Thomas, Williams make All-State teams

[KFDM COOP]

Thomas, Williams make All-State teams

Van Wade

The Orange Leader

West Orange-Stark senior Earl Thomas and Deweyville senior Justin Williams both were selected the their respective Texas Sportswriters Association All-State Football Teams Wednesday.

Williams, (6-1, 225), who helped lead the Pirates to their second straight playoff appearance out of District 24-2A, zipped his way to a whopping 2,294 yards and 32 touchdowns on 257 carries for Coach Dwight Bickham’s offensive unit. With his efforts, Williams landed on the Class 2A All-State Second Team.

Thomas, also an outstanding defensive back, was selected to the Third Team Offense on the Class 3A unit. Thomas hauled in 40 receptions for 861 yards and scored 13 TDs while also rushing for 387 yards and nine TDs on 55 totes for long-time Mustang head coach Dan Hooks’ offense.

There were just two other Southeast Texans that landed on the elite units.

East Chambers junior Tremain Thomas (6-2, 175), was a Second Team Class 2A selection in the secondary after picking off seven passes. He also quarterbacked the 24-2A champion Buccaneers, passing for 1,366 yards and 11 TDs and also rushed for 1,349 yards and 23 TDs.

Silsbee senior offensive lineman Ahmad Jones (6-2, 310), who helped steer the vaunted Tiger running attack all the way to the playoffs, was a Class 3A Second Team selection.

Thomas and Williams are both finalists for the prestigious Willie Ray Smith Awards which goes out to the best offensive and defensive player in Southeast Texas. Williams is nominated on offense while Thomas is a defensive finalist. EC’s Thomas is also a finalist for the offensive award.

Former East Chambers head coach Andy Evans, who had a long, successful stint at the Winnie school, was named Class 2A Coach of the Year after guiding Tatum to the Division I state crown.

Tatum running back Lennon Creer was named the 2A Offensive MVP after darting for 2,835 yards and 34 TDs while Mart linebacker Heston Adler, who posted 218 tackles, was the Defensive MVP after helping his unit to the Division II state title.

Gilmer quarterback G.J. Kinne and Liberty Hill running back Brent Bode shared Offensive MVP honors in 3A while Giddings linebacker John Dock is the Defensive MVP.

Kinne passed for 2,962 yards and 47 TDs while Bode rushed for 2,363 yards and 28 TDs. Dock led Giddings with 167 tackles.

Liberty-Eylau’s Pat Brady received Coach of the Year honors.

For a complete look at both the 3A and 2A TSWA All-State Teams please see Sportsstats on Page 2B.

[DP#1FAN]

Congrats to all !!!!!!! Justin you have made us all proud! Great job!!!!!

[SteelerCzy]

Great job by all, congrats.

[WarriorSports]

since i graduated from d-ville I like to see them make the papers..congrats!!!

[bronco1]

I know thats a local paper but,

Ford Smesny - DB - Dayton is on that list.

[tre tre]

Also Joe Sexton from BH made 4a First Team All State linebacker

[rhino1877]

Congrats!!!!

[Guest EagleFan01]

Darrell Jenkins 1st team all state defensive back and all state honorable mention Quarterback.... Congrats on a good career at Newton Darrell and good luck at Mcneese...