HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
the american-Statesman’s 2012 all-Central texas football team will be published Friday. Until then, we will take a daily look at the leading candidates for the player, newcomer and coach of the year awards. Candidates are being presented in alphabetical order:
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR BILLY RAY MCCRARY ROUSE SOPHOMORE, RUNNING BACK Go figure: 276 rushes for 1,708 yards, 16 tDs; 20 receptions for 231 yards, 3 tDs
The case for McCrary: in his first varsity season, McCrary became Rouse’s all-time leading rusher, and he helped the Raiders advance to the Class 4a, Division i state semifinals. as Rouse’s backup quarterback, McCrary also completed 12 passes, and in an october game against Leander, he threw a 45yard touchdown pass.
Also in the mix: St. Michael’s RB Scotland Butler, Lake travis DL Zach Davies, Marble Falls WR Garrett Gray, Cedar Park QB nate Grimm
COACH OF THE YEAR JOE WILLIS CEDAR PARK Go figure: Cedar Park finished 142 and won the Class 4a, Division ii championship. The case
for Willis: as Cedar Park’s defensive coordinator from 2008-11, Willis helped establish the team’s much-heralded “Black Rain”defense. after becoming the timberwolves’ head coach before this season, he won a school-record 14 games as Cedar Park won its first state title in football, defeating Lancaster 17-7 in the 4a, Division ii final.
Also in the mix: Westlake’s Darren allman, Georgetown’s Jason Dean, Manor’s Sadd Jackson, Rouse’s Joshua Mann
PLAYER OF THE YEAR CALEB WOODWARD LEANDER, SENIOR QUARTERBACK Go figure: 40of-68 passing for 607 yards, 5 tDs; 272 rushes for 1,654 yards, 24 tDs The case for
Woodward: a versatile texas tech-bound athlete, Woodward averaged 6.1 yards per rushing attempt this fall, and in addition to throwing five touchdown passes, he also caught two. Woodward led Leander to the third round of the Class 4a, Division i playoffs, and despite missing a game with an ankle injury, he had a hand in 31 of the Lions’57 offensive touchdowns.
Also in the mix: Georgetown QB Jake Hubenak, Rouse LB tim Lapaglia, Westwood WR ty Marshall, Hendrickson RB Samaje Perine