Several Area Athletes Selected to TAPSE All-State Team

By Will Johnson

Messenger Reporter

GRAPELAND – Over the weekend, the Texas Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) released its Class 2A All State High School football selections and followed up on Monday, Dec. 12 with the Class 3A list.

Both lists had a distinct East Texas flavor and several area schools – Cayuga, Crockett, Elkhart and Grapeland – added their own dash of seasoning to the mix

At the Class 3A level, the Crockett Bulldogs had three honorees while the Elkhart Elks had two.

First Team All-State Honors were bestowed upon Crockett Bulldog Tim Riley for his play on the offensive line. Riley graded out at 98 percent with 51 pancakes, 63 knockdowns and only gave up one sack.

The Bulldogs also had two players selected for Honorable Mention All-State honors.  Ahmad Brown wa

s chosen for his play
at linebacker while Lucky Daniels was chosen as a defensive back.

The Elkhart Elks were also represented by two players in the Honorable Mention All-State

line-up. Running back DJ Williams and kicker Jacob Walters were chosen for their prowess on the gridiron during the 2016 football season.

At the Class 2A level, Grapeland Sandie Riley Chipman was selected to the All-State Second Team at the receivers/ends position.

He was joined on the All-State list by Cayuga Wildcat Gevon Williams. Williams was selected First Team All-State for his work in the defensive secondary where he recorded 40 tackles and picked off nine passes for interceptions.

The voting was based on regular season performance.

The Messenger Sports would like to extend its congratulations to all the area athletes who were selected for this prestigious list

Will Johnson may be reached via e-mail at [email protected].