By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Two Escambia County High School football players were included on the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s AHSAA Class 4A All-State team; one Escambia Academy player was similarly honored on the AISA All-State squad, and several other area players were among those selected for the AHSAA Class 3A and Class 2A teams.
ECHS defensive back LeBron Hooks, who picked off 9 passes during the season recently completed, earned second-team status on the Class 4A defensive team, while 6-7, 345-pound teammate Kaiden Arnold was given honorable mention as an offensive lineman.
EA’s Nick Cain, a defensive lineman, was named to the AISA’s second-team defensive unit. Cain recorded 23 solo tackles, helped out on 15 others and recovered two fumbles for the Cougars.
Three members of T.R. Miller’s Tigers also earned spots on the Class 4A team, including first-team selection Markel Nicholson (6-4, 260), an offensive lineman. Linebacker Sam Kelley was a second-team selection, and defensive back Brother Peace earned an honorable mention.
Two Flomaton High players — defensive lineman Miles Adams and offensive lineman Mason Dullard — were named to the Class 3A second team, as was W.S. Neal linebacker Kevin Farrish.
J.U. Blacksher punter Daniel Kirchharr was named to the Class 2A second team, while JUB’s Nathan Cole was named the second-team’s overall athlete.
Early signing, offers
Northview’s John Michael Ward, who has received 15 offers from Division I schools, committed to University of South Alabama during last week’s early signing period.
Ward played on both sides of the line for the Chiefs, state runners-up in Florida Class 1R. Credited with 126 tackles, including 30 for losses, on defense, Ward was also given credit for 70 offensive “pancake blocks.”
In Atmore, six ECHS players received at least one college or similar football scholarship offer, according to the team’s Facebook page.
LeBron Hooks has made no commitment yet but has received several offers, including from University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Grambling University, University of Chattanooga and Miles College.
Kaiden Arnold had at last report received two offers, from Coastal Carolina and Jacksonville State, while center Carmelo Turner committed to play for Miles College.
Three other Blue Devils — Ju’Marcus Lee, LaCarlos Thomas and Lajavius Johnson each received an offer from Goode Elite Prep School in Foley.