Seven of the nine area players named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s Class 3A and 4A all-state teams were selected on defense.
Earning spots on the 3A all-state team were Tyner defensive backs Sean Neal and Travis Jones as well as Polk County defensive back Jared Allen and Wildcats linebacker Michael Hargrove. Sequatchie County running back Hunter Lewis and Polk County lineman Caleb Norwood earned spots on the 3A offense.
Neal intercepted seven passes and returned two for touchdowns, while Jones had an interception and was a big hitter from his safety position. Allen was one of the area’s most versatile players, finishing with 88 tackles, two interceptions, a fumble caused and a fumble recovery, and teammate Hargrove had 26 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.
Lewis rushed for 1,471 yards and 14 TDs, and Norwood was Polk County’s best blocker.
Red Bank defensive lineman Izaiah Rutledge and Lions defensive back Kelvin Clay were joined on the 4A all-state team by Central defensive back DeHart Hubbard. Rutledge made 51 solo tackles and had 16 tackles for loss and five sacks, whle Clay had five interceptions, returning two for touchdowns.