Another football season is in the books, and gyms are starting to get busy as basketball gets into full swing.

The Elizabethton Star, however, would like to take a moment to look back at this past season of football and recognize some of the top performers.

Co-Players of the Year—Carter Everett, Elizabethton, and Jordan Coffey, Cloudland.

Over his four years with the Cyclones, Elizabethon’s senior quarterback Carter Everett, with his size and on-target accuracy picked defensive backfields apart. In 2018, Carter threw for a passing percent that easily cleared 70 percent. He had over 2,300 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns as the Cyclones fought to a second-round playoff appearance.

Any team that faced the Cloudland Highlanders this season probably realized that senior tailback Jordan Coffey was a hard hitter. The running back carried the ball for over 1,500 yards while being a major points producer. Coffey’s performance on the field would earn him the Region 1-1A Player of the Year honor, his second straight. The Highlanders, like the Cyclones, made it to the second round of the TSSAA playoffs.

Best of the Gridiron

John Ramsey

Ramsey finished out his final season with the Unaka Rangers, and the senior did not disappoint. Ramsey will be leaving his mark on Stoney Creek as he now owns the Unaka High School record for most career passing yards at 5,182 yards with 57 total TDs. He also set the record for the most passing yards in a single season at 2,182 yards.

Dakota Cochran

It was a year of transition for Happy Valley’s Cochran, who moved from the running back position to the quarterback spot for the Warriors. Cochran was selected as the Region 1-2A Player of the Year as he collected 982 total yards (516 rushing, 365 passing, 101 receiving). Cochran would also account for 90 points. Defensively, Cochran also had 154 tackles.

Corey Russell

Since he first touched the field for the Elizabethton Cyclones, Russell has been a dynamic force for ‘Betsy. This past season, the senior had over 1,900 total offensive yards with more than 800 yards receiving, over 500 yards rushing, and over 500 yards passing.

Malachi Benfield

Either as a quarterback or a defensive back, Cloudland’s Benfield was a leader for the Highlanders. His effort on the gridiron this past year earned him a Region 1-1A Defensive Back of the Year award.

Lane Potter

Whether it was on defense or offense, Hampton’s Potter was a go-to guy for the Bulldogs. With elusiveness at the running back position, Potter was consistently an offensive producer for the Bulldogs.

Honorable Mentions

Elizabethton: Evan Perkins, Bryson Rollins, Austin Outland, and Jaxton Holly.

Cloudland: Triston Lacy, Josh Blair, Dillon Johnson, and Conner Birchfield.

Happy Valley: Michael Harrah, Will Tittle, Cameron Slone, and Matthew Lawson.

Unaka: Devon Jarrett, Devin Ramsey, Daniel Shearl, and Bryson Street.

Hampton: Manpreet Kholi, Macon Barden, Logan Spake, and Alex Hardin.