PLAYER OF THE YEAR
JARED ALLEN
Polk County’s senior free safety was as sure a tackler as there was in the area and was the heart and soul of the team on both sides of the ball. He had 88 tackles including three for lost yardage, two interceptions, a fumble caused and one fumble recovery. Against eventual state champion South Pittsburg, he returned an interception for a touchdown and caused a fumble to set up another score. As the only four-year starter in Derrick Davis’ 11 years as head coach at Polk County, Allen was the winningest quarterback in program history and also helped Polk earn two straight District 5-AA championships. Coaches moved him to outside linebacker in the playoffs because of his versatility and ability to make big plays. “We were able to do some things on defense, scheme-wise, because ofJared’s athletic ability and intelligence,” Davis said. “He’s one of the best high school players I’ve ever seen in 16 years of coaching. The best thing about it is he’s also a great kid that I’ve enjoyed being around.” important the two-year starter would be in the playoffs. In limited defensive play, Hale also had six interceptions as a defensive back, including one in the title game.
COACH OF THE YEAR
VIC GRIDER