SUPERLATIVES
Player of the Year
KANON GIBSON, QB/FS
WINK, 6-2, 195, SR.
Key Stats: 118 completions, 2,106 yards, 22 touchdowns, two interceptions; 67 carries, 723 yards, 16 touchdowns; 88 tackles, three tackles for loss, five interceptions, three forced fumbles, one defensive touchdown.
Coach Brian Gibson says: “I think that Kanon really embraced his leadership role this year, stepping up and getting the others players to do their jobs and that helped him be better at what he needed to do on the field.”
___________________
Coach of the Year
FRED STAUGH
MONAHANS
Key Stats: Guided the Loboes to a 10-4 mark, with a 10-game winning streak, and a spot in the Class 4A DII regional championship game.
Coach Fred Staugh says: “As a coach, you always worry week to week. Every day, when I show up, I have to do my very best to put these kids in the best position to win. We have a very close staff, we’ve been together for four years. The kids trust us and we trust the kids.”
___________________
Offensive Player of the Year
BLAKE FLOWERS, QB
SEMINOLE, 6-3, 194, SR.
Key Stats: Was 245-of-345 passing for 3,626 yards and 43 touchdowns, with seven interceptions; rushed 75 times for 562 yards and seven touchdowns; Punted 21 times for a 45-yard average, with eight punts inside the 20.
Coach Greg Poyner says: “Great player and kid. We are very fortunate to have been around Blake – he made everyone around him better. Extremely hard worker and great leader for the Seminole Indians.”
___________________
Defensive Player of the Year
BRYAN BEJERANO, LB
MONAHANS, 5-10, 170, SR.
Key stats: 154 tackles, two tackles for loss, six passes defended, one interception, six forced fumbles.
Coach Fred Staugh says: “Bryan developed into quite the leader on defense; you cannot argue with his work ethic. Every rep in practice was like a playoff game. He’s someone that guys will follow.”
___________________
Newcomer of the Year
JUZSTYCE LARA, RB
PERMIAN, 5-9, 160, JR.
Key stats: 200 carries, 1,034 yards rushing, 23 touchdowns; three catches, 31 yards
Coach Jeff Ellison says: “Juzstyce, really, he did what we were hoping he was going to be able to do. He’s a hard runner, great blocker and we could see his potential.”
___________________
Utility Player of the Year
MATTHEW ROSAS, QB/RB/FS
MCCAMEY, 5-7, 152, SR.
Key stats: 159 carries for 1,387 yards, 19 touchdowns; four receptions, 105 yards, one touchdown; 8-of-23 passing, 164 yards, one touchdown; 106 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two quarterback pressures, four interceptions, six passes defended, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries; five punt returns, five kickoff returns, 14 punts (36.4 avg.), 15 extra points, seven two-point conversions, one blocked PAT.
Coach Michael Woodard says: “Matt is a special player, and he can do almost anything on a football field. He is an amazing your man and I am proud to have coached him.”
— — — OFFENSE — — —
CHENO NAVARRETTE, QB
MONAHANS, 5-9, 170, SR.
Key stats: 126-of-201 passing, 1,400 yards, nine touchdowns, three interceptions; 224 carries, 2,088 yards rushing, 34 touchdowns.
Coach Fred Staugh says: “His leadership skills have come a long way; he’s started 30-something games for us. He’s very humble, works his butt off. He’s a team player and he knows the offense so well.”
ZEKE LUNA, RB
MIDLAND LEGACY, 5-9, 187, SR.
Key stats: 216 carries, 1,353 yards, 14 touchdowns.
Lee Scheide says: “Luna is capable of working through the middle of the line or breaking away around the corners and outrunning defenders to the end zone. Twice this season, he finished with more than 200 yards rushing in a game and was a true difference maker for the Rebels.”
MECKIE MCCOY, RB
MIDLAND HIGH, 5-6, 175, SR.
Key stats: 144 carries, 1,019 yards, 16 touchdowns.
Coach Thad Fortune says: “Meckie was the point man for our rushing attack that led the entire state in rushing yards per game. He is a great teammate and was a captain for our football team. His consistency and hard work made him a tremendous weapon for our team.”
IVAN CARREON, WR
ODESSA HIGH, 6-6, 195, JR.
Key stats: 51 receptions, 1,168 yards, 14 touchdowns; 14 carries, 81 yards rushing, five touchdowns.
Coach Dusty Ortiz says: “Ivan is an unbelievable talent who makes plays in any type of situation.”
CUYLER CRAMER, WR
SEMINOLE, 6-2, 175, SR.
Key stats: 68 receptions, 1,093 yards, 13 touchdowns
Coach Greg Poyner says: Overall great player. Obviously was keen at getting open and catching the football, but was also a worker when it came to blocking for others, running down and making tackles on kickoff, etc. Tough and physical player.
DEONTA SONNIER, WR
MIDLAND LEGACY, 5-11, 147, SR.
Key stats: 47 receptions, 950 yards, 14 touchdowns; 1,166 all-purpose yards.
Lee Scheide says: “Vertical threat capable of stretching the field while willing to go across the middle and make plays and then running away from defenders after the catch.”
HARRIS SEWELL, OL
PERMIAN, 6-5, 305, SR.
Key stats: Graded at 90 percent; 26 pancake blocks, 20 knockdowns, 0 sacks allowed.
Lee Scheide says: “A four-year starter who anchored a dominant offensive line that allowed the Panthers to use their running game to punish opposing defenses.”
JESSE PUTNAM, OL
WINK, 6-0, 265, SR.
Key stats: Graded at 94 percent; 66 pancake blocks.
Coach Brian Gibson says: “Jesse has been an offensive leader for the Wildcats up front for three full years as a starter. After injuring his knee early in the season, Jesse played the remainder of the season basically on one leg and never missed a beat. Jesse destroyed the school record for total pancakes in a season and for his career.
RIKTER CONNALLY, OL
SEMINOLE, 6-7, 290, SR.
Key stats: Graded at 91 percent; 40 pancake blocks, 1 sack allowed.
Coach Greg Poyner says: Athletic and physical O-Lineman/D-Lineman. Physically imposing player that finished blocks. Always a guy we felt like we could run behind. Defensively had a good motor and constantly found himself around the football.”
GIREVIS BOBEY, OL
MIDLAND LEGACY, 6-2, 266, SR.
Key stats: Graded at 98 percent; 47 knockdowns, 55 pancakes, 77 will breakers.
Coach Boe Smith says: “A leader on and off the field. His leadershipo, work ethic and his ability to take a team’s best D-lineman and neutralize them is going to be missed.”
CRUZ ROJAS, OL
FORT STOCKTON, 6-3, 275, SR.
Key stats: Graded at 88 percent; 41 knockdowns, 21 pancakes
Coach Jeremy Hickman says: “Cruz was the ultimate team player for us. He played TE the last 2 years and we needed a center he accepted that role and was a force in the middle at center for us. Made all the OL blocking adjustments and pass protection calls for the OL.”
RANCE PURSER, K
GREENWOOD, 5-8, 165, SR.
Key stats: 7 for 13 on field goals, including makes from 61, 52 and 49 yards; 24 of 27 on extra points; 49 kickoffs/33 touchbacks; 75 points.
Lee Scheide says: “Purser became a true weapon for the Rangers, able to put points on the board from long distance or pin opponents back with booming kickoffs.“
— — — DEFENSE — — —
CHASE BARTON, DL
MIDLAND LEGACY, 6-0, 255, SR.
Key stats: 59 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, six hurries, one pass defended.
Coach Boe Smith says: “Chase was our best player on defense and dominated almost every offensive lineman he went against.”
DESMOND HILL, DL
PERMIAN, 6-0, 250, SR.
Key stats: 36 tackles, four tackles for loss, four sacks, six hurries.
Lee Scheide says: “The numbers are misleading because Hill was often fighting off double teams or pursuing as the play was run the other way. Quick off the edge with the ability to create havoc within the offensive line.”
ZANE HODGES, DL
FORT STOCKTON, 6-3, 205, SR.
Key stats: 44 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, one force fumble, two fumble recoveries.
Coach Jeremy Hickman says: Our best DL. Zane dictated blocking schemes and had to be accounted for each play. He has the speed to chase ball carriers down and the strength to take on the best offensive tackle of the opposing team. He is a high-effort player and chased many plays down from behind.”
JACE GILLIAM, LB
PERMIAN, 6-0, 183, SR.
Key stats: 89 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, seven sacks, six hurries, one interception, two passes defended, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries.
Lee Scheide says: “Standing up on the edge, Gilliam presented myriad problems for offenses, not the least of was his quickness at the snap of the ball, putting instant pressure on opposing tackles to get off the line of scrimmage fast enough to block.”
TRACE LOW, LB
MIDLAND LEGACY, 6-0, 195, JR.
Key stats: 82 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, seven sacks, eight hurries, two passes defended, one fumble caused, one fumble recovery.
Coach Boe Smith says: “We played him out of position at Mike early. When we moved him to WLB, he thrived, getting into space where he could move and just play.”
JIMMY VAZQUEZ, LB
GREENWOOD, 5-8, 185, SR.
Key stats: 209 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, five passes defended, one force fumble.
Coach Rusty Purser says: “Those numbers are real, he was everywhere for us on defense. A true leader for our team.”
LUIS CERVANTES, LB
ANDREWS, 5-11, 215, SR.
Key stats: 109 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, three sacks, six hurries, one forced fumble.
Coach Thomas Harvey says: “One of the best players I’ve been privileged to coach. He was the leader of our team. Absolute magic in the locker room for team chemistry.”
BRYCE WOODY, DB
PERMIAN 6-3, 185, SR.
Key stats: 52 tackles, six tackles for a loss, two interceptions, seven passes defended, one forced fumble.
Lee Scheide says: “Patrolling at safety, Woody was able to see the entire field and make a decision. One of the best at coming up to support the run, often times slashing through blockers to make a play behind the line of scrimmage.”
CANYON MOSES, DB
MIDLAND LEGACY, 6-0, 175, SR.
Key stats: 61 tackles, three tackles for loss, one hurry, three interceptions, five passes defended, one forced fumble.
Lee Scheide says: “Skill set forced opposing offenses to play away from his side of the field, but he was still able to find ways to create havoc.”
SHAWN KELLY, DB
GREENWOOD, 5-9, 175, SR.
Key stats: 154 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six interceptions, one interception return for a touchdown, nine passes defended, two forced fumbles.
Coach Rusty Purser says: “Made plays all over the field and was the district’s Utility Player of the Year.”
ISAIAH GARCIA, DB
FORT STOCKTON, 6-1, 185, SR.
Key stats: 25 tackles, three tackles for loss, five passes defended, one interception.
Coach Jeremy Hickman says: “Isaiah played safety or corner for us. He was usually in charge of tracking the opposing teams top WR. His skill set alone kept teams from throwing the ball to his man or his side of the field. He was an excellent tackler as well coming out of the secondary.”
BLAKE FLOWERS, P
SEMINOLE, 6-2, 190, SR.
Key stats: 21 punts, 45.0 average, eight punts inside 20.
Coach Greg Poyner says: “Blake had the ability to flip the field with his kicks. A great athlete and extremely hard worker.”
— — — UTILITY — — —
DEONTE BASS, UTILITY
PERMIAN, 6-0, 180, SR.
Key stats: 9 receptions, 134 yards, two touchdowns; one carry, six yards; 30 tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, six interceptions, five passes defended.
Lee Scheide says: “Bass switched from offense to defense and was an instant fit at cornerback, using his speed and strength to defend some of the top receivers in District 2-6A and hold his own.”
JAYDN PRUITT, UTILITY
PERMIAN, 6-0, 185, SR.
Key stats: Two receptions, 52 yards, one touchdown; 24 tackles, one hurry, one kickoff return, one punt return.
Lee Scheide says: “Pruitt started opposite Bass to create a coverage tandem hard to match. An injury midway through the season hampered his performance as he missed three full games.”
JAYVEN GONZALES, UTILITY
ODESSA HIGH, 5-10, 175, JR.
Key stats: 72 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, one pass defended; 4-of-5 passing for 66 yards, one touchdown, one interception as backup quarterback.
Coach Dusty Ortiz says: “Jayven stepped up for us this year and became and leader and playmaker on defense.”
ADAN SAUCEDO, UTILITY
MONAHANS, 5-8, 160, SR.
Key stats: 111 carries, 714 yards; 12 receptions, 159 yards, one touchdown; 45 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, one forced fumble.
Lee Scheide says: “Used his speed for coverage in the flat along with being able to chase down running backs and quarterbacks on plays going away from him. Biggest play of the season for the Loboes with a backside pursuit sack of the quarterback on a fourth-down play against Godley to preserve a 62-55 victory.”
ABRAHAM DAVALOS, UTILITY
COMPASS ACADEMY, 5-10, 195, SR.
Key stats: 67 carries, 470 yards; 10 receptions, 98 yards; six total touchdowns; 101 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries.
Coach Floyd White says: “Abraham was the heart and soul of our turnaround for this year. His leadership and spirit were vital to changing the culture of our program. Kids with his discipline and work ethic are very rare.”
JORDAN TALLY, UTILITY
WINK, 6-4, 170, SR.
Key stats: 48 receptions, 953 yards, 12 touchdowns; 41-of-49 extra points, one field goal; 11 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, one defensive touchdown
Coach Brian Gibson says: “Jordan proved to be a big-time playmaker for the Wildcats and developed exceptional ball skills with exceptional route running.”
JAXON LAWDERMILK, UTILITY
ANDREWS, 5-11, 235, SR.
Key stats: 101 tackles, four sacks, five hurries, 13 tackles for loss, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 1 defensive touchdown; 26 carries, 160 yards, seven touchdowns; three receptions, 20 yards.
Coach Tom Harvey says: “Jaxon helped our team on both sides of the ball. Had a great ability to cause turnovers and was a playmaker all over the field.”
STROMAN BRIDGES, QB/RB/WR
MIDLAND HIGH, 5-11, 175, SOPH.
Key stats: 17-of-34 passing, 259 yards, four touchdowns; 80 carries, 477 yards, four touchdowns; 5 receptions, 59 yards, one touchdown.
Coach Thad Fortune says: “Played many roles for our offense this year. Started the last 4 games at quarterback. He is an ideal fit for our triple-option attack. He is a hard worker and great leader, we are looking forward to his future.”
NATE GENSLER JR., RB/LB
KERMIT, 5-11, 200, SR.
Key stats: 1,446 yards rushing, 16 touchdowns; 126 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery.
Lee Scheide says: “The son of first-year head coach Nate Gensler quickly became a force on both sides of the line of scrimmage for the Yellow Jackets, showing his new teammates what was expected of them in order to turn the program around.”
NOAH TORRES, RB/OLB
MCCAMEY, 5-8, 165, SR.
Key stats: 67 carries, 576 yards, eight touchdowns; 60 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, nine pressures, two interceptions, two passes defended, one blocked field goal, one defensive touchdown.
Coach Michael Woodard says: “Noah is one of the toughest players that I have ever met and was, without a doubt, the heart of this team. He is an amazing young man and I am proud to have coached him.”
