By Erik Harris, sports editor
Two Tribune-area seniors are among the finalists to be named Back or Lineman of the Year in their respective classifications.
The Alabama Sports Writers Association revealed the list of finalists Tuesday night. The winners will be announced in January followed by Mr. Football, which annually goes to the most outstanding player in the state, regardless of classification.
A pair of locals remain in the running.
In Class 7A, Hewitt-Trussville running back Armoni Goodwin is one of three finalist for Back of the Year, joining Thompson quarterback Conner Harrell and Central-Phenix City running back Joseph McKay. A recent LSU signee, Goodwin exits Trussville as the school’s all-time leading rusher with 3,367 yards and 43 touchdowns in 26 games played.
Goodwin recently landed second-team honors on the Sports Illustrated 2020 All-American Team after rushing for 1,424 yards and 18 scores for the Huskies this season.
In Class 6A, Pinson Valley senior Ga’Quincy McKinstry is up for Back of the Year accolades alongside Lee-Montgomery running back Reginald Davis and Oxford quarterback Trey Higgins. McKinstry stood out on both sides of the ball for the 6A state champions, returning two interceptions for touchdowns and adding 40 receptions for 616 yards and 10 scores on offense.
The Alabama signee was recently named a first-teamer on the Sports Illustrated All-American Team.
See each of this year’s finalists below.
Hewitt-Trussville running back Armoni Goodwin signed a scholarship to LSU on Dec. 16, 2020.
Photo by Erik Harris
7A BACKS
Armoni Goodwin, Hewitt-Trussville
Conner Harrell, Thompson
Joseph McKay, Central-Phenix City
7A LINEMEN
Jeremiah Alexander, Thompson
Terry Kirksey, Baker
Ian Jackson, Prattville
6A BACKS
Reginald Davis, Lee-Montgomery
Trey Higgins, Oxford
Ga’Quincy McKinstry, Pinson Valley
6A LINEMEN
Anquin Barnes, Lee-Montgomery
Lee Hunter, Blount
JonDarius Morgan, Huffman
5A BACKS
Javonte Graves-Billips, St. Paul’s
Chris Lewis, Pleasant Grove
Zyquez Perryman, Pleasant Grove
5A LINEMEN
Jay Ford, Central-Clay County
Lucas Taylor, St. Paul’s
Jeremiah Williams, Ramsay
4A BACKS
Trent Davis, Etowah
Kamari Lassiter, American Christian
Tae Meadows, Handley
4A LINEMEN
Dylan Brooks, Handley
Deontae Lawson, Mobile Christian
Robert Woodyard, Williamson
3A BACKS
Myles Butler, Catholic-Montgomery
Jackson Hayes, Piedmont
Ike Rowell, Fyffe
3A LINEMEN
Caleb Lyles, Fyffe
Jett Smith, Walter Wellborn
Sean Smith, Piedmont
2A BACKS
Kelston Fikes, Leroy
Martavious Glanton, Abbeville
Peyton Higgins, Mars Hill
2A LINEMEN
Rico Dozier, Abbeville
Caden Story, Lanett
Luke Welsh, Spring Garden
1A BACKS
Devontae Causey, Millry
Rashaad Coleman, Florala
Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage
1A LINEMEN
Carson Jones, Brantley
Zacchaeus Reese, Florala
Jamarcus Williams, Linden
AISA BACKS
Payton Allen, Chambers Academy
Landon Sims, Escambia Academy
Mayes White, Pike Liberal Arts
AISA LINEMEN
Reid Compton, Crenshaw Christian
Eli Richey, Southern Academy
BJ Snellgrove, Glenwood
