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Player of the Year

Tarlandus Mitchell - Sr. QB/DB, Alto. This All-State at both quarterback and defensive back, and perhaps the best pure athlete in East Texas. Mitchell is also a major league baseball prospect with a fastball timed in the mid-90's.

Offensive Player of the Year

Justin Johnson - Sr. RB, Gilmer. Johnson, who rushed for 2,171-yards and 25-TD's, did most of his damage during the playoffs. There were many times during the regular season when he wouldn't play in the second half, much less the second-quarter.

Defensive Player of the Year

Ryan Epperson, - Sr. LB, Brownsboro. Epperson, a three-time all-state selection, finished his high school career with a staggering 523-tackles, including 168 his senior year.

Coach of the Year

Keith Gardner - Alto, led the Yellowjackets to back-to-back Class 1-A State Championships. This award could've gone to some of the coaches who turned their programs around in one season, but I also think we tend to overlook the coaches of programs who are expected to win. Sometimes that's a more difficult task, winning when everyone expects you to win.