Denton Record-Chronicle

2014 All-Area Football TeamMost valuable player

Nick RalstonArgyle, RB, 6-1, 235, Sr.

The Eagles had a target on their back from winning the Class 3A Division II state title in 2013, and if that wasn’t hard enough, they came into this season minus 29 seniors. Ralston, an Arizona State early enrollee, selflessly took on the burden of being the Eagles’ leader on offense. Throughout the season, he proved there were no limits to how much work he could take on. The 6-1, 235-pounder amassed 2,771 yards, and his 394 carries led all Dallas-Fort Worth area rushers — regardless of classification. He earned a second-team nod on the Associated Press Class 4A all-state team. In true workhorse fashion, he didn’t miss a start despite nagging injuries in the regular season. Ralston scored 19 of his 46 touchdowns in the postseason and willed the team to wins over Kennedale, Texar-kana Liberty-Eylau and Graham. He combined for 110 carries and 686 yards in those wins, which were all decided by four points or less. In the Class 4A Division I title game against Navasota, Ralston carried the ball 54 times for 225 yards and three touchdowns in a 42-35 double overtime loss. Ralston played in three state title games and will be a difficult player to replace next season.

CoaCh of the year

Todd RodgersArgyle

No one was surprised when Argyle rolled to a Class 3A Division II state championship in 2013 using a roster loaded with Football Bowl Subdivision-caliber talent. That team had a dynamic offensive player in Ian Sadler, who started at wide receiver for Texas Tech in 2014, and a loaded senior class. So when Rodgers lost 29 seniors to graduation and was forced to break in several new faces, the public expectations heading into 2014 were lowered for the Eagles. Rodgers had his own set of expectations, and the Argyle train kept on rolling to the tune of a 31-game win streak that ended at AT&T Stadium in December in the Class 4A Division I state championship game. Rodgers and his staff cooked up a perfect plan to slow down a prolific Navasota offense before the Rattlers eventually won out in a double-overtime thriller, but the 2014 season proved to be a masterful job by the longtime Argyle coach.

offeNse DefeNsefirst teaM first teaM

Dagan HaehnLake Dallas, QB

6-0, 175, Jr.Haehn led the Falcons to a 9-2 record and a District 6-5A title while enjoying a return trip to the postseason. The dual threat threw for 2,710 yards and 32 touchdowns while rushing for 715 yards and six more touchdowns.

Tre’von JacksonSanger, RB

5-10, 200, Sr.Jackson was on pace for a historic rushing season before it ended in his sixth game with an ankle injury. Even still, the speedy back rushed for 1,399 yards and 22 touchdowns and earned second-team Class 4A all-state honors.

Xavier ScottDenton, RB

5-11, 205, Jr.Scott rushed for 1,931 yards and scored 28 touchdowns on 285 carries, which helped reinvent Denton’s pass-heavy offense from a season ago. Scott showed plenty of power and speed while posting two 300-yard rushing games.

Anthony TaylorGuyer, RB

5-10, 190, Sr.Taylor enjoyed his first season as the go-to back in Guyer’s offense, and the Texas State pledge made the most of it with 1,133 yards on just 139 carries to go with his 20 rushing touchdowns. He also added four receiving scores.

DaCoven BaileyPilot Point, WR

5-10, 185, Jr.Voted the District 5-3A (I) offensive player of the year, he was the Bearcats’ most versa-tile player. He had 120 carries for 1,164 yards and 21 touch-downs on the ground to go with 68 receptions for 1,046 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Drew EstradaArgyle, WR 6-0, 185, Jr.

He added a big-play factor to the Eagles’ passing game while amassing 1,151 yards on 61 catches. He also scored 17 touchdowns (14 receiving, 3 rushing) while averaging 42 yards a punt and flipping field position for the Eagles.

Key’andre HearveyDenton, WR 6-2, 185, Sr.

Hearvey pulled down 86 catches for 1,265 yards to go with 17 touchdowns. He was a dependable deep threat but could also work the middle of the field effectively. He was voted first-team Class 5A all-state by the Associated Press.

Alex HoneyGuyer, WR

6-4, 190, Sr.Honey evolved from simply a deep threat in Guyer’s offense to an all-around receiving threat. The SMU pledge had 41 catches for 980 yards and 14 touchdowns with a great ability to go get balls at their highest point in the air.

Gunnar ChanceGuyer, OL

5-11, 245, Jr.Chance led a line with five new starters and paved the way for a prolific Guyer offense that averaged 50 points and 546 yards per game to lead the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The center had 21 pancakes and allowed no sacks.

Matt HiterArgyle, OL

6-4, 285, Sr.A first-team Class 4A all-state selection, he was a leader for the Argyle offensive line with 38 pancake blocks and one sack allowed. He graded out at 91 percent as the Eagles gutted out several tight wins en route to another title game.

Judd TerryDenton, OL

6-3, 290, Sr.Terry was a key cog of the Broncos’ offensive line, which helped get Denton back into the playoffs and led the way for Xavier Scott to put up monster numbers. Terry had 148 knockdowns and finished with an 88 percent grade.

Matt WaggonerArgyle, OL

6-0, 265, Sr.Waggoner tallied 40 pancake blocks and 28 cut blocks while allowing just two sacks for the 15-1 Eagles. He graded out at 91 percent and helped pave the way for the Eagles’ ground game, which amassed 3,808 yards.

Brance WattsSanger, OL

6-3, 250, Sr.The center was the anchor of a Sanger offensive line that led the way for star running back Tre’von Jackson. Once Jackson got hurt, the Indians’ rushing attack pushed on, as it still averaged 304 rushing yards over 12 games.

seCoND teaMPos. Player School Ht. Wt. Class NotableQB Cooper Rodgers Argyle 5-11 180 Sr. Completed 61 percent of passes for 2,560 yards, 34 TDs for state runner-up QB Christian Rodriguez Denton 5-9 195 Sr. Completed 61 percent of passes for 2,795 yards, 26 TDs and 7 interceptionsRB Trey Dunlap Ponder 6-2 170 Sr. Had 879 rushing yards, 8 TDs; 176 receiving yards with another scoreRB Maurice Gordon Ryan 5-10 190 Sr. Senior workhorse back had 1,233 yards on 201 carries and 6 touchdownsRB Courtenay Holder Lake Dallas 5-10 170 Jr. Two-way starter rushed for 723 yards and 14 TDs; 67 tackles at linebackerWR Justus Lee Liberty Chr. 5-9 170 Jr. Overcame broken back in 2013 to score 10 TDs on 894 receiving yardsWR Adam Scott Guyer 5-8 165 Sr. Harvard pledge had 41 grabs for 789 yards and 6 touchdownsTE J.C. Chalk Argyle 6-4 230 Jr. Clemson pledge was key blocker; also had 486 receiving yards with 7 TDsOL Carlos Ponce Krum 5-9 255 Sr. All-district lineman on both sides of the ball had 75 pancakes as guardOL Dakota Laws Ryan 6-3 300 Sr. Mammoth left tackle had 43 pancakes and 96 percent gradeOL Dalton Montgomery Lake Dallas 6-6 240 Sr. Towering tackle finished with 23 pancakes while grading out at 92 percentOL Bernie Santos Guyer 6-3 260 Sr. Raw talent had 27 pancake blocks and allowed just 2 sacks at tackleOL Alexis Ventura Denton 5-9 250 Jr. First-team all-district guard had 141 knockdowns for BroncosK Dakota Branch Sanger 5-11 150 Sr. Connected on 9-of-10 field goals and 52-of-54 extra points

offeNsive player of the year

Shawn RobinsonGuyer, QB

6-2, 195, So.Robinson entered the season under a microscope after winning the starting quarterback job at Guyer and replacing the large shoes of two-time state champion Jerrod Heard. It didn’t take long for Robinson to establish his own still-growing legacy at Guyer, as the sophomore completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,799 yards to go with 33 touchdown passes and just five inter-ceptions. He also rushed for 1,416 yards and 17 touchdowns.

NewCoMer of the year

Tyreke DavisRyan, LB/RB 5-9, 190, So.

Davis was all over the field and often played with the poise and skill of a four-year starter. It was a welcomed performance for the Raiders, who without Davis may have struggled more than they did while missing the playoffs for the first time in 14 seasons. As a starting linebacker, Davis racked up 111 tackles, with 16 behind the line. He slowly took on increased reps at running back and finished with 412 yards and six touchdowns on 46 carries.

DefeNsive player of the year

Taylor SweattArgyle, LB

5-10, 195, Jr.After moving from safety to linebacker early in the year, Sweatt became a tackling machine and solidified a defense that was able to churn out several tight wins en route to the Class 4A Division I title game. Sweatt led Argyle with 190 tackles — 16 for loss — and added 11 sacks to go with five fumble recoveries. He now holds the team record for most tackles in a game (26) and season. He also broke the school record for sacks in a game.

two-way player of the year

Keegan BrewerLake Dallas, WR/DB

5-11, 165, Jr.Brewer fit the bill of being a true two-way star, and did it at the Class 5A level, where it isn’t too common. Brewer’s athleticism made it hard for Falcons coaches to give him a breather. The junior receiver had 69 grabs for 1,053 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 275 yards and three more scores. But he didn’t do all of his damage on offense, as the dynamic Brewer also led the area with seven interceptions as a defensive back.

David BeardenArgyle, DL

6-1, 240, Jr.On a defense loaded with talent, Bearden stood out. He posted 93 tackles (25 for a loss), while adding in 13 sacks, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. He was also a first-team AP Class 4A all-state selection.

Ken McLaurinRyan, DL

6-2, 265, Jr.McLaurin rolled up 43 tackles and 9.5 sacks, and he was a consistent force on the Raiders’ defensive line. Ten of his tackles this season were behind the line of scrimmage, and the junior was a first-team pick on the District 5-6A team.

Hudson SpeedArgyle, DL 6-2, 195, Jr.

Speed’s athleticism up front gave opponents fits, as he compiled 97 tackles, nine sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He will be a key piece of a solid core returning for the Eagles’ defense in 2015.

Josiah TauaefaLake Dallas, DL

6-1, 235, Sr.The versatile Tauaefa led a Falcons defense that allowed just more than 26 points per game. He had 80 tackles, two sacks, 29 hurries, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and two interceptions. He had seven touchdowns on offense.

Carl ThompsonGuyer, DL

6-3, 260, Sr.The Kansas pledge played in just eight games this season, but made a tremendous impact. Constantly double-teamed, Thompson racked up 36 tackles with 16 behind the line to go with three sacks and 20 quarterback hurries.

Michael CarrilloGuyer, LB

5-9, 180, Jr.One of the emotional leaders of Guyer’s entire team, the physical outside linebacker never backed down from anyone. He finished with 110 tackles, with 20 of those com-ing behind the line of scrim-mage, and forced a fumble.

Jacob DavidPilot Point, LB 6-1, 200, Sr.

David was the defensive anchor for the Bearcats, lead-ing them in tackles with 122, including 6.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks to go with a forced fumble. David earned all-district honors both as a linebacker and as a tight end.

Jarrod HutherSanger, LB 6-0, 210, Jr.

Huther was named the District 6-4A defensive MVP, and was an anchor of an Indians defense that took on more pressure after an injury to star running back Tre’von Jackson. He finished with 138 tackles, with three behind the line.

Coleton SpradleyKrum, LB

5-10, 190, So.Spradley led his team in tackles with 124, with 26 of those coming behind the line of scrimmage. Spradley, who also caused a fumble and recovered two, was also voted the District 3-4A newcomer of the year.

Ian EdwardsGuyer, DB

6-2, 190, Sr.Edwards flourished after an early-season move from safety to cornerback. His length often gave him an advantage as he finished with 59 tackles and 14 pass breakups to go with two interceptions. He also had a pick returned for a score.

Dane LedfordArgyle, DB

6-0, 180, So.Ledford enjoyed a breakout season as he racked up 97 tackles, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and five interceptions. He was the District 6-4A (I) newcomer of the year and will play an even larger role in 2015.

Alan RojasRyan, DB

5-11, 170, Jr.Rojas won the starting free safety job and quickly became one of the Raiders’ more reliable players in the clutch. Rojas racked up seven pass breakups and six intercep-tions, including one returned for a touchdown.

Zach ZembraskiArgyle, DB

5-9, 170, Sr.He had two interceptions — in the closing seconds of playoff wins over Texarkana Liberty-Eylau and Graham. He also deflected a pass in the end zone to beat Kennedale in the playoffs. He tallied 62 tackles and 13 pass breakups.

seCoND teaMPos. Player School Ht. Wt. Class NotableDL Chris Aivaliotis Ponder 6-1 290 Sr. 28 tackles, 3 forced fumbles; first-team all-district on offense and defense DL Micah Fitzgerald Lake Dallas 6-1 210 Sr. Defensive end had 63 tackles, 12 behind the line and 2 fumble recoveriesDL Dailon Holmes Denton 6-3 235 Sr. Anchor of Broncos’ D-line had 62 tackles with 10 for-loss, 3 sacksDL Wilding Smith Sanger 6-3 250 Sr. Had 51 tackles with 7 behind the line and added 4 sacksDL Javaris Steward Ryan 6-2 215 So. Rangy pass-rusher led Ryan with 10.5 sacks and 37 tacklesDL Clay Worthey Sanger 6-4 240 Sr. Finished with 51 tackles with 3 behind the line and 3 sacksLB Hunter Griffith Liberty Chr. 6-2 225 Sr. Had 43 tackles, 10 for-loss with 3 defensive TDs; 520 receiving yardsLB Kyleb Howell Liberty Chr. 6-0 215 Jr. Had 57 tackles, 18 for-loss, 3 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveriesLB Tylor Morris Krum 5-10 160 Jr. Linebacker finished second on the team with 123 tackles, 6 for-lossLB Trey Woods Guyer 5-9 175 Sr. Converted cornerback was a playmaker with 82 tackles, 8 pass breakupsDB Gabe Aranda Denton 5-10 170 Sr. Safety had 92 tackles, forced 4 fumbles and had 3 fumble recoveriesDB Hunter Markwardt Argyle 6-0 170 Sr. Had 64 tackles with 5 pass breakups, fumble recovery and interceptionDB Riley Marshall Krum 5-11 175 Sr. Safety had 86 tackles with 3 interceptions, 6 pass breakupsDB Jordan Wallace Guyer 6-2 190 Sr. Iowa State pledge had 87 tackles with 8 behind the line, one interception

Feature shots by David Minton of the Denton Record-Chronicle, action shots are from DR-C files

Team selected by the Denton Record-Chronicle’s sports staff in consultation with area coaches