Cherokee County has three local gridders on the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s 2004 Player of the Year finalist sheet.

Cedar Bluff junior halfback Jeremy Bryant is one of three finalists for Class 1A back of the Year, while senior teammate Josh Hampton and Cherokee County senior Will Miller are finalists for Lineman of the Year in Class 1A and Class 3A, respectively.

Cherokee County senior halfback Jeffrey Wood received consideration for Class 3A Back of the Year but did not finish among the top three vote-getters.

Hampton and Bryant have helped the Tigers to a 11-1 record and two playoff wins, while Miller is an important factor in the Warriors’ (10-2) advancing to the postseason’s second round.

Both the Class 1A - 6A Back and Lineman of the Year winners and Mr. Football winner will be announced at the ASWA Mr. Football Banquet on Dec. 15 at Birmingham Southern College.

Valley Head junior Tyler Harrison and American Christian junior Chris Smelley join Bryant as 1A back finalists, while Parrish senior Will Gurganus and Coffeeville senior Anthony Dunning join Hampton as 1A

Lineman finalists.

Oneonta seniors Cameron LaRue and Adam Vinson join Miller in the competition for Class 3A Lineman.

Class 2A Back finalists are Leroy senior Darius Ervin, Washington Co. senior Timothy Hicks and Georgiana junior Zane McMeans.



Class 2A Lineman finalists are Gaston senior Matt Shaffer, Clay Co. senior Chris Burkhalter and Leroy senior Patrick McConico.

Class 3A Back finalists are Oneonta senior Miguel Hurtado, Winfield senior Drake Hall and Midfield senior Sylvester Mencer.

Class 4A back finalists are Alexandria junior Chris Evans, Demopolis senior Devin Goodwin and Trinity senior Tommy Trott.

Class 4A Lineman finalists are UMS-Wright senior Josh Barton, Trinity junior Bart Eddins and Deshler senior Brandon Moore.

Class 5A Back finalists are Scottsboro senior Blake Earl, Pinson Valley senior Desmond Jennings and Williamson junior Jared White.

Class 5A Lineman finalists are Etowah senior Brandon Booker, Citronelle senior Josh Carpenter and Williamson senior Antonio Coleman.

Class 6A Back finalists are Pelham senior Montez Billings, Hoover senior Jarod Bryant and Decatur senior Jerraud Powers.

Class 6A Lineman finalists are Prattville senior Bobby Greenwood, Fairhope senior Taylor Klarman and Davidson senior Gabe McKenzie