Bulldogs senior Trevor Brooks (12) runs the ball during a district 9-4A matchup between the Lindale Eagles and the Tyler Chapel Hill Bulldogs at Bulldog Stadium. (Scott Starkey/Contributed)

From Staff Reports

BRYAN — East Texas, which captured one state title and played for another one, was well-represented on the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 4A All-State Football team for the 2024 season.

The list included 11 first team selections, eight on the second team, four on the third team and more than two dozen honorable mention picks.

Selections were made by TSWA members based on nominations from coaches and media members from around the state.

Class 4A Division II state champion Carthage had first-team offensive tackle Kash Courtney, center Brandon Allison, running back K.J. Edwards, defensive lineman James Morrow and linebacker DeQuives Beck on the first team, and Division I state finalist Kilgore had first-team picks Cam Christian on the defensive line as well as defensive backs Jakalen Sheffield and Jayden Sanders.

Other first-team picks from the area were offensive guards Johnathan Bateman of Henderson and Lucas Cano of Gilmer, Pleasant Grove defensive lineman Lance Jackson, Chapel Hill linebacker Trevor Brooks and Palestine punter Colt James.

Bateman graded out at 94% with 21 pancake blocks, and Cano graded out at 96% percent with 12 pancake blocks.

Courtney had a 97% grade with 43 knockdowns, and Allison had a 96% grade with 40 knockdowns.

Edwards carried 142 times for 1,789 yards and 23 touchdowns and also had 384 receiving yards and three scores.

Jackson finished with 110 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks and 11 quarterback pressures. Morrow had 73 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 18 QB pressures and nine sacks. Christian finished with 106 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Brooks racked up 150 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, four sacks, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Beck had 102 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 29 QB pressures and six sacks. Sheffield recorded 124 tackles, eight interceptions and 17 pass breakups, and Sanders had 43 tackles, three interceptions and 14 pass breakups.

James averaged 46.9 yards on 33 punts, with a long of 70 yards.

Division I state champ and unbeaten (16-0) Celina earned Player of the Year honors on offense with quarterback Bowe Bentley, defense with linebacker Luke Biagini and Coach of the Year Bill Elliott.

Bentley completed 182 of 262 passes for 3,330 yards and 47 touchdowns and rushed for 933 yards and 18 scores. Biagini had 139 tackles, 10 quarterback pressures, 19 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, 10 pass breakups, four interceptions and three defensive touchdowns.

Spring Hill’s Trevor Allen was a second team-pick as a kick returner and a third team selection as a running back. He had 19 returns for 549 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 1,423 yards and 17 touchdowns on 147 carries to go along with eight catches for 162 yards and a touchdown.

Other second-team all-state picks from East Texas included offensive guard Brandon Casas of Athens, center Keldrick Davis of Chapel Hill, quarterback Jett Surratt of Carthage, running back Rickey Stewart of Chapel Hill, kicker Seth Baggett of Lindale, defensive lineman Isaiah Collins of Chapel Hill, punter Trevor Brooks of Chapel Hill and return specialist Allen of Spring Hill.

On the third team from East Texas were offensive tackle Vincent Johnson of Sulphur Springs, receiver Timothy Johnson of Center, running back Allen of Spring Hill, all-purpose player Jaxson Haire of Sulphur Springs, defensive lineman BJ Rochelle of Pleasant Grove and defensive backs Aiden Warnell of Lindale and Cade Christensen of Van.

Honorable mention picks from East Texas included offensive tackles Prophet Hishaw of Pine Tree, Cameron Griffin of Lindale and Jamarios Canton of Center, centers Peyton Davis of Pine Tree and Justus Anderson of Van, receivers La’Keyleon Graves of Kilgore and Caden Rowe of Van, quarterbacks Kayson Brooks of Kilgore and Kaden Mitchell of Sulphur Springs, running backs Austin Moffatt of Van and Jesstin Starling of Henderson, kicker Brayden Pate of Gilmer, defensive lineman Tyler Hagler of Gilmer, Truth Holmes of Sulphur Springs, Mason Ray of Van and Kaleb Walker of Lindale, linebackers Seth McFarland of Pine Tree and Cody Adkinson of Center, defensive backs Kalil Deckard of Pine Tree, Grayson Hardy of Sulphur Springs and De’Wayne Minifee of Athens and punter Jeremias Flores of Pittsburg.

FIRST TEAM

Offensive Player of the Year — Bowe Bentley, Celina

Defensive player of the Year — Luke Biagini, Celina

Coach of the Year — Bill Elliott, Celina

Offense

Guards – Johnathan Bateman, Henderson, 6-3, 340, sr.; Lucas Cano, Gilmer, 6-2, 230, sr.

Tackles – Kash Courtney, Carthage, 6-4, 285, sr.; Eythan Thompson, Waco La Vega, 6-4, 310, sr.

Center – (tie) Brandon Allison, Carthage, 6-0, 300, sr.; Ty Hughes, Celina, 6-3, 285, sr.

Wide receivers – Tristian Gentry, Stephenville, 6-1, 175, sr.; (tie) Ethan Rucker, Celina, 6-1, 175, sr.; Jacoby James, Sinton, 6-3 190, sr.

Tight end – Brodey Bowman, Glen Rose, 6-2, 220, sr.

Quarterback – Bowe Bentley, Celina, 6-3, 195, jr.

Running backs – K.J. Edwards, Carthage, 5-10, 180, jr.; Bryson Roland, Waco La Vega, 5-6, 150, sr.; Rayshon Smith, Gatesville, 6-2, 195, sr.

Fullback – (tie) Fischer Franck, Calhoun 6-1, 207, sr.; Zamar Vargas, San Elizario, 5-10, 190, sr.

All-purpose – Colton Rodriguez, Celina, 5-7, 165, sr.

Place-kicker – Jorge Mendoza, Glen Rose, 5-9, 160, sr.

Defense

Linemen – Lance Jackson, Pleasant Grove, 6-6, 260, sr.; Warren Richardson, Waco La Vega, 6-3 205, sr.; James Morrow, Carthage 6-0, 300, sr.; Cam Christian, Kilgore, 6-1, 285, jr.

Linebackers – Luke Biagini, Celina, 5-10, 195, jr.; Trevor Brooks, Chapel Hill, 5-11, 180, sr.; Asa Parenteau, Brock, 5-10, 205, sr.; (tie) Ty Thames, Wimberley, 6-1, 200, sr. DeQuives Beck, Carthage, 6-1, 200, jr.

Secondary – Jakalen Sheffield, Kilgore, 5-9, 175, sr.; Jayden Sanders, Kilgore, 6-2, 180, sr.; Lance Sansom, Alvarado, 5-9, 175, sr.; Juan-Milleon Aguilar, Dallas Kimball, 6-0, 175, sr.

Punter – Colt James, Palestine, 6-0, 180, jr.

Utility – Jamarion Vincent, Waco Connally, 6-3, 180, jr.

Kick returner – Harison Brockway, Graham, 6-0, 185, sr.

SECOND TEAM

Offense

Guards – Brandon Casas, Athens, 6-2, 242, jr.; Clay Struska, Needville, 6-2, 270, sr.

Tackles – Keegan Collins, West Plains, 6-6, 280, jr.; Clay Mitchell, Sinton, 6-4, 285, jr.

Center – Keldrick Davis, Chapel Hill, 6-2, 290, sr.

Wide receivers – Jabarie Thornton, La Vega, 5-10, 175, soph.; Xylan Williams, Bay City, 5-10, 170, sr.

Tight end – Hunter Byerley, Alvarado, 6-3, 220, sr.

Quarterback – Jett Surratt, Carthage 6-1, 175, jr.

Running backs – Sean Garza, La Vernia, jr.; Rickey Stewart, Chapel Hill, 5-11, 190, sr.; (tie) Demarcus Belton, Alvarado, 5-11, 190, jr.; Damian Figueroa, Tuloso-Midway, 6-1, 200, jr.

Fullback – Jayson Hobbs, Jarrell, 6-1, 183, jr.

All-purpose – Josiah Groeneweg, Glen Rose, 5-7, 170, sr.

Place-kicker – Seth Baggett, Lindale, 6-0, 190, sr.

Defense

Linemen – Jackson Blackwell, Lorena, 6-3, 305, sr.; Isaiah Collins, Chapel Hill, 5-11, 260, jr.; Davin Magga, Brock, 6-3, 225, sr. Keltyn Raymond, Glen Rose, 5-11, 240, sr.

Linebackers – Tryston Hernandez, West Plains, 6-4, 190, sr.; Jude Hernandez, CC Calallen, 6-0 215, sr.; Mason Milton, Graham, 6-0, 195, sr.; Logan Woolard, Alvarado, 5-11, 180, jr.

Secondary – Izaiah Cabrelas, Calhoun, 5-8, 160, jr.; Amos Phillips, Gatesville, 6-2, 185, jr.; Marqwae Willis, Waco La Vega, 6-0, 170, jr.; Kane White-Tinsley, West Plains, 6-1, 170, jr.

Punter – Trevor Brooks, Chapel Hill, 5-10, 185, sr.

Utility – Trevor Garcia, Rockport-Fulton, 5-10, 165, sr.

Kick returner – Trevor Allen, Spring Hill, 6-0, 190, sr.

THIRD TEAM

Offense

Tackles – Vincent Johnson, Sulphur Springs, 6-6, 320, jr.; Gavin Spruell, Bandera, 6-4, 240, sr.

Center – Donnie Jurek, La Vernia, 6-2, 300, sr.

Linemen – Jordan Dunson, Graham, 6-2, 215, sr.; Brady Buchanan, Calallen, 6-3, 290, sr.

Wide receivers – Timothy Johnson, Center, 6-0, 168, sr.; Logan McCormick, Seminole, 5-9, 155, jr.

Tight end – Tell Bryant, Hereford, 6-1, 201, sr.

Quarterback – Cody Stoever, Wimberley, 5-11, 205, sr.

Running backs – Trevor Allen, Spring Hill, 6-0, 190, sr.; Evan Moreno, Robinson, 5-10, 185, jr.; (tie) Cayden Jones, Sweeny, 5-10, 205, sr.; Preston Stephens, Shepherd, 5-10, 210, sr.

Fullback – Merqucio Saiz, Andrews, 5-6, 168, sr.

All-purpose – Jaxson Haire, Sulphur Springs, 6-0, 185, jr.

Place-kicker – Cade Whitehead, Stephenville, 5-10, 150, sr.

Defense

Linemen – Kolton Dearth, Stephenville, 6-3, 290, jr.; DJ Sanders, Bellville, 6-3, 310 sr.; BJ Rochelle, Pleasant Grove, 6-0, 235, sr.; (tie) Trenton Hobbs, Lampasas, 6-2, 200, sr.; Alyric Brown, Sunnyvale, 5-8, 255, sr.

Linebackers – Haidyn Jones, Krum, 5-8, 170, sr.; Matsyn Morris, Silsbee, 5-8, 170, jr.; Landon Butts, Midland Greenwood, 6-2, 195, sr.; Hudson Butchee, Stephenville, 6-1, 215, jr.

Secondary – Colt Matlock, Brock, 6-2, 185, jr.; Aiden Warnell, Lindale, 5-11, 170, sr.; Bruin Wright, Graham, 6-3, 180, sr.; (tie) Cade Christensen, Van, 5-9, 170, sr.; Donovan Webb, Frisco Panther Creek, 6-0, 175, jr.

Punter – Derek Garcia, Sinton, 5-10, 215, sr.

Utility – Nathen Casarez, Dallas Roosevelt, 5-10, 180, sr.

Kick returner – Juan-Milleon Aguilar, Dallas Kimball, 6-0, 175, sr.

HONORABLE MENTION

Offense

Tackles – Ty Means, Alvarado, 6-1, 301, sr.; Will Kellerman, Wimberley, 6-0, 265, jr.; Jonathen Falcon, Calhoun, 6-2, 265, sr.; Jacob Muniz, Needville, 6-3, 270, sr.; Cameron Griffin, Lindale, 6-0, 285, jr.; Jamarios Canton, Center, 6-4, 245, fr.; James Dorotik, El Campo, sr.; Prophet Hishaw, Longview Pine Tree, 6-2, 345, sr.; Trystan Lafond, Devine, 6-1, 240, jr.; Bradon Reado, Brookshire Royal, 6-7, 275, jr.

Centers – Isaiah Aguirre, Seminole, 6-2, 255, sr.; Justus Anderson, Van, 6-0, 220, sr.; Peyton Davis, Longview Pine Tree, 6-1, 260, sr.; Pavlo Prenushi, Graham, 6-5, 300, sr.

Wide receivers – La’Keyleon Graves, Kilgore, 6-2, 190, jr.; Jayden Miller, Silsbee, 5-11, 165, sr.; Caden Rowe, Van, 6-3, 175, sr.; Adrian Sanchez, Glen Rose, 6-0, 175, sr.

Tight end – Kiotti Armstrong, Jasper, 6-5, 246, sr.

Quarterbacks – Kayson Brooks, Kilgore, 5-9, 158, jr.; Cardea Collier, Alvarado, 5-9, 157, sr.; Alex Estrada, Bay City, 5-10, 170, sr.; Canyon Evans, Glen Rose, 6-2, 190, sr.; Ryan Gafford, Stephenville, 6-1, 180, sr.; Wyatt Holmstrom, Seminole, 5-11, 185, sr.; Reed Jerome, Lampasas, 5-11, 185, sr.; Reid Macon, West Plains, 6-0, 170, jr.; Kaden Mitchell, Sulphur Springs, 6-2, 195, sr.; Ty Thompson, Graham, 6-3, 198, sr.; Brody Woods, Brock, 6-2, 190, sr.

Running backs – Jada Andrews, Bay City, 5-7, 165, sr.; Jaesean DeBouse, Andrews, 5-10, 180, jr.; Barrett Fallon, SA Davenport, 5-10, 175, jr.; Phillip Green, Madisonville, 5-10, 215, sr.; Damarius Montgomery, Kingsville King, 5-9, 195, soph.; Austin Moffatt, Van, 5-7, 155, sr.; Brayden Reyes, Devine, 5-9, 185, sr.; Slade Russell, West Plains, 6-1, 180, soph.; Jesstin Starling, Henderson, 5-5, 160, jr.

Fullbacks – Dylan Green, Port Isabel, sr.; Brayden Saunders, Gatesville, 5-8, 195, sr.

Place-kickers – Lance Pate, Kennedale, 5-9, 150, jr.; Brayden Pate, Gilmer, 5-8, 185, sr.

Defense

Linemen – Keegan Angell, Canton, 5-8, 155, sr.; RJ Gomez, Big Spring, jr.; Tyler Hagler, Gilmer, 6-1, 205, jr.; Jonathan Harris, Dallas Roosevelt, jr.; Brayden Hamilton, Aubrey, sr.; Truth Holmes, Sulphur Springs, 6-3, 275, jr.; Kaddy Maravilla, Taylor, 6-0, 240, sr.; Jayden McGruder, Hillsboro, 6-1, 248; Mason Ray, Van, 6-1, 183, sr.; Bryson Rogers, Graham, 6-4, 215, sr.; Seth Taverner, Lorena, 6-5, 230, sr. ; Kaleb Walker, Lindale, 6-3, 250, jr.

Linebackers – Cody Adkinson, Center, 6-1, 210, jr.; Daylon Jefcoats, Andrews 6-3, 210, sr.; Alden Galvan, Sinton, 5-7, 175, sr.; Matthew Gomez, Devine, 5-10, 210, sr.; Reid Leinneweber, Wimberley, 6-1, 200, sr.; Jaden Malone, Bay City, 5-11, 190, sr.; Seth McFarland, Longview Pine Tree, 6-2, 235, sr.; Andrew Silva, Sinton, 5-11, 175, sr.; Michael Vierra, CC Calallen, 6-1, 212, sr.

Secondary – Kalil Deckard, Longview Pine Tree 5-10, 155, sr.; Maddox Deleon, Tuloso-Midway, 5-9, 150, jr.; Isaiah Gonzales, Bay City, 5-9, 175, sr.; Grayson Hardy, Sulphur Springs, 6-2, 190, jr.; De’Wayne Minifee, Athens, 5-10, 163, sr.; Austin Olivas, Seminole, 6-2, 180, jr.; Jaylan Palmer, Brookshire Royal, 5-10, 175, jr.; Yaheim Riley, Austin LBJ, 6-0, 180, jr.; Darrik Salinas, Calhoun, 5-10, 145, sr.; Aryck Singletary, SA Davenport, sr.

Punter – Jeremias Flores, Pittsburg, 5-9, 140, soph.

Utility –Jasiah Rivera, Kingsville King, 6-1, 180, jr.

Kick returners – Nolan Waida, Wimberley, 6-4 200, sr.; Braden Bailey, Seminole, 5-10, 170, sr.