Nine Southwest Virginia Players Named First-Team All-State AP

RICHMOND, Va. ? Nine players from Southwest Virginia earned first-team honors on the Associated Press' Group A all-state football team.

The team is selected annually by sports writers from across the state.

Clintwood and Gate City each placed two players on the first team.

Linebacker Alec Osborne and defensive lineman Russell Hull helped lead Clintwood to the Region D, Division 2 title and a state runner-up finish for the second straight year. Osborne had 24 tackles for loss and nine sacks among his 112 tackles, while Hull's resume included 46 tackles with 14 for a loss and three sacks. It was the second straight all-state honor for Hull, who
was a first-team pick on the offensive line in 2007.

Kick returner Tihlee Anderson and defensive back Dustin Jones represented Gate City. Anderson, who also was Gate City's starting quarterback, had a 95-yard kickoff return and punt returns of 56 and 46 yards for touchdowns, plus a 70-yarder that was wiped out by a penalty.

J.I. Burton running back Jaycob Coleman, Lebanon defensive lineman Daniel McClanahan, Chilhowie linebacker Alex Russell, J.J. Kelly defensive back Jordan Bates and Haysi punter Hobert Newberry were also first-team choices.

In leading J.I. Burton to a 10-2 record, Coleman averaged better than 15 yards per carry for his 1,600-plus yards. He also had 12 receptions for 420 yards and six touchdowns and had a 92-yard kickoff return and 60-yard punt return for scores.

Russell was in on 156 tackles with 13 for a loss and helped Chilhowie reach the Region C, Division 2 title game.

McClanahan led Lebanon to its first regional title since 1994, while Bates shined at both running back and in the secondary for Kelly, a playoff participant. Newberry had a 44.1-yard average on 19 kicks.

Seven area players were selected to the second team, including three from Hogoheegee District champion George Wythe. Wide receiver Brandon Atwell, offensive lineman Drew Lester and linebacker
Will Sawyers all had big seasons for the Maroons.

Running back Chris Robinson and defensive lineman J.D. Bevel of Clintwood also landed on the second team, along with Gate City center Quinton Jones and Haysi kicker Allen Owens.

Floyd County senior Luke Harris was named player of the year. Harris led Floyd to the state title game and guided his team to playoff wins over George Wythe, Chilhowie and Lebanon along the way.

Harris completed 166-of-209 passes for 2,291 yards and 22 touchdowns while rushing for 1,084 yards and 20 TDs. He edged Gretna quarterback Jayme Barksdale for top player honors mainly because he also played full time on defense.

Franklin's Darren Parker was named coach of the year. In five seasons, he has a 50-11 record and won state championships in 2004 and 2008. The Broncos beat Clintwood, 28-20, in this year's state title game.

Tickled to death to see Jordan listed. It has been a long time since a JJK player has been honored as such I'd wager. He's a good one. Congrats to all our SWVA reps.

Jordan is a great young man also.