Verdigris, Claremore players earn All-District honors
Dec. 2—After tying last season's school record 11 wins and claiming its second district title in four years, Verdigris was handsomely rewarded in the 3A-4 All-District awards.
The Cardinals landed six players on the first-team offense and another six on the first-team defense while Caden Parnell was named the league's Most Valuable Player following a senior season in which he accounted for 1,604 yards (604 passing, 813 rushing, 187 receiving) and 26 touchdowns.
Parnell also managed 64 tackles on defense — including 17 for loss — three interceptions and 11 pass deflections.
Mason Mittasch earned the Offensive Player of the Year honor, rushing for 1,234 yards and 10 touchdowns on 7.5 yards per carry and 94.9 yards per game in addition to catching 14 passes for 199 yards and a score.
Elsewhere on the offense, Yale Gray was recognized as the Offensive Lineman of the Year after helping Verdigris accumulate 5,305 yards of offense and 38.9 points per game.
Reese Roller took the Defensive Player of the Year, registering 85 tackles, 17 sacks, three quarterback hurries and four pass deflections. Defensive Skill Position of the Year went to Tripp Fuller, who tallied a team second-best 169 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, four pass deflections, one forced fumble and recovery and a blocked field goal.
Dylan White, who had shoulder surgery earlier this year, was donned as the Comeback Player of the Year. He threw for 1,270 yards and 13 touchdowns on 89-of-134 passing (66.4%) and rushed for 243 yards and two scores on 39 carries (6.2 ypc) despite missing two games.
Travis East capped the individual awards as the Coach of the Year, having improved his overall record to 53-28 after consecutive 11-2 seasons.
White (QB), Mittasch (RB), Gray (OL), Roller (DL), Fuller (LB) and Parnell (DB) were also named to the 3A-4 All-District First Team at their respective position while Dalton Person (WR), Louie Carlson (TE), Mason Young (OL), Hayden Henson (DL), Drache Marveggio (LB) and Tyler Mitchell (DB) also earned first-team honors.
Luke Zaferes, Jonah Teal, Ethan Perry and Caleb Davenport received second-team honors.
ZEBRAS EARN 5A-4 HONORS
Claremore, after finishing 5-6 overall and fourth in its district standings, earned 5A-4 All-District recognition.
Seth Bell was the only individual-award winner for the Zebras, for he was named a co-Defensive End of the Year alongside Pryor's EJ Grant.
Dawson Coppinger and Tate Helper made the All-District team, and Sam Cotner was listed in the Honorable Mention category.
