTs, 6 PBUs, 4 FF, 4 FR, 2 TFL for state champion Yellowjackets.

Cameron Sorenson, Jr., Mineola – Recorded 138 tackles (42 solo), 10 PBUs, 3 INTs, 2 FF, 1 FR and 5 TFL.

Punter

Campbell Fletcher, Jr., Brook Hill – TAPPS D-II District 2 first-team all-district punter, averaging 37.9 yards on 15 punts. Also had 212 yards receiving and made 75 tackles and 2 sacks.

Return Specialist

Michael Givens-Washington, John Tyler – Averaged 27.4 yards on 9 kick returns with a long of 78. Returned 10 punts an average of 15.5 yards with a long of 55. Led the Lions with 52 receptions for 785 yards and 8 TDs.

—

HONORABLE MENTION

Center

Kendall Starling, Longview, 6-2, 310, Sr. — 93% grade, 45 pancakes, 101 knockdowns on 8-3 team

Caleb York, Van, 5-9, 235, jr. – 40 pancakes, 96%, 0 sacks for 12-2 team

Waymon Lay, Big Sandy Harmony, 6-5, 223, Sr. — 95% grade, 33 pancakes on team that averaged 460 yds rushing

Kameron Pharris, Winona, 5-8, 250, sr. – 96%, 54 pancakes, 1 sack for 8-6 team

 

Offensive Line

Jade Ashalintubbi, Elysian Fields, 6-6, 315, So. — 88% grade, 79 pancakes for 12-1 team

Kolby Cooper, 6-3, 305, Cayuga, Sr. — 60 pancakes, 90% grade for 7-5 team

Luke Crozier, Sr., Grace — paved way for 3,251 yards, 534.5 average yards per game, second-team all state

Andrew Culpepper, Sr., Gorman – leader on line that produced 606.3 yards per game

Brennon Daughtry, Union Grove, 6-3, 280, Sr. — 93% grade, 17 pancakes for 8-3 team

Jeremy Dawson, Big Sandy Harmony, 6-1, 285, Sr. — 89% grade, 55 pancake for 9-3 team avg. 460 yds rushing

Malik Johnson, Elysian Fields, 6-4, 265, Jr. — 86%, 67 pancakes for 12-1 team

Jordan Jones, Robert E. Lee, Sr. — Tyler Junior College signee, 11-6A All-District first team

Collin Keifer, Sabine, 5-11, 215, sr.- 8-3AD1 Off. Lineman of the Year

Payton Lowrie, Malakoff, 5-11, 240, Sr. — 14-1 team avg 48 points/game

Cameron Richmond, West Rusk, 6-6, 250, Sr. — 94% grade, 1 sack allowed, 65 knockdowns for 7-4 team

Tim Riley, Crockett, 5-11, 320, Sr. — 98% grade, 66 pancakes, 82 knockdowns, allowed 1 sack on 11-2 team

Tacorian Simmons, Winona, 6-1, 320, sr. – 93%, 64 pancakes, 1 sack allowed for 8-6 team

Jack Smith, Waskom, 6-3, 325, Jr. — 90% grade in 8 games, 37 pancakes for 4-7 team

Cody Taylor, Carlisle, Sr. — 88% grade, 37 pancakes

Andrew Williams, Gladewater, 5-10, 260, Jr. — Blocked for offense that rushed for 328 yards/game for 8-3 team

 

Quarterback

Chance Amie, Tyler Lee, 6-4, 215, Jr. — 97-180-1,556, 10 TDs passing; 183-1,260, 17 TDs rushing for 2-8 team

Tristan Craig, Carlisle, 6-1, 160, Jr. — 136-250-1,477 yards, 15 Tds, X int. passing; 778 yards, 16 TDs rushing for 11-2 team. 11-2A Off MVP

Kason Davis, Carthage, 6-2, 185, Sr. — 155-256-3,344, 31 TDs, 10 INTs for 13-2 team

Trent Easley, Grand Saline, 6-3, 180, Sr. — 124-234-1,937, 22 TDs passing, 10 int.; 216-1,205 rushing, 12 TDs for 4-6 team

Rick Frauenberger, Grapeland, 6-3, 170, So. — 158-282-2,137, 27 Tds for 5-6 team

Trae Hall, Henderson, 6-3, 185, Jr. — 95-135-1,522, 22 TDs passing; 55-551 rushing, 5 TDs for 11-2 team

Heath Hood, White Oak, 6-0, 175, Jr. — 193-321-2,990, 32 Tds, X int. passing; 118-657, 13 TDs rushing for 10-2 team. 8-3A Off MVP

CJ Horn, Tenaha, 6-0, 200, jr. – 203-277-3,386 passing, 43 Tds, 4 int.; 35-225 rushing, 8 Tds for 13-1 team. 2-time 11-2A D2 MVP. Shelby County MVP. Played final 5 games with partial Achilles tear and broken bone in ankle

Logan Hughes, Elysian Fields, 6-2, 195, Sr. — 193-274-3,722, 37 TDs, 11 INTs; 78-708 rushing, 7 Tds for 12-1 team

Patrick Jackson, Kilgore, 5-8, 155, Jr. — 119-1,049, 9 TDs rushing; 57-94-746, 5 TDs passing for 7-5 team

Jake Marshall, Overton, 5-9, 165, Sr. — 96-131-1,798, 17 Tds, 1 int. passing; 95-635, 13 TDs rushing for 8-3 team. 11-2A Off MVP

Judd Miller, Malakoff, 6-0, 205, Jr. — 201-326-3,527, 48 TDs, 9 INTs passing, 106-660, 8 TDs rushing for 14-1 team

Austin Owens, Union Grove, 6-4, 195, Sr. — 106-197-1,838, 21 Tds, 7 int. passing; 200-1,203 yards, 25 TDs rushing for 8-3 team

Cade Pearson, Texas High, 6-2, 200, sr. – 151-217-2,482, 24 TDs-3 Ints; 143 yards rushing for 10-1 team

Kordell Rodgers, Lufkin, 5-11, 170, Sr. — 199-307-3,103, 30 TDs, 2 INTs passing; 292 yards rushing, 8 Tds

Jake Smith, Soph., Gorman – 231-357 (65%), 4,351 yards, 41 TDs, 7 INTs in 10 games, honorable mention all state

Fred Thacker, Alto, 6-3, 240, So. — 58-102-949 passing, 11 TDs, 4 INTs & xxx-2,056 yards rushing, 30 TDs for 7-4 team, 5 2-point conversions

Chris Wilhelmi, Sr., Grace – 93-121 (77%), 1,684 yards, 21 TDs, 2 INTs in 5.5 games

 

Running Back

Seth Burk, Big Sandy, 6-2, 180, Jr. — 107-1,626, 24 Tds; 7-183 receiving, 2 Tds for 8-4 team

Irric Deyon, Palestine, 5-8, 172, Sr. – 181-1,039 yards, 11 TDs rushing for 5-5 team

Phillip Jones, Nacogdoches, 5-7, 175, Sr. — 307-1,848, 15 Tds for 4-6 team

Kayce Medlock, Arp, 6-0, 195, sr. – 110-1,250 rushing, 17 Tds; 7-9 passing, 148, 2 Tds; 8-256 receiving, 5 Tds for 12-3 team. 3-3A D2 Off MVP

Ethan Milton, Sr., Gorman – 230-1,460, 17 TDs, honorable mention all state

Khameron Pippins, Big Sandy, 5-9, 172, So. — 178-1,867, 24 Tds for 8-4 team

Deldric Shields, Pittsburg, 5-11, 180, Sr. — 179-1,010 yards, 13 TD rushing; 12-199 receiving, 4 Tds for 5-6 team

Marcus Tucker, Winnsboro, 6-1, 205, sr. 153-1,724 rushing, 26 Tds for 6-5 team

Deundre Wheeler, Winona, 5-9, 195, sr. – 215-1,560, 25 TDs; 8-52 receiving; 95 yards passing for 8-6 team

Cedric White, Tatum, 5-9, 160, Jr. — 1,345 yards, 16 TDs rushing for 7-4 team

Uchenna Uduma, Soph., Grace – 158-1,206, 14 TDs, second-team all state

 

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Parker Ary, Sr., Grace – 41-660, 6 TDs, second-team all state

Jaylin Brown, Longview, 6-3, 210, jr. – 15 catches-374 yards, 9 Tds; 90%, 42 knockdowns for 8-3 team

Riley Chipman, Grapeland, 5-8, 150, Sr. — 58-694, 11 TDs receiving; 6 TDs rushing for 5-6 team

Brandon Cook, White Oak, 5-10, 175, Sr. — 52-941, 15 Tds for 10-2 team

T.J. Dever, Palestine, 6-3, 218, So. — 13-295, 7 Tds; 5 pancakes, 15 knockdowns, no sacks allowed; for 5-5 team

Dejour Dowell, Pittsburg, 6-2, 196, Sr. — 62-902, 8 Tds for 5-6 team

Trai Gardner, Tenaha, 5-11, 180, jr. – 74-1,410, 21 Tds; 9-250 rushing, 5 Tds for 13-1 team. 11-2A D2 MVP.

Tyler Hobbs, Soph., Gorman – 61-1,079, 12 TDs, honorable mention all state

DeWaylon Ingram, Carthage, 5-11, 175, jr. – 60-1.006 yards, 10 Tds for 13-2 team

Red Jones, Gilmer, 5-9, 150, Jr. — 65-1,003, 9 Tds; 25-140 rushing, 3 Tds for 13-2 team

Quan Hampton, Texarkana Texas, 5-9, 165, Sr. — 71-1,299, 10 Tds for 10-1 team

Connor Houston, Van, 5-11, 165, Sr. — 45-759, 8 TDs for 12-2 team

Kevin Jones, West Rusk, 6-3, 175, Sr. — 31-603, 8 Tds for 7-4 team

Max Kutch, White Oak, 5-11, 175, Sr. — 56-960, 18 Tds for 10-2 team

Jay Lloyd, Tenaha, 6-0, 175, soph. – 52-929, 9 Tds; 15-286 rushing, 7 Tds for 13-1 team

Dylan Parker, Elysian Fields, 6-4, 180, Sr. — 60-1,512, 22 Tds for 12-1 team

Tyler Russell, Malakoff, 6-2, 175, Sr. — 51-957, 17 TDs for 14-1 team

 

Kicker

Chris Kessler, Longview, 5-10, 150, jr. – 10 Fgs, 53-55 PATs, 70% kickoffs touchbacks

Austin Owens, Union Grove, 6-4, 195, sr. 42.6 avg. on 31, 9 inside 10, 4 inside 5

Elivan Torres, Kilgore, 5-10, 165, soph. — 10-14 FGs; 42-44 PATs

Jacob Walters, Elkhart, 6-3, 170, Sr. — 5-6 FGs, long of 37, 21-21 PATs

 

Utility

Braxton Kincade, Winona, 6-2, 172, sr. – 26-485 receiving; 107 rushing, 2 Tds; 328 passing, 5 Tds; 36 tackles, 4 int., 4 CF, 10 PBU

Alec Kitt, Sr., Bullard Brook Hill — all district as DB and WR. Played QB too

Tanner Towns, Jr., All Saints – second-team all state as athlete. Played QB

 

DEFENSE

Defensive Line

Austin Restine, Big Sandy, 6-2, 285, Sr. — 81 tackles, 7 FF, 13 TFL, 7 sacks for 8-4 team

Andrew Brooks, Jr., Bullard Brook Hill – first-team all district

Larry Coker, Malakoff, 6-3, 195, Sr. — 81 tackles, 11 TFL, 4 sacks

Chase Cushenbery, Hallsville, 6-2, 250, Sr. — 61 tackles, 3 sacks for 2-8 team

Cody Davis, Daingerfield, 6-3, 250, sr. – 84 tackles, 5 FR, 13 sacks, 3 PBU, 21 TFL, 6 CF for 6-5 team. 7-3A D2 Def. Lineman of Year

Marquil Davis, Troup, 6-0, 265, sr. – 74 tackles, 4 QBPs, 9TFL, 2 sacks, 2 CF, 1 FR, 1 PBU for4-6 team. 9-3A Def. Lineman of Year.

Justin Duffie, Jr., Bishop Gorman – 71 tackles, 12 TFL, 3 sacks,

Eric Freshour, Cayuga, – 100 tackles, 18 TFL, 5 sacks, Td for 7-5 team

TK Gardner, Tenaha, 6-3, 335, sr. – 103 tackles (59 solos), 35 TFL, 3 sacks for 13-1 team

Tre’ Gatlin, Carthage, 6-7, 250, Sr. — 105 tackles, 2 CF, 4 sacks, 26 QBPS for 13-2 team

Devon Goguen, Mineola, 6-3, 210, sr.– 96 tackles (33 solos), 33 TFL, 11 sacks, 5 FR-1 TD, 18 QBPs for 14-2 team

De’vaunte Johnson, Nacogdoches, 6-0, 255, Sr. — 81 tackles, 18 TFL, 10 QBPs, 6 sacks for 4-6 team

Jared Johnson, Alto, 6-0, 220, Sr. — 73 tackles, 11 sacks, 24 TFL, 4 FF, 2 FR for 7-4 team

Christian Lemus, Van, 5-9, 215, Sr. — 70 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 sacks for 11-1 team

Campbell Miller, Sr., Robert E. Lee — All-District first team 11-6A, 2 fumble recoveries, 7 tackles for loss, 2 pass breakups

Jake Neal, Palestine, 6-4, 280, Sr. — 27 tackles, 8 TFL, 4.5 sacks for 5-5 team

Nathan Niedrauer, Jr., Robert E. Lee — All-District first team 11-6A, 5 QBP, 5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery

CJ Overton, Malakoff, 6-2, 260, Sr. — 78 tackles, 10 TFL, 4 sacks, 4 FR, 3 FF

Cameron Richmond, West Rusk, 6-6, 250,Sr. — 49 tackles, 4 TFL for 7-4 team

Desmond Robinson, Atlanta, 6-3, 210, sr. 98 tackles, 10 sacks. Sam Houston pledge

Shay Rodgers, Tatum, 6-4, 240, Sr. — 132 tackles, 2 sacks, 32 TFL, 2 FF, 2 blocked kicks for 7-4 team

Tacorian Simmons, Winona, 6-1, 320, Sr. — 58 tackles, 18 TFL, 2 FF, 2 FR for 8-6 team

Mack Stroupe, Arp, 6-1, 215, sr. – 72 tackles, 13 TFL, 7 sacks, 2 FR, 5 CF, 13 QBPs, blocked punt for 13-2 team. 3-time A-D

Elijah Trest, White Oak, 6-2, 195, Jr. — 101 tackles (73 solos), 12 sacks, 1 CF, 24 TFL, 1 FR-TD, 1 PBU for 10-2 team

Austin Vallejo, Elysian Fields, 5-10, 190, sr. — 86 tackles, 16 sacks, 15 TFL, 5 FR, 2 FR, 2 def. TDs, 22 QBPs for 12-1 team

Bradlee Warrick, Pittsburg, 5-9, 150, Sr. — 92 tackles, 15 TFL, 8 sacks, 27 QBPs for 5-6 team

 

Linebacker

Tristan Allen, Atlanta, 6-3, 215, sr. – 115 tackles, 12 sacks. La Tech pledge

Myles Chumley, Gilmer, 5-11, 190, Sr. – 112 tackles, 18 TFL, 1 PBU, 1 CF 1 FR for 13-2 team.

Blair Fernandez, Hallsville, 5-9, 190, Sr. — 134 tackles, 3 TFL

Jaqualon Finley, Alto, 5-10, 190, Jr. — 116 tackles, 5 sacks, 34 TFL, 8 FF, 4 FR, 2 INTs for 7-4 team

Mykel Gates, Carthage, 6-0, 225, Jr. — 160 tackles, 3 CF, 2 FR 2 INTs for 13-2 team

Tavoris Giles, Tenaha, 5-11, 185, jr. – 150 tackles (90 solos), 26 TFL, 2 CF, 2 int. for 13-1 team. 11-2A D2 Def. MVP.

Jared Gilley, Sr., Grace – first-team all district, all-state honorable mention

Cooper Haigood, Lorena, 5-10, 170, Sr. — 154 tackles, 14 QBPs, 7 TFL, 3 CF, 2 PBU for 8-4 team. 9-4A Def. MVP. Career: 480 tackles, 24 QBPs, 19 TFL A-Centex

Xzavier Hopkins, Texas High, 5-11, 205, sr. – 104 tackles, 8 TFL, 2 sacks, 4 CF, 1 blocked FG for 10-1 team. 16-5A Def. POY

Garrett Lybrand, Henderson, 6-0, 185, jr. – 121 tackles (37 solos), 11 TFL, 1 CF, 2 FR, for 5 sacks, 9 QBPs, 11-2 team

Jeremiah Milton, Fr., Gorman – 161 tackles, 18 TFL, 1 FF, 1 FR, 4 sacks, 7 QBP

Devyn Morris, Kaufman, 6-2, 225, Jr. — 112 tackles, 13 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 FF, 1 FR, 2 PBUs, 10 QBPs

Reed Navara, Sr. Gorman – 125 tackles, 6 TFL, 1 sack; all-state honorable mention

James Nelson, Hallsville, 6-0, 210, Sr. — 125 tackles for 2-8 team

Bryston Oliver, Gladewater, 5-9, 180, Sr. — 90 tackles, 21 TFL, 4 PBUs, 3 INTs, 7 sacks for 8-3 team

Brooks Parham, Sr., Brook Hill – first-team all-district, all-state honorable mention

Rhett Parker, Jr., Robert E. Lee — first-team all-district 11-6A, 6 tackles for loss, 3 quarterback pressures

Caleb Porchia, Texarkana Pleasant Grove, X-XX, Sr. — 104 tackles for 6-7 team

Edward Reese, Palestine, 6-0, 205, Sr. — 85 tackles, 19 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 PBUs for 5-5 team

Jaylon Roberts, Tatum, 5-10, 194, Sr. — 130 tackles, 30 TFL, 4 sacks for 7-4 team

Shay Rodgers, Tatum, 6-4, 250, sr. – 98 tackles (48 solos), 17 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 FR for 7-4 team (0-10 last year)

Josh Williams, Palestine, X-XX, So. — 102 tackles, 20 TFL, 2 PBUs, 2 defensive TDs for 5-5 team

Ryder Sparkman, Cayuga, So. — 137 tackles, 22 TFL, 2 FR, 1 int. for 7-5 team

 

Defensive Back

QT Barker, Malakoff, Sr. — 27 tackles, 6 INTs, 2 defensive Tds

Mekhi Colbert, Carthage, 5-10, 185, jr. – 45 tackles, 8 int.-2 TDs, 12 PBU for 13-2 team

Tristan Davis, Cayuga, 6-0, 155, Sr. — 85 tackles, 5 INTs-3 Tds for 7-5 team

Konrad Eichelman, Big Sandy Harmony, 6-0, 175, Jr. — 113 tackles, 3 INTs, 2 FR, 7 FF, 12 PBUs, 4 TFL for 9-3 team

Dimitri Fort, Gilmer, 5-11, 165, Sr. – 56 tackles (40 solos), 5 PBU, 1 FR, 1 Int.

Trai Gardner, Tenaha, 5-11, 180, jr. – 35 tackles, 5 TFL, 5 int.-152 yards for 13-1 team. 11-2A D2 MVP.

Caleb Hampton, White Oak, 5-9, 175, Sr. — 100 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 FF, 4 FR, 3 PBUs for 10-2 team

Karnelius Hamilton, Palestine, 6-2, 165, Sr. — 61 tackles, 8 PBUs, 2 INTs, INT returned for TD for 5-5 team

Austin Hawley, Gladewater, 6-2, 215, sr. – 80 tackles, 10 PBU, 2 int., 2 blocked kicks, 3 sacks, 2 def. Tds for 8-3 team

Kollin Hurt, Gilmer, 6-3, 185, Sr. — 151 tackles (85 solos), 3 INTs, 10 PBUs, 2 TFL for 13-2 team

Max Jackson, Carlisle, 5-8, 140, Jr. — s-record 141 tackles, 22 TFL, 4 sacks, 4 QBPs, 4 INTs, 6 PBUs, 4 FR, 3 CF for 11-2 team

Quindarius Johnson, Winona, 5-7, 149, fr. – 5 int., 3 CF, 2 FR, 56 tackles, 1 def. TD, 5 PBU for 8-6 team

Kevin Jones, West Rusk, 6-3, 175, Sr. – 70 tackles, 3 INTs for 7-4 team

Braxton Kincade, Winona, 6-2, 172, sr. – 36 tackles, 4 int., 4 CF, 10 PBU, allowed 2 catches, 8-6 team

Jephaniah Lister, Longview, 5-9, 165, So. — 91 tackles, 6 TFL, 5 FF, 2 PBUs, 1 int for 8-3 team

Adam McKinney, Sr., Grace – 4 FF, first-team all state

Cole Meyers, Elysian Fields, 6-3, 165, jr.- 32 tackles 3 int., 1 FR, 18 PBU for 12-1 team

Ty Meissner, Hallsville, 5-10, 165, Sr. — 63 tackles, 1 INT, 3 PBU for 2-8 team

Chidiebere Nechi, Sr., Brook Hill – first-team all district

Dakota Pullum, Winona, soph. – 6 int., 2 CF, 2 FR, 28 tackles, 7 PBU for 8-6 team

Makyle Sanders, Sr., Robert E. Lee — North Texas signee, All-District first team in 11-6A, finished with 66 tackles, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery 

Braden Shaffer, Elysian Fields, 5-8, 150, sr. 64 tackles 2 int. for 12-1 team

Derrick Sherman, Crockett, 5-8, 150, Jr. — 103 tackles, 7 TFL, 6 FF, 4 FR, 4 INTs for 11-2 team

Eric Sutton, Texarkana Texas, 5-8, 160, Sr. — 4 INTs, 4 FR, 3 FF, 58 tackles for 10-1 team

Josh Thompson, Nacogdoches, 6-0, 195, Sr. — 71 tackles, 2 INTs, 5 PBUs, 10 TFL for 4-6 team

Quinn Tinley, Palestine, 6-2. 165, Sr. — 41 tackles, 4 TFL, 6 PBUs, 5 INTs, 3 FF for 5-5 team

Gevon Williams, Cayuga, Sr. — 50 tackles, 9 INTs-1 TD for 7-5 team

Justin Wolford, Elkhart, 5-8, 150, Sr. — 100 tackles, 4 INTs, 1 TD for 5-5 team

 

Punter

Efren Barcenas, Spring Hill – 42 avg. on 31 punts for 3-7 team. 6 inside 20.

Abraham Garcia, Kaufman, 5-9, 155, Sr. — 32-41.8 avg., long of 77, 6 inside 20, 4 inside 10

 

Return Specialist

Cooper Bledsoe, Van, 6-0, 190, Sr. — 12 KOR-360, 2 Tds & 9 PR-218 yards, 2 Tds

Lucky Daniels, Crockett, 5-11, 185, Sr. — 17 PR-293 yards, 1 TD; 5 KOR-100 yards

Quindarius Johnson, Winona, Fr. — 2 Tds; 26 KOR avg., 14 PR avg.