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By C.Y. Peters

The Region 1-1A football season showcased an incredible array of talent, grit, and determination from athletes across East Tennessee. The annual awards ceremony celebrated the outstanding performers who defined the 2024 season, from record-setting seniors to rising freshmen. Here’s a detailed look at the award winners and their remarkable accomplishments.

Region MVP: Devonte Wigfall – Cosby (Sr.)
Cosby senior standout Devonte Wigfall left an indelible mark on Region 1-1A football. Wigfall’s versatility was unmatched, recording 47 receptions for 921 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 85 rushing yards and one score. Defensively, he tallied 61 tackles and six interceptions, proving to be a game-changer on both sides of the ball.

Offensive Player of the Year: Matthew McMahan – Cosby (So.)
Sophomore quarterback Matthew McMahan led Cosby’s offense with poise beyond his years. McMahan threw for 1,908 yards and 25 touchdowns on 113 completions, adding 143 rushing yards and four scores.

Defensive Player of the Year: Yeshua Vaught – Hancock County (Sr.)
Hancock County senior linebacker Yeshua Vaught racked up 110 tackles, including five for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He also returned an interception for a touchdown.

Offensive Back of the Year: Thomas Darnell – North Greene (Jr.)
North Greene quarterback Thomas Darnell threw for 1,285 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for 541 yards and eight scores.

Running Back of the Year: Grayson Cole – Cloudland (So.)
Grayson Cole delivered a stellar sophomore campaign, carrying the ball 112 times for 883 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 7.8 yards per carry.

Offensive Lineman of the Year: Noah Young – Cloudland (Sr.)
Cloudland’s Noah Young anchored the offensive line, with 81% of rushing plays directed behind him. He recorded nine pancake blocks.

Receiver of the Year: Jake Duffy – North Greene (Sr.)
Jake Duffy caught 53 passes for 541 yards and six touchdowns, with an additional rushing score.

Defensive Back of the Year: Trevor Gilbert – Jellico (Jr.)
Trevor Gilbert amassed 68 tackles, five interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and one forced fumble.

Defensive Lineman of the Year: Bret Corn – Cosby (Sr.)
Bret Corn recorded 40 tackles, nine for loss, and four forced fumbles.

Linebacker of the Year: Oliver Zeunik – Cosby (Jr.)
Oliver Zeunik totaled 108 tackles, 12 for loss, and eight sacks.

Special Teams Player of the Year: Brandon Weems – North Greene (Jr.)
Brandon Weems electrified special teams with three kickoff return touchdowns and three blocked kicks.

Co-Specialists of the Year: Juan Soto – North Greene (Fr.) and Toxey Heck – Hancock County (Jr.)
Freshman Juan Soto went 20-for-20 on PATs and made his only field goal attempt. Toxey Heck recorded 549 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns.

Freshman of the Year: Ashton Fuller – Unaka (Fr.)
Ashton Fuller caught 30 passes for 525 yards and six touchdowns.

Co-Athletes of the Year: Connor McKinney – Unaka (Jr.) and David Baker – Cosby (So.)
Connor McKinney totaled 2,148 all-purpose yards and 22 touchdowns. David Baker rushed for 929 yards, scored 12 touchdowns, and recorded six sacks.

Coach of the Year: Levi Cooper – Cosby
Levi Cooper guided Cosby to a standout season, earning the region’s top coaching honor.

 

All-Region Team and Academic Scholars

Cloudland: Camden Peppers (Sr.), Landon Barnette (So.), Jacob Stinnett (Sr.), Larry Hernandez (Fr.), Bryce Birchfield (Jr.), Matthew Baker (Sr.)
Academic Scholar Athletes: Walker Gouge, Landon Barnette, Grayson Cole, Caleb Ledford

Cosby: Chase Joyce (Sr.), Noah Cabellero (Sr.), Mason Williams (Jr.), Trevor La Rue (Sr.), Colton Jenkins (So.), Haiden McMahan (So.), Aiden McGaha (So.), Eli Miller (Sr.)
Academic Scholar Athlete: Parker White

Hancock County: Elijah Ramos (Sr.), Gage McDaniel (Sr.), Quade Trent (Sr.), John Shuetz (So.), Derek Grimes (Sr.)
Academic Scholar Athletes: Devun Fancher, Rose Snyder, Kirby Moon, Elijah Ramos, Gage McDaniel

Jellico: Samuel Profitt (Sr.), Bryson Ballard (Jr.), Owen Morgan (So.), Mason Dople (Sr.), Tristian Long (Sr.), Ethan Sowder (Jr.), Ewan Deane (Sr.)
Academic Scholar Athlete: Mason Metcalf

North Greene: Owen Pierce (Jr.), Brayden Weems (Jr.), Leon Johnson (So.), Shawn Russell (So.), Dylan Gentry (So.), Kelson Eastep (So.), Dash Stigen (Sr.)
Academic Scholar Athletes: Thomas Darnell, Kelson Eastep, Owen Pierce, Brandon Weems

Unaka: Brynin Repass (Sr.), Micah Gray (Sr.), Jake Taylor (Sr.), Chris Good (Jr.)
Academic Scholar Athletes: Caleb Burdick, Dylan Davison, Nick Britt, Micah Gray, Ethan Henderson, Bradley Lash, Connor McKinney, T.J. Parenteau, Ben Shutko, Jake Taylor, Ayden Turner