Northeast Texas is once again well represented by the Texas Sports Writers Association’s All-State Football Teams. Seven of those selections are Pleasant Grove Hawks.

Pleasant Grove in Class 4A, and Daingerfield in 3A, led the way.

Cuero dominated the 4A superlatives with Travis Reeve named coach of the year. University of Texas recruit Jordan Whittington is the offensive player of the year.

Whittington rushed for 846 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2018. Nearly half of those yards came against Pleasant Grove in the Division II state championship game. Whittington also caught 49 passes for 948 yards and 13 TDs. He also played every down on defense.

Pleasant Grove had two players on the first-team, two on the second-team and three on the third-team.

The first-teamers were senior fullback James Wiggins and senior cornerback Kamren Woods. Wiggins not only rushed for more than 1,300 yards, he was an outstanding blocker for junior Bruce Garrett. Woods had 8 interceptions, always drawing the opposition’s top receiver.

Garrett and senior safety Tyler Kelley were the second-team selections. Garrett rushed for a school-record 2,004 yards, while Kelley recorded 100 tackles and 8 interceptions.

Harmon named third-team quarterback

Junior quarterback Ben Harmon was named third-team after setting several school records. He passed for more than 2,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. Amazing numbers considering the Hawks’ operate from the wing-t. Harmon also rushed for 400 yards and 10 TDs.

Place-kicker Dillon Williams was named third-team after converting 79 PATs, and 9 of 12 field goals. He booted a 47-yarder in 2018. Senior linebacker Bladen Reaves was the Hawks’ leading tackler with 147 stops. He also contributed on offense at fullback and receiver.

Certainly it was a bit surprising that only three Atlanta players earned honorable mention recognition in 3A.

That list included quarterback Andrew Samples, linebacker Caleb Coleman and linebacker Connor Samples.

Daingerfield had three second-team selections, and four players named honorable mention.

The second-teamers were guard Zach Gilmore, defensive lineman Tacodi Williams, and kick returner Trevante Royal. Royal was also honorable mention as a defensive back.

Quarterback Jakauri Woods, linebacker Sidney Royal, and defensive back Tyrese Grant were also honorable mention.

Paul Pewitt punter Cross Holder was a third-team pick.