Total of 20 county players earn spot on 2014 all-ECC 3A-4A football team

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on January 15, 2015 1:48 PM

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Joining Pridgen on the first team were Malik Richard, who ranked among the top five receivers in the area; and defensive end Romello Hamilton.

Second-team selections were Deshawn Boudy (wide receiver), Shaquan Bell (guard), Chris Pridgen (tackle), Micah Smith (defensive end) and Cameron Dove (place-kicker). Teammates Larry Newsome (running back), KK Best (quarterback), Ricky Steiner (defensive back) and Dameko Artis (linebacker) received honorable-mention accolades.

The group helped lead Eastern Wayne to an unprecedented second straight 11-win campaign and second consecutive runner-up appearance in the eastern 3-A regional championship game. The Warriors finished tied for second place in ECC regular-season play -- their best effort since winning the ECC championship in 2010.

"I am real proud of these athletes for the work and commitment that they put into the season," EW head coach Bubba Williams said. "These are well-deserved awards for these young men. I feel as though they would be the first to tell you that these awards would not be possible without the play of their teammates."

Aycock had seven honorees.

College recruit TJ Morrow, the area's top passer this past fall, received first-team recognition as an athlete. Chandler Matthews (wide receiver), Tyree McNair (defensive line) and Damien Darden (tight end) also drew first-team attention.

R'Keesh Greene, Tyrique Ford and Josh Jones were honorable mention.

"I thought they were kids who played extremely hard for us, did a lot of things to help us win the ballgames we won," second-year CBA head coach Steve Brooks said. "They did a lot of things to keep leadership and morale high in our locker room. (They're) great kids, tremendous athletes.

"The guys we are losing are definitely going to be sorely missed. Some young guys are climbing the ranks. The sky is the limit and their future looks bright."

Utility player Tyaire Allen was an honorable mention pick for Southern Wayne.

"Tyaire was one of our best overall players and our team leader," SW head coach David Lee said. "He played multiple positions on offense and defense, and led the team in yards from scrimmage. I am really proud of Tyaire."