10 local athletes recognized on All-State 8-player football teams
Carter Rogers
Monticello High | 1A 8-man football first team
senior-wide receiver\defensive back
1,275 Yards Receiving, 22 Touchdowns, 201 Yards Rushing, 1 Touchdown, 2 Kick Return Touchdowns, 80 Tackles, 1 Sack, 6 Interceptions
Head Coach Reed Anderson: “Carter – aka Captain Rogers – was a key player for us, leading the charge on both offense and defense with 66 receptions for 1,275 yards and 22 TDs, 201 rushing yards one rushing TD, two kick returns for touchdowns, 157 points scored, 80 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, and six interceptions. His 1,275 receiving yards ranked 14th in the nation for eight-player football.
Carter proved to be a consistent game changer, whether it was his remarkable speed, or clutch performances in high-pressure moments, he left an indelible mark on every game. One of the most iconic moments of the season came during the semifinal matchup where Carter sparked the team for four receiving touchdowns and a kick return for a touchdown. This moment was just one example of his ability to perform under pressure and make game-deciding plays when it mattered most. Despite being hurt, he pushed through the physical pain to give everything for the team. His ability to rise above personal discomfort and maintain an exceptional level of performance is a testament to his mental toughness and commitment to the team’s success.
Carter and Tavon Black played a deadly one-two punch on offense. As Carter would push the defense deeper, Tavon would torch the opponents on the run, as the opposing defense collapsed, Carter would be able to take the top off the defense. Carter was a great utility player on defense. Given the weekly injury report, Carter stepped in at linebacker or defensive back, wherever he was needed. Carter will be missed and has left his mark on Monticello Footbal
Tavon Black
Monticello High | 1A 8-man football first team
senior-running back/defensive lineman
1,093 Yards Rushing, 12 Touchdowns, 396 Yards Receiving, 4 Touchdowns, 32 Tackles, 9 Tackles for Loss, 4 Sacks
Head Coach Reed Anderson: “Tavon experienced some tough injuries this year and missed a few games but even with missed time he truly emerged as one of the most dynamic and versatile players in the league. At running back his incredible strength, vision, and speed helped him finish with an impressive 1,093 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. With 396 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns, he proved to be a dangerous weapon both on the ground and through the air, keeping defenses on their toes every time he touched the ball.
Tavon and Carter’s ability to complement each other’s skill sets made it very tough on opposing defenses and many had to choose which one they were going to stop. What sets Tavon apart is not just his offensive prowess, but also his contributions on the defensive side of the ball. He made a significant impact defensively, recording 32 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and four sacks. His speed and power were a deadly combo for opposing offensive linemen.
Tavon’s growth as a leader on our team was key to the success we experienced. His commitment to growth was remarkable to fill the role of our vocal leader and our team responded with him on the field. He is a shining example to our program of the benefits of putting in work in the weight room over the last four years. His development of his great strength and speed was proven through his commitment in the weight room and you will certainly be seeing more of it in wrestling and track.”
Jackson Keyes
Monticello High | 1A 8-man football first team
junior-quaterback
2,297 Yards Passing, 33 Touchdowns
Head Coach Reed Anderson: “In the world of football, transitions are never easy. When Jackson earned the reins of the offense, stepping in as the starting quarterback after a three-year starter, he embraced the challenge with confidence, maturity, and a relentless work ethic. Jackson has spent the last four years in the weight room and it has been the foundation of growth, strength, and determination. Through a combination of strength training, conditioning, and explosive movement drills, he has developed not only physical strength but also mental resilience.
From the very first game, Jackson showed why he was the right choice to lead the offense. His 2,297 pass yards ranks 26th in the nation and also passed for 33 touchdowns. Whether it was executing plays with precision, making crucial throws under pressure, or inspiring confidence in the huddle, Jackson demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion, take command, and make plays when it mattered most.
The demands on the quarterback are extremely intense, not only physically but mentally as well. There are usually growing pains with a young new quarterback when it comes to knowing the right reads, making the right protection calls, and understanding how each route combination will work with each given defensive coverage. Jackson’s growing pains were minimal compared to what was expected and it contributed to our team’s success. One of his greatest attributes is adapting quickly to mistakes and moving forward. He learns from mistakes and makes the next play, not dwelling on the past. It has to be that hitter’s mentality he has developed on the baseball diamond over the years. This is a well-deserved honor.”
Peyton Hatathley
Monticello High | 1A 8-man football first team
junior-offensive & defensive lineman
35 Tackles, 21 Tackles for Loss, 8 Sacks, 4 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Blocked Punt Touchdown
Head Coach Reed Anderson: “We graduated our entire offensive line from 2023 and that was the biggest issue we needed to address this season.
“We had three kids show drive and determination to be the players we needed and Peyton led that charge.
“Peyton only had one season under his belt when we slid him to guard and defensive end to replace a two-year starter.
“Size is often seen as a key asset for linemen, but Peyton has proven that heart, determination, and skill can outshine physical stature.
“Standing as one of the most relentless players on the field, he may be considered “undersized” compared to most linemen, but what he lacks in height and weight, he more than makes up for in toughness and sheer willpower.
“Defensively, Peyton has been a disruptive force, using speed and agility to get around bigger, stronger linemen and apply pressure to the quarterback or disrupt running plays.
“With a relentless motor, he finds ways to penetrate offensive lines, consistently making tackles for loss and forcing critical turnovers.
“His stats speak for themselves as he had 35 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, eight sacks, four fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one blocked punt for a touchdown.
“His ability to outsmart and outwork opponents despite being ‘undersized’ speaks to his dedication to mastering the fundamentals and never backing down from a challenge.
“Peyton proved time and time again he was an integral part of our team’s success and we look forward to another great year with him.
Tommy Morrison
Monticello High | 1A 8-man football first team
junior-wide receiver/linebacker
470 Yards Receiving / 7 Touchdowns / 66 Tackles / 1 Sack / 1 Interception / 2 Fumble Recoveries
Head Coach Reed Anderson: “Every position on the football field requires a unique attitude and personality.
“Tight end is probably one of the most unique.
“You need to have the confidence of a receiver but the tenacity and pride of an offensive lineman.
“This combination of traits is what makes a tight end great and Tommy fit the bill perfectly.
“His size and ability to go get the football coupled with his versatility in being able to bounce in and out from tight end to wide receiver made him a dangerous weapon.
“Tommy’s offensive stats speak for themselves as he ended the year with 28 receptions for 470 yards and seven touchdowns offensively.
“Not only was he dangerous as a pass catcher but as a blocker as well.
“His size allowed him to take on defensive linemen and linebackers while his speed allowed him to keep up and stay in front of defensive backs.
“The confidence in his abilities is why we left him with the difficult tasks of sealing edges on sweeps and tosses.
“We even had a few packages we used heavily this year where we used Tommy as an offensive lineman rather than subbing him out.
“As is true in eight-player football for almost all players, Tommy was also a stalwart on defense as well.
“He racked up 66 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, and two fumble recoveries throughout the year.
“He never gives up on a play and consistently made tackles on the other side of the field. He was a young player to start the year and showed tremendous growth.
“We are excited to have him for another year.”
Dominic Dance
Whitehorse High | 1A 8-man football second team
senior-wide receiver/defensive back
Head Coach Andrae Beard: “Dominic was a four-year football player for Whitehorse High School with exceptional athleticism and leadership skills. He really stepped up in his junior year and then, even further within this senior year, especially with taking the initiative to be a leader. He did just that. He never complained, he has good leadership, and he was a team captain.
Dominic is the type of athlete you can put at any position besides a wide receiver, such as running back, quarterback, or even kicker. He did an awesome job. He was our starting offensive and defensive player. He is a quiet kid, but once he gets to know you he is outgoing.
“Dominic practiced and pushed himself every single day. He never slacked off. Near the end of the season he started motivating the underclassmen to improve their skills and techniques. In his offensive position as a wide receiver, Dominic was averaging 300 yards a game and averaged 4-5 touchdowns a game.
“He also played defensive back and he was very good. He possessed awesome tackling abilities and the ability to read the play. He made sure nothing could get by him. Dominic is an overall great kid, super athlete, and it was our pleasure to have him play for Whitehorse the past four years. We are going to miss him and wish him the very best.”
Tristan Black
Whitehorse High | 1A 8-man football second team
junior-quarterback/defensice back
Head Coach Andrae Beard: “Tristan is a young gentleman who is always willing to go the extra mile in his athletics. He is also working to be a star in the academic classroom.
“Starting from his freshman year, he was able to make the big plays when we needed them. He was never deterred by the pressure of the intense moments of the game. He has been our starting quarterback for the past two years. Every year since joining, he has improved. He has the mentality that there is always room for improvement.
“Even with him only being a sophomore last year and a junior this season, the upper classmen would still look up to him for leadership.
“Tristan has a quality and drive that cannot be taught. He also has an incredible field sense. He is able to sense pressure and call audibles when the time is right. He is also unselfish and loves to get his players involved in the game.
“His biggest highlight of the season was recording five touchdown passes and rushing for three of his own with over 700 yards in a win against Altamont. It was Whitehorse’s first win over the Longhorns since 1986!
“There’s just something about Tristan that makes him an outstanding player. We can’t wait to see what he brings to team in 2025!”
Tobias Grey
Monument Valley High | 1A 8-man football second team
senior-offensive & defensive lineman
Head Coach Brad Upshaw: “Tobias is a very determined person. Although we did not have the kind of season we would have liked he played hard every play.
“He gained the respect of teammates, coaches, and opponents for his approach to each game. He loves competing and it is good to see him get recognition for his efforts.”
Seth Taylor
Monticello High | 1A 8-man football second team
junior-offensive & defensive lineman
Head Coach Reed Anderson: “Seth was another one of our standout linemen who stepped up to fill the team’s need. We converted Seth from a wide receiver to a center late in the 2023 season. With very little experience he became a stud for us.
“On the offensive side he led by example, setting the tone for the entire unit with every block and every play. Seth understands the importance of communication, constantly directing the line, adjusting protections, and ensuring that the entire group works as one cohesive unit.
“Whether it was protecting Jackson or creating lanes for Tavon, his leadership in the trenches was key to the success of the offense.
“Despite the physical demands of the position, he showed a level of care for every teammate, ensuring no one was left behind and the line was always in sync.
“Defensively he was all about creating chaos in the backfield. His long arms and motor allowed him to keep the offensive line off of him and allow him to pursue the quarterback or ball carrier with unwavering determination.
“In a world where great players are often measured by their statistics, Seth stands out for being the heart and soul of the line. He is a player who leads with both strength and compassion. He shows that leadership is about more than just performance. It’s also about making those around you better, caring for your teammates, and bringing out the best in everyone.”
John Leber
Monticello High | 1A 8-man football second team
sophmore-linebacker/running back
101 Tackles, 20 Tackles for Loss, 8 Sacks, 2 Caused Fumbles, 3 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Defensive Touchdown
Head Coach Reed Anderson: “Much like the offensive line, we graduated all three of our 2023 linebackers who were all two-year starters and we needed young and unproven players to step up.
“Even though John (aka John Dot) was a young sophomore we knew coming into the year he would be the center of the defense.
“As one of the youngest and ‘undersized’ – especially for a middle linebacker – players on the field, he defied the critics and the odds, delivering one of the most impressive seasons a linebacker could have.
“With 101 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown, John Dot has shown that you don’t need to be the biggest player to make the biggest impact.
“Every game he brought relentless energy and a nose for the ball, often showing up in key moments to make critical plays.
“Whether it was breaking through the offensive line to sack the quarterback, tracking down ball carriers for massive losses, or scooping up fumbles to turn the tide of the game, John made plays all over the field.
“John’s wrestling instincts served him well all year which manifested in a remarkable ability to read offenses and make split-second decisions, often putting him in the right place at the right time.
“This combination of quick thinking and athleticism has been key to his ability to make game-changing plays.
“As coaches we often forget John’s age as he never used it as an excuse and handled the load of being the center of the defense with great pride and tenacity.
“We are excited to continue to see the fruits of John’s hard work in both wrestling and football.”