By Erik Harris
JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Alabama Sports Writers Association has released its All-State football team for 2014 and 14 area players made the cut.
After winning the Class 6A state championship with an undefeated record, the Cougars led all area teams with eight players selected to this year’s All-State team.
Clay-Chalkville junior quarterback Ty Pigrome rushes the ball against Saraland in the Class 6A state championship game.
file photo by Ron Burkett
Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd had four players selected in his first season on the job. All four of the Huskies representatives are set to return next year as seniors.
A pair of seniors made the Class 6A team for Pinson Valley, one on each side of the ball.
Pinson Valley senior running back Nick Gibson
file photo by Ron Burkett
Running back Nick Gibson ended up on the second team offense after rushing 1,358 yards on 224 carries and 20 touchdowns for the Indians. Pinson Valley cornerback Juray Smith made the cut as an honorable mention, despite missing games early due to a knee injury. He finished with 42 tackles, eight of them for loss and three interceptions.
Floyd’s offense might be even faster in Year 2 at Hewitt-Trussville with three All-State players returning on offense. Quarterback Zac Thomas made the Class 7A first team offense as an athlete, while running back Jarrion Street also fell under the athlete category on the second team. Kyle Miskelley was named to the second team as an offensive tackle. Linebacker Bailey McElwain came through as an honorable mention.
Hewitt-Trussville junior quarterback Zac Thomas
file photo by Ron Burkett
The Cougars were well represented with three first-team players: quarterback Ty Pigrome, wide receiver T.J. Simmons and defensive lineman Nick McDaniel. Pigrome and Simmons will return to the field next season.
Four Clay-Chalkville players landed on the second team: running back Terelle West, despite his season-ending knee injury, made the second team offense where he was joined by wide receiver Nico Collins and offensive lineman Justin Daniel. Defensive end Kendell Jones also landed on the second team defense.
Clay-Chalkville senior kicker Patrick Millican booted his way to an honorable mention selection.
