FOOTBALL23
Tyler Rogers , Frankston
Kavian Bryant , Westwood
Reese Hargers , Palestine
Landon Henry , Cayuga
ENDZONE AWARDS & HONORS
Overall MVP
There is absolutely nowhere the opposition can hide from Tyler Rogers . Rogers is one of the toughest running backs to bring down in East Texas , routinely leaving piles of would-be-tacklers in his path . He brings the same energy to the defensive side of the ball , delivering bone crushing hits and seemingly is always in the perfect position to make a big play . The junior rushed for almost 900 yards and 16 touchdowns on the year , while making 102 tackles , 23 for a loss , on defense to go with four sacks and an interception . Frankston will look to take the next step in the 2024 season , and the back-toback area MVP will be a key factor in the Indians future success .
Offensive MVP
As a freshman , Westwood quarterback Kavian Bryant already has become arguably the biggest offensive weapon in the area . An elite level athlete , Bryant is able to move effortlessly in the pocket while keeping his eyes down field , looking for big play opportunities . Bryant has tons of arm talent , and is able to make any throw necessary , as well as burn opposing defenses with his legs when plays break down . The freshman completed 158-231 passes for 2,282 yards and 33 touchdowns , while gaining 812 yards and another four scores on the ground .
Defensive MVP
Speed kills , and Reese Hargers is usually one of , if not THE fastest player on the field . While he is listed as a safety on the roster , Hargers is a multifaceted tool on the defensive side of the ball , comfortable in pass coverage and supporting the run defense . Hargers is not one of the biggest football players you ’ ve ever seen , but he has the heart of a lion , and attacks with everything he has on every play . The senior finished his his final season with 92 tackles , two sacks , a forced fumble and three passes defended .
Utility MVP
During awards season , lineman usually are forgotten about , and rarely win any major superlatives . Cayuga senior Landon Henry is not your usual lineman . Henry anchored an offensive line that guided the way to over 3100 yards rushing for Cayuga running backs . On the defensive side , Henry collected 74 tackles , with six sacks , caused two fumbles , and recovered three fumbles . Henry was selected as the top offensive and defensive lineman by voters on the Palestine Herald-Press All-Area team .
Freshman of the Year
Freshman quarterback Dayden Velasquez made large strides from the beginning of the season , helping guide the Oakwood Panthers to five straight victories in the second half of the season , including a 51-6 mercy rule win in the Bi-District round of the playoffs over Kopperl . Velasquez completed 44-82 passes for 532 yards and 8 touchdowns , as well as 190 yards and two touchdowns combined receiving and rushing for the 6-man squad .
Dayden Velasquez , Oakwood
Sophomore of the Year
There is simply nothing sophomore Adrian “ AJ ” Donnell cannot do on the football field . A true Swiss Army knife of a ball player , Donnell racked up almost 2,000 yards of total offensive while splitting time at quarterback and receiver . As a pass catcher , he led the Indians in receiving yardage , 700 , and receiving touchdowns , 6 , while gaining over 700 yards rushing and 500 yards throwing from the quarterback position .
AJ Donnell , Frankston
26 WINTER EDITION 2024