A total of 21 local players recently were selected to the Class 5A, All-Region 7 high school football team.
State semifinalist Southside had 13 players make the squad, while Etowah had eight players on the team.
Leading the way for the Panthers was senior running back Dantley Coker, who was named Region MVP after rushing for 2,541 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Also from Southside were senior wingback Blake Devine, freshman running back Aleric Williams, senior tight end Austin Abernathy, senior lineman Baylon Stokes, junior lineman Tyler Carr, sophomore kicker Carter West, senior defensive linemen Saige Dale and Hunter Sparks, sophomore linebacker Hunter Armstrong and senior linebacker Chance Usry.
Junior defensive back/running back Holt Keeling made the team on special teams, while senior linebacker Colton Clay was chosen as Defensive Head Hunter.
Southside’s Ron Daugherty was recognized as the region’s Coach of the Year after guiding the Panthers to an undefeated regular season and a school-record 13 wins.
Representing the Blue Devils were senior receiver Lamar Thomas, sophomore running backs Paul Ruiz and Stacy Williams, sophomore defensive lineman Coby Bryant, senior defensive lineman Zac Gamblin, junior linebacker G.Q. Hardwick and senior defensive back Tevin Peterson.
Senior defensive back Devin Horton made the team as defensive athlete.
The honorable mention team included Tristen Simpson, Greyson Daugherty, Cole Mayo, Madison Hayes, T.J. Timmons, Kyle Steward and Kevin Kinsella from Southside and Tanner Hammett, Austin Gibbs, Glen Williams, Marquavious Britton, Jordan Powell, Chrishun Young and Kenton Lacount from Etowah.
