OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
QB Riley Dodge, Southlake Carroll For the second time in as many seasons, Riley Dodge led the most productive offense in the area. The senior quarterback helped the Dragons produce 48.5 points and 516 yards per game. This year, he did it with a new coach, Hal Wasson, and a new offensive line. Additionally, Riley had to do it without his No. 1 mentor, father Todd Dodge, who left the Dragons after last season to become the head coach at North Texas. No matter. The young Dodge improved his passing yards (2,744) from last season, his completion percentage (71.7) and was only one short in touchdown passes (32).
Getting to know Riley
What is your earliest football memory? Probably just being around my dad. I started playing pee wee football in Carrollton when he was the coach there. I was always caught up in it, being a coach's son. I was always around the field house. I loved it.
Who's the toughest guy you ever played against? (Sighs). There have been so many. Probably my sophomore year, a linebacker at Plano East. He's at Texas now. This year, it was a kid from Haltom. He played linebacker.
Talk about a time you played hurt. My whole junior year, during the playoffs, I was injured the whole time. I had a bad ankle sprain. I played the whole playoffs injured.
Would you be a good coach? That's what I want to do one day. My goal is to be a coach in college, start as a graduate assistant, and go from there. Being around football my whole life and around coaches, I just have a desire to be a coach.
What's your best non-athletic talent no one knows about? I'm a pretty mean 360 player.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
DE R.J. Washington, Keller Fossil Ridge Is there a good way to block a 6-foot-4, 245-pound defensive end who can run over someone as easily as he can run around them? For most teams, the answer was no. Washington was too much to handle. Oh, there were attempts. Some teams tried to run to the other side. Some went at him low. Some went high. But no quarterback stopped thinking about him. He finished the regular season with 10 sacks, 11 pass break-ups, 15 solo tackles, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Hard for anybody to forget.
Getting to know R.J.
What is your earliest football memory? I used to always play with the older kids. I remember one time, there was this older guy -- I don't know where he came from -- but I tried to tackle him, and he stiff-armed me to the ground. It was pretty bad. I was like, 'Wow.' He was literally a grown man. I grabbed his leg the next time.
Who's the toughest guy you ever played against? Kyle Hix. The Aledo guy. He's at Texas now. It was the first time I'd ever been pancaked. He hit me, and I was, 'Oh, no,' and I was on the ground.
Talk about a time you played hurt. This year, actually. We were playing Saginaw. We were supposed to dive at people's legs if they ran counters to try to create room for the linebackers. This one kid pushed somebody onto my leg and a helmet hit me right where my knee was.
Would you be a good coach? I think I could be a good coach. I think I'd probably have to coach the ends, though.
What's your best non-athletic talent? Probably cooking. I like to make steak. With some mashed potatoes.
First-team offense
QB, Riley Dodge Southlake Carroll (Sr., 6-0, 195) Threw a school-record 7 touchdown passes against Rockwall, and that's saying something at Carroll.
RB, Eric Stephens Mansfield Timberview (Jr., 5-7, 170) Put the zip in Timberview's offense with a 300-yard game and 19 rushing touchdowns.
RB, Stepfan Taylor Mansfield (Jr., 6-0, 180) A 6-footer with speed, took advantage of size and acceleration to rush for 24 touchdowns.
WR, Dwaine Guyton Fort Worth Eastern Hills (Sr., 6-3, 185) Led all area players in receiving yards (1,104) despite missing a game, and averaged 27.6 per catch.
WR, Blake Cantu Southlake Carroll (Sr., 6-0, 191) Leader in catches (57) and yards (767) in an offense that spreads the ball around.
WR, Aaron Fisher Keller Fossil Ridge (Jr., 6-3, 185) Go-to receiver for area's top 4A passing offense. Averaged 18.1 yards per catch.
OL, Sam Schwartzstein Southlake Carroll (Sr., 6-3, 257) Helped Dragons average 48.5 points, 516 yards and produce a 1,200-yard rusher.
OL, Veliani Kautai Euless Trinity (Sr., 5-10, 265) Slid over to center and solidified a line hampered by injury. Delivered 112 knockdowns.
OL, Lane Taylor Arlington Martin (Sr., 6-2, 310) The anchor for a quick, aggressive offensive line that helped Warriors average 228 rushing yards.
OL, Tristian Davis Everman (Sr., 6-0, 265) Powered an offensive line for the area's best 4A rushing team, at 341 yards per game.
OL, Ethan McMillan Aledo (Sr., 6-4, 300) Gave the Bearcats an interior push for QB Cole Loftin and offense that averaged 389 yards.
K, Quinn Sharp Mansfield Summit (Sr., 6-1, 170) Hard to find this combination of accuracy and power. Made 13 of 14 field-goal attempts, including a 55-yarder.
FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE
DL, R.J. Washington Keller Fossil Ridge (Sr., 6-4, 245) A fierce pass rusher who had to be accounted for on every play. Finished with 10 sacks, 11 pass break-ups.
DL, Mao Leota Euless Trinity (Sr., 6-1, 280) Lined up inside and outside, looking for a one-on-one matchup, which he could beat almost every time.
DL, Seth Reding Stephenville (Sr., 6-1, 200) Sacks and pressure leader for one of area's toughest teams to score against.
DL, Javayle Fields Arlington Bowie (Sr., 5-11, 240) Quickness at defensive tackle helped Vols' run defense hold opponents to 116.1 yards per game.
LB, Bobby Schneider Colleyville Heritage (Jr., 6-0, 190) Never far from a fumble. Forced five, recovered seven, and added six sacks and five blocked passes.
LB, Russell Hurst Arlington Lamar (Sr., 5-11, 213) Recorded 144 tackles, 21 for loss, with five sacks and three pass break-ups.
LB, Marcus McGraw Arlington Bowie (Sr., 5-11, 210) Sheer speed, combined with toughness against often bigger opponents, led to 165 tackles.
DB, Kip Edwards Arlington Bowie (Sr., 6-0, 175) Made throws to his side unproductive, with 13 pass break-ups and six interceptions.
DB, Leo Tavo Euless Trinity (Sr., 5-10, 174) Former backup safety moved to corner and led team with 10 break-ups and three interceptions.
DB, Kenton Day Aledo (Sr., 5-10, 170) Returned four interceptions for TDs and nearly had a fifth when he went 100 yards but was stopped at the 3.
DB, Anthony Riley Fort Worth Southwest (Sr., 5-10, 180) Six sacks, an interception, two fumble recoveries and five blocked kicks for District 7-4A champions.
P, Jorge Martinez Fort Worth North Side (Jr., 5-10, 160) Averaged 41.1 yards on 34 punts, and had eight downed inside the 10-yard line, five others inside the 20.
Second team - public schools
QB, John Killion Keller Fossil Ridge (Sr., 5-11, 210) Threw for 2,456 yards and 30 touchdowns.
RB, DeAndre Davis Lake Worth (Sr., 5-8, 180) Rushed for 24 touchdowns, averaging 7.2 yards per carry.
RB, C.J. Jennings Everman (Sr., 5-9, 200) Powered Bulldogs with 1,289 yards, 17 touchdowns, 9.2 yards per carry.
WR, Lazarus Anderson Arlington Lamar (Sr., 6-1, 175) Vikings like to run, but Anderson delivered 61 catches, six TDs.
WR, Roddy Maginot Arlington Bowie (Sr., 5-10, 170) Eight touchdown catches in breakthrough season for 8-5A champs.
WR, Hunter Harris Glen Rose (Sr., 6-1, 175) Big-play receiver averaged 21.7 yards per catch.
OL, Deveric Gallington Richland (Sr., 6-3, 320) Provided big straight-ahead push for 900-, 700-yard rushers.
OL, Patrick Dvoracek Mansfield Timberview (Sr., 6-3, 295) Anchored line for one of area’s most explosive offenses.
OL, Josh Ayers Euless Trinity (Sr., 6-4, 266) Led most of the Trojans’ toss and stretch plays to his side.
OL, Chris Donovan Mansfield (Sr., 6-2, 265) Key blocker for a run-first team that averaged 298 rushing yards.
OL, Chris Collins Keller Fossil Ridge (Sr., 6-1, 285) Two-year starter was one of Panthers’ keys to pass protection.
K, Chris Boswell Keller Fossil Ridge (Jr., 6-3, 170) Perfect on 49 PATs and hit FGs from 47, 46, 43 and 41 yards.
DL, Chase Actkinson Grapevine (Jr., 5-11, 230) Five tackles for loss, four caused fumbles, six sacks.
DL, Lorenzo Martinez Colleyville Heritage (Sr., 6-0, 235) Six tackles for loss, six sacks and a forced fumble.
DL, Reggie Wilson Haltom, (Soph., 6-4, 230) Six sacks, 13 tackles for loss, three caused fumbles.
DL, Keith Rushton Everman (Jr., 6-0, 190) Key rusher off the edge for undefeated District 8-4A champs.
LB, David Stoltzman Southlake Carroll (Sr., 6-0, 207) A first-year starter who excelled as he took over for an injured teammate.
LB, David Cato Mansfield Summit (Sr., 5-10, 185) Used his speed to cover entire field, recording 112 tackles.
LB, Darius Busby Everman (Sr., 5-11, 200) Bulldogs used him to rush, play the run, cover and block passes.
DB, Taylor Hightower Colleyville Heritage (Sr., 5-10, 185) Nine batted passes and five interceptions, plus 59 tackles.
DB, Luke Anderson Southlake Carroll (Sr., 5-10, 173) One of three returning starters, provided physical, emotional presence.
DB, Kenji Jackson Mansfield (Sr., 6-1, 185) A sure-tackling safety who helped Tigers allow under 100 yards passing per game.
DB, Chris Featherston Stephenville (Sr., 6-0, 170) Five interceptions and a fumble recovery.
P, Bryan Houk Grapevine (Sr., 6-1, 190) Averaged 40.4 yards on 32 punts, with a long of 65.
Second team - private schools
QB Landon Anderson* Grapevine Faith (Sr., 5-10, 160) Combined for 40 TDs (23 passing, 17 rushing) and became the program’s first 1,500-yard passer and 1,000-yard rusher.
RB Ben Colston Pantego Christian (Sr., 5-11, 185) Slashing rusher posted 1,093 yards and 10 touchdowns.
RB Marco Hernandez Nolan Catholic (Soph., 6-0, 180) Rushed for 909 yards and nine touchdowns on 141 carries
WR Will Gallagher Nolan Catholic (Sr., 6-0, 175) Vikings’ all-time leading receiver had 1,101 yards on 59 catches, 13 for TDs.
WR Rand Ravnaas All Saints (Sr., 6-0, 175) Caught 40 passes for 1,038 yards and 13 touchdowns.
WR Derek Meadows Colleyville Covenant (Sr., 6-0, 175) Agile receiver caught 44 passes for 751 yards and seven touchdowns.
OL Curtis Roddy Grapevine Faith (Sr., 6-3, 285) Lions’ biggest offensive lineman helped offense average 48.4 points, 293.7 rushing yards per game.
OL Daniel Ackerman Grapevine Faith (Sr., 6-1, 220) Brought valuable size and speed to Lions’ offensive line
OL Jeffery Hyde Colleyville Covenant (Sr., 6-6, 290) Texas A&M signee created room for QB Dillon Hess, who ran for 765 yards and 12 touchdowns.
OL Nate Snodgrass Trinity Valley (Sr., 6-1, 200) Right tackle, a team captain, helped Trojans average 147 rushing yards per game.
OL Curtis Jones Trinity Valley (Sr., 6-0, 225) Left tackle, a three-year starter, helped anchor a big, athletic line.
K Kris Alles Trinity Valley (Jr., 6-1, 165) Made 29 of 30 extra-points, and kicked three field goals in a 9-0 win against Country Day.
DL Darrius Weathers Fort Worth Calvary (Jr., 6-0, 185) Calvary boasted area’s second-best defense, allowing an average of 14 points, 206.8 total yards.
DL Mike Cecero Nolan Catholic (Sr., 6-6, 250) End helped anchor a young 4-3 defense that featured a new front seven.
DL Daniel Fryman Grace Prep (Sr., 6-4, 230) Defensive end also played offensive tackle.
LB Michael Kutzler** Trinity Valley (Jr., 6-0, 190) Posted 112 tackles, 12 assists. Had a season-high 13 tackles and a sack in a 45-17 win against Dallas First Baptist.
LB Bryson Myles Grace Prep (Sr., 5-11, 225) Anchored 3-4 defense, logging 76 tackles, 15 assists.
LB Justin Andrews Fort Worth Christian (Sr., 6-2, 218) Recorded 79 tackles and 16 assists
LB Aaron Garlington Fort Worth Calvary (Sr., 6-0, 160) Versatile player had 53 tackles and six interceptions.
DB John Phillip Boudreaux Nolan Catholic (Jr., 5-10, 180) Speedy ball hawk had eight interceptions and 47 tackles.
DB Gabe Fyock Grace Prep (Sr., 5-9, 165) Strong safety had a team-best seven interceptions.
DB Kenny Jones Fort Worth Calvary (Jr., 5-7, 135) Secondary was team strength in large part because of Jones, who recorded four interceptions.
DB Justin McCrary Colleyville Covenant (Sr., 6-1, 185) Gritty senior had 53 tackles and 88 assists, including 6 solos, 16 assists and interception in win against Muenster Sacred Heart.
*Offensive Player of the Year
**Defensive Player of the Year
