4 THE ROANOKE TIMES

A L L - T I M E S L A N D J F O O T B A L L

Photo illustration by JEANNA DUERSCHERL | The Roanoke Times

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

SAM WRIGHTCave Spring J Running back J Senior J 5-11, 195

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

JAKE KITEHidden Valley J Strong safety J Junior J 6-1, 182

SAM DEAN | The Roanoke Times

Jake Kite collects one of his four interceptions this season. He also racked up 13 TFL and 149 total tackles.

DON PETERSEN | Special to The Roanoke Times

Sam Wright scored 40 touchdowns on 407 carries this season, the Timesland single-season record for scores.

Wright broke four school records and one Timesland

record in powering Cave Spring to the VHSL Group AA

Division 3 semifinals. He gained 2,792 yards and scored 40

touchdowns on 407 carries, breaking a single-season school

record for yards and setting the Timesland single-season

record for TDs. His 5,033 rushing yards broke Tiki Barber’s

old Cave Spring record by nearly 2,000 yards. Wright rushed

for more than 200 yards in 10 of the Knights’ 13 games

including a 303-yard, five-touchdown performance in a the

Region IV final at Richlands. He gained 132 yards and scored

twice against eventual Division 3 state champ Brookville.

What stands out about the 2011 season: “No one

outside of our team gave us a chance to end up where

we did, and it was done with such a thin roster.”

MAX RODGERSGRAYSON COUNTYQuarterback, 6-3, 185

Rodgers led Grayson County to a 10-2 record

and a second-round Group A Division 2

playoff berth. He passed for 1,326 yards and 15 touchdowns with just three interceptions.

Rodgers also rushed for 342 yards on 71 carries.

DeANTHONY MUSE

NORTHSIDELineman, 6-0, 220

Muse anchored Northside’s defensive line as he set a school record with 20 tackles for loss and was

named first-team All-Region III. He had 69 solo tackles and 29 assists to go with

four forced fumbles and two quarterback sacks.

SIZZLIN’ SOPHOMORESRB Joey Augustin, Christiansburg, 6-2, 165

RB Simeon Horstmann, William Byrd, 5-7, 190

RB Steven Peoples, Galax, 5-9, 180

WR Colin Gullion, Marion, 5-8, 145

WR Kendall Kessinger, Alleghany, 5-7, 145

TE Ryan Wilkerson, Bassett, 6-3, 195

C Coleman Thomas, Fort Chiswell, 6-6, 260

OG Zack Hill, Salem, 6-1, 198

OG Seth Wills, Christiansburg, 6-0, 220

OT Alex Light, Salem, 6-6, 282

OT Xavier Greenfield, Magna Vista, 6-0, 258

UT Cody Dunbar, Craig County, 5-7, 150

PK Jake Hamley, Christiansburg, 5-7, 143

SIZZLIN’ SOPHOMORE OF THE YEAR: DEFENSESIZZLIN’ SOPHOMORE OF THE YEAR: OFFENSE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2011 5

A L L - T I M E S L A N D J F O O T B A L L

Photo illustration by JEANNA DUERSCHERL | The Roanoke Times

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

JAKE KITEHidden Valley J Strong safety J Junior J 6-1, 182

Kite was named the Region IV defensive player of the year

after leading Hidden Valley back from an 0-10 season in 2010

to a berth in the Division 4 playoffs. He finished the season

with 149 total tackles including 96 solo stops in 11 games. He

had four interceptions including picks vs. Northside, Salem

and Cave Spring. Kite had 13 tackles for loss including three

against Salem. He had 13 solo tackles against Salem and Cave

Spring. Kite finished with 27 total tackles against Cave Spring

and also blocked two extra points as the Titans won 41-39 in

double OT. Kite also led Hidden Valley in pass receiving with 31

catches for 408 yards and four TDs.

What stands out about the 2011 season: “This

football season was our team’s ability to have such a turn-

around from last year and step up by making the playoffs.”

FIRST TEAM OFFENSEQUARTERBACK HARVEY TAYLOR

MAGNA VISTA, Senior, 5-9, 176

Led Magna Vista to an 11-1 record and a second straight Region IV Division 4 final. … Rushed for 1,476 yards and 27 TDs on 244

carries. … Passed for 1,786 yards and 15 TDs in just 182 attempts. … Finished career with 5,004 passing yards, 4,028 rushing yards,

and 108 TDs.

RUNNING BACK MARTY BISHOPSALEM, Senior, 5-11, 209

First-team All-Region IV. … Played fullback and had No. 2 single-season rushing total in school history with 1,657 yards and 21 TDs on 253 carries. … Ran for 244 yards and five TDs vs.

Christiansburg and had 252 yards and three TDs in a win over Cave Spring.

RUNNING BACK XAVIER RODRIGUEZGRAYSON COUNTY, Senior, 5-5, 144

Region C offensive player of the year. … Averaged 11.1 yards per carry with 1,647 yards and 28 TDs on 148 attempts. … Had 137

yards on seven carries vs. Division 1 state champion Clintwood. … Scored 53 TDs in the last two years.

WIDE RECEIVER TYLER FISHERNORTHSIDE, Senior, 5-11, 166

Region III offensive player of the year. … Single-season and career school records for receptions, yards and TD catches. … Caught 39 passes for 922 yards and 12 TDs. … Caught a TD pass in nine games for Northside (11-1). … Ran for 287 yards and three TDs.

WIDE RECEIVER DEION GEORGEGALAX, Senior, 6-2, 193

First-team All-Region C as Galax finished 14-1. … Caught 40 passes for 864 yards and 15 TDs. … Had three TDs on kick returns.

… Had a combined nine catches for 233 yards and five TDs in Galax’s Group A Division 1 semifinal and championship games.

TIGHT END DAKOTA JACKSONNORTHSIDE, Senior, 6-4, 250

First-team All-Region III for 11-1 team. … Caught 22 passes for 360 yards including game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter against Hidden Valley. … Also started at defensive end. …

Committed to Virginia Tech.

CENTER CHRIS SHELTONNORTH CROSS, Senior, 5-11, 255

Moved from left tackle to center and did not allow a quarterback sack as North Cross defeated Norfolk Christian to win the VIS Division III title. … Was named first-team All-VIS Division III.

GUARD DILLON CHRISTIANMAGNA VISTA, Senior, 6-0, 278

Named first-team All-Region IV and first-team All-Piedmont District as the top offensive lineman on an 11-1 team that

amassed 4,489 yards of total offense and scored 417 points. … Registered 46 pancake blocks.

GUARD TYLER NELSONGILES, Senior, 5-9, 172

Was the top blocker for a team that rushed for 3,663 yards in the single-wing offense. … First-team All-Region C and three-year

starter. … Led team with 100 tackles as first-team All-Three Rivers District linebacker.

TACKLE SHAUN GREERFRANKLIN COUNTY, Senior, 6-4, 290

Western Valley District offensive lineman of the year was a powerful drive blocker for the team that won the WVD

championship and reached the Northwest Region semifinals. … Two-time first-team All-Northwest Region selection.

TACKLE DYLAN BRUCKICAVE SPRING, Junior, 6-4, 290

First-team All-Region IV after paving the way for RB Sam Wright’s record-setting 2,792-yard season. … Did not allow a quarterback

sack as team reached the Group AA Division 3 semifinals.

PLACE-KICKER JAY PHILLIPSLORD BOTETOURT, Senior, 5-11, 170

Made 9 of 10 field goal attempts this year including six of 30 yards or more. … Missed just one extra point. … Kicked game-

winning field goal against Staunton River. … Converted 14 of 17 field goal attempts in the last two years.

KICK RETURNER ZACH SNELLCHRISTIANSBURG, Senior, 5-10, 171

Two kickoff returns for TDs. … Ran for 1,361 yards and 22 TDs on 170 carries, leading team to the Group AA Division 4 final. … Scored nine TDs in four postseason games. … Caught 14 passes for 223 yards. … Has been offered walk-on spot at Virginia Tech.

SECOND TEAMQB ADAM HARDISTER Northside, Sr., 5-11, 167

RB JARRET MOON Staunton River, Sr., 5-7, 180

RB JORDAN VAUGHAN Galax, Sr., 5-11, 205

RB LING ZHENG Rockbridge County, Sr., 5-8, 174

WR ELDRICK GUNTER Carlisle, Sr., 5-10, 183

WR TYLER HAYNIE Glenvar, Sr., 5-9, 150

TE SHANE FOLEY Hidden Valley, Sr., 5-10, 200

C MITCHELL STINESPRING Bath County, Sr., 6-2, 275

OT RYAN REVIA Patrick Henry, Sr., 6-6, 290

OT ADD SILER Rockbridge County, Sr., 5-11, 214

OG GINO SAUNDERS Northside, Sr., 6-2, 256

OG SETH WILLS Christiansburg, Soph., 6-0, 191

UT MARCUS JONES Jefferson Forest, Sr., 6-0, 195

PK ZACK KEATON Giles, Sr., 5-11, 160

FIRST TEAM DEFENSELINEMAN ERVIN BUCHANNON

CHRISTIANSBURG, Senior, 5-8, 226

Named River Ridge District defensive lineman of the year for the second straight season. … Had 63 solo tackles and 42 assists. … Also had 13 tackles for loss, four quarterback sacks, six fumbles caused and one fumble recovery for defense that allowed 12.6

points per game.

LINEMAN ANGELO HARRISROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Senior, 6-0, 225

Voted Blue Ridge District defensive player of the year and first-team All-Region III. … Had 114 total tackles with 68 solo stops, 12

tackles for loss, 11 quarterback sacks and four deflected passes. … Also forced five fumbles and had three fumble recoveries.

LINEMAN ALAN O’BERRYRADFORD, Senior, 5-9, 170

Three Rivers District defensive player of the year and first-team All-Region C selection as a nose tackle. … Recorded 65 unassisted

tackles including 22 tackles for loss on 8-4 team.

LINEMAN PAUL SMITHNORTH CROSS, Senior, 6-4, 267

Two-way starter on North Cross team that won the VIS Division III championship. … Team-high 89 total tackles with 57 solos in 11 games. … Also had 12 tackles for loss, seven quarterback sacks,

three blocked kicks and three pass deflections.

LINEBACKER SETH DOOLEYGLENVAR, Senior, 6-5, 225

Led Glenvar to it’s second playoff berth since 1992 with 93 solo tackles, including 22 tackles for loss and four sacks. … First-team All-Region C. … Led team in rushing with 782 yards and 11 TDs. …

Committed to Virginia Tech.

LINEBACKER ADDAM SCOTTCHRISTIANSBURG, Senior, 6-0, 183

First-team All-Region IV as middle linebacker on a team that held opponents to 10 points or less in 10 of 14 games. … Scored two defensive TDs including interception return in Division 4 state

semifinal. … Had 16 tackles and fumble recovery in state final vs. Briar Woods.

LINEBACKER FRANKIE SHALABIGALAX, Senior, 5-10, 185

Region C and Mountain Empire District defensive player of the year for a team that came within a touchdown of a Division 1

state title. … Physical run defender who had 55 tackles including 8 1⁄2 for loss and one interception.

LINEBACKER ZAUKEUS WITCHERMAGNA VISTA, Senior, 6-3, 203

Two-time Piedmont District defensive player of the year and first-team All-Region IV choice as Magna Vista finished 11-1. … Had 111 unassisted tackles and 65 assists along with 15 tackles for loss.

BACK MIC EDWARDSSALEM, Senior, 5-11, 198

River Ridge District defensive back of the year and first-team All-Region IV. … Had 72 total tackles with four interceptions and three

quarterback sacks. … Caught 38 passes for 532 yards and four TDs at wide receiver, and also punted, returned punts and held for

PATs.

BACK DAMIAN PATTERSONMARTINSVILLE, Senior, 6-1, 175

First-team All-Region IV choice as Martinsville reached the Division 3 regional semifinals. … Had 80 total tackles with five pickoffs including interception returns for touchdowns against

Brookville and Cave Spring,

BACK DeSHAUN PENNMAGNA VISTA, Senior, 6-1, 167

Two-way star had four interceptions and two defensive touchdowns for team that finished 11-1. … Had 29 solo tackles including five for loss. … Was Warriors’ top receiver with 42

catches for 865 yards and eight TDs.

PUNTER GARRETT LEEGiles, Junior, 6-2, 175

Selected first-team All-Region C and first-team All-Three Rivers District. … Averaged 47.0 yards per punt including a 61-yard punt

with no roll. … Also played blocking back in Giles’ single-wing offense.

UTILITY BRENDEN MOTLEYCHRISTIANSBURG, Senior, 6-4, 194

Passed for 951 yards and 12 TDs. … Ran for 646 yards and 13 TDs with four in Region IV Division 4 final. … Blocked a punt in state

semifinal win at Broadway. … Had 17 tackles and forced a fumble in state final vs. Briar Woods. … Committed to Virginia Tech.

SECOND TEAMDL PIERCE RIGNEY Pulaski County, Sr., 6-2, 212

DL SHAQUILLE SAUNDERS Radford, Sr., 5-11, 245

DL JAQUON TAYLOR Patrick Henry, Sr., 6-2, 235

DL TYLER TUNE Franklin County, Jr., 5-10, 250

LB DEMETRIS ANDERSON Patrick Henry, Jr., 5-10, 185

LB JORDAN ATWOOD George Wythe, Jr., 6-0, 191

LB BRIAN ELLIS Staunton River, Sr., 5-11, 205

LB JONATHAN HAGINS William Fleming, Sr., 6-1, 203

DB COREY DARK Radford, Sr., 6-2, 220

DB TROY HELTON Covington, Jr., 5-10, 155

DB KYLE KING James River, Jr., 5-10, 160

DB MARSHALL WAGNER Marion, Sr., 5-11, 170

P JAMES COLEMAN Carlisle, Sr., 6-3, 195

KR JACOB FISHER Galax, Sr., 5-11, 185

COACH OF THE YEARMARK DIXON Galax

Dixon (left) led Galax to 14 straight victories and a runner-up finish in Group A Division 1 as the Maroon Tide lost to

Clintwood 33-28 in the state final. Galax was the highest-scoring team in the VHSL under Dixon, a former University

of Virginia All-American in his second year on the job.

SIZZLIN’ SOPHOMORESDL Nate Lee, Patrick Henry, 6-2, 225

DL Brad Lipes, Giles, 5-9, 229

DL Jamaal Preston, Liberty, 6-4, 220

LB Eric Benitez, Radford, 5-9, 200

LB Adam Doll-Hennis, Rockbridge Co., 6-1, 215

LB Trevor Mike, William Fleming, 5-10, 168

LB Ezra Waddey, Northside, 5-7, 203

DB Jalen Hairston, Magna Vista, 6-0, 171

DB Zac Hill, William Byrd, 5-10, 160

DB Cortez Ogden, Patrick Henry, 5-10, 170

DB Tay Ross, Bassett, 5-9, 147

P Ethan Wrights, Bath County, 5-10, 205

KR R.J. Jordan, Radford, 5-9, 155

SIZZLIN’ SOPHOMORE OF THE YEAR: DEFENSE