Choctaw County junior linebacker Israel Whitmore has been named Region 4-3A Defensive Player of the Year by region coaches. He is among 17 Chargers honored.
Whitmore led Choctaw County in tackles with 93, including 10 for losses.
Offensive linemen Julius Buggs and Brady Brooks and running back/wide receiver Rakeim Ashford were named to the Super 26 offense. Ashford, a senior, carried 64 times for 579 yards six touchdowns and caught 18 passes for 234 yards and four TDs.
Buggs is a senior and Brooks a junior.
Senior defensive back Andrew Johnson and junior defensive lineman Calvin Talley were chosen for the Super 26 Defense. Johnson had 36 tackles, with five for losses, five interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Talley had 35 tackles, with a team-high 12 for losses.
Offensive linemen Chris Anderson and Josh Hall were named to the First Team Offense. Defensive backs Ques McNeal and Chris White and defensive lineman Dre Meaders were chosen for the first time defense.
McNeal, a sophomore, had 32 tackles and five interceptions on defense while catching 15 passes for 346 yards and returning 11 kickoffs for 299 yards.
Meaders, a senior, had 47 tackles, with four for losses, three sacks and two fumble recoveries. White, a junior, had 33 tackles and five interceptions.
Sophomore quarterback Tylan Carter, junior running back Tyler Holman, sophomore linebacker Brian Threadgill, senior defensive end Kaleb Nichols, senior offensive lineman Teliak Davis and sophomore tight end Justin Jenkins are honorable mention.
Carter totaled 1,324 yards and 24 touchdowns running and passing. Holman had 52 carries for 390 yards and three TDs. Threadgill had 71 tackles, three for losses. Nichols made 72 tackles, seven for losses and recorded two sacks. Jenkins had nine receptions for 198 yards and one touchdown
Choctaw County finished 8-4 and second in 4-3A with a 4-1 record. The Chargers lost to Belmont in the opening round of the playoffs.
Other honorees include Jayon May of Houston, Region MVP, and Eddie Ivy of South Pontotoc, Offensive Player of the Year. The staff for region champion Houston was named Coaching Staff of the Year.
