It was a great 2016 season for the county. It is time to honor the best of the county for their performances with the All-Carter County team.
Player of the Year – Corey Russell, Elizabethton
The sophomore proved to be a huge part of the Cyclone’s success this season. Russell accounted for 29 touchdowns this season for Elizabethton, and amassed over 2,100 yards rushing, receiving and passing – a number that does not reflect his special teams numbers.
Defensively, he recorded 27 tackles and three interceptions.
Co-Offensive Player of the Year – Adam McClain, Hampton and Noah Arnett, Cloudland
McClain and Arnett were impressive on the ground for their respective squads this season.
McClain ran for over 2,100 yards – averaging 10.4 yards a carry – and recorded 29 touchdowns. The senior closed out his storied high school career this season.
Arnett tallied 2,313 yards for Cloudland on the ground. The senior had 31 touchdowns on the season.
Co-Defensive Player of the Year – Austin Hicks, Happy Valley and Dakota Sanchez, Hampton
These two were forces to be reckoned with.
Hicks had 128 tackles and four recoveries to power a stingy Warrior defense, while Sanchez accounted for 80 tackles and recorded 3.5 sacks on the season. Perhaps the biggest impact for both young men, however, was the leadership they provided to their respective teams.
Lineman of the Year – Johnny Ray Woodby, Elizabethton
Woodby proved to be a driving force on the Cyclone line.
The senior accounted 61 tackles and four sacks. However, his biggest contribution might have been clogging up the middle and making teams take account of his presence.
Coach of the Year – Jason Jarrett, Happy Valley
In his second year, Jarrett led the Warriors to a special season.
Happy Valley picked up a share of the region title and made a third-round playoff appearance – a heartbreaking loss to Austin-East. Overall, Happy Valley finished with an 11-2 record.
Special Teams Player of the Year – Dylan Street, Happy Valley
The speedy Street proved to be a threat anytime he carried the ball. The senior had six returns for a touchdown. On the season, he had 23 total touchdowns.
2016 All-Carter County Team
Player of the Year – Corey Russell, Elizabethton
Co-Offensive Players of the Year – Adam McClain, Hampton and Noah Arnett, Cloudland
Co-Defensive Players of the Year – Austin Hicks, Happy Valley and Dakota Sanchez, Hampton.
Coach of the Year – Jason Jarrett, Happy Valley
Special Teams Player of the Year – Dylan Street, Happy Valley
Additional Selections
Elizabethton – Carter Everett, Conner Johnson, Alex Norwood, Cameron Coleman
Happy Valley – Sage Haun, Dustun Sams, Seth Chesser, Dylan Townsend
Hampton – Hunter Davenport, Danny Winters, Clay Fletcher
Cloudland – Preston Benfield, James Arwood
Unaka – Austin Taylor, Bryson Street
