The Tennessee Sports Writers Association has released its 2016 all-state football teams for Class 4A and Class 3A, and the lists include seven players from the Chattanooga area.
In Class 4A, Central offensive lineman McClendon Curtis, Hixson offensive lineman Brody Gregory and East Hamilton kicker Jake McClure were among the all-state players. The 3A list includes Sequatchie County linebacker Hunter Davenport and Indians offensive lineman John Higgins, along with Red Bank defensive lineman Jamel Davis and East Ridge running back Traneil Moore.
The 6-foot-7, 280-pound Curtis helped lead Central back to the playoffs this past season, while Gregory, a four-year starter, had 38 pancake blocks and graded out as an 85-percent blocker. McClure, a Mr. Football semifinalist for the state’s Mr. Football kicker of the year, made 11 of 12 field-goal attempts with a 56-yarder.
Davenport was a Mr. Football finalists who finished with 132 total tackles, 12 for lost yardage, three interceptions and 2.5 sacks, and Higgins helped pave the way for an offense that averaged nearly 300 rushing yards and reached the state semifinals.
Red Bank’s Davis, only a junior, had 51 tackles, 10 for loss and 8.5 sacks. He also blocked a field-goal try and caused two fumbles. After missing a couple of games to begin the season while recovering from a knee injury, Moore ran for 1,331 yards to help the Pioneers reach the quarterfinals.