AREA OFFENSE
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
RAQUIS HALE
South Pittsburg’s senior running back nearly equaled his regular-season rushing totals in just four playoff games. Hale had 1,076 yards in the postseason to finish with a school-record 2,454 yards and 38 touchdowns. Included in that total were 228 yards and five TDs in the Pirates’ Class 1A state championship victory. “I don’t know that we’ve ever had a kid more willing to do whatever it takes to win or be successful,” Pirates coach Vic Grider said. “We’ve had guys with different styles, but when you look at how physical he is, plus his speed and ability to see the field and know where to make cuts, he’s about as complete a runner as we’ve had.” Grider admitted he curbed Hale’s carries during the regular season because he knew how 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