Now, the rest of the state knows as well.
Last Wednesday in Birmingham, Blanchard was presented with the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Mr. Football award. For those who don’t know what the award stands for, it’s the state of Alabama’s high school equivalent to college football’s Heisman trophy. It’s given annually by the ASWA as their pick for the top prep football player in the state.
And in this voter’s mind, the Mr. Football award couldn’t have gone to any better player than Blanchard. His numbers spoke for themselves.
Over 2,900 yards passing with 35 touchdowns, and just four interceptions.
Over 1,100 yards rushing with 20 scores.
A 15-0 season capped with a 31-27 victory over Jackson in the Class 4A state championship – a game in which Blanchard, the game’s MVP, scored the game-winning touchdown with just 26 seconds left.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
But this award means more than just statistics. A significant part of the award the ASWA panel considers is a player’s character, and Blanchard certainly has plenty of that. Just ask his coaches and teammates.
During his acceptance speech, Blanchard gave out many thanks to all those who helped him achieve the honor. He accepted the award not just for himself, but for Cherokee County as well, and he represented our county with class and dignity at that podium.
In my 12 years of covering high school sports, I’ve met some of the finest athletes in many different sports that Northeast Alabama – as well as the entire state – has to offer. I’m proud to include Blanchard in that group.
Congratulations, Coty. You’ve certainly earned what Mr. Football stands for.
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The Cedar Bluff Tiger track and field team finally got their reward for winning their third straight girls and boys state championship last May. The Lady Tigers claimed six gold medals while the boys earned two golds.
The Tigers were formally presented with their state championship rings when the girls and boys basketball teams hosted Gaylesville. Photos of the presentation can be found in this week's edition of The Herald.
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The honors keep coming for Piedmont wrestling coach Harley Lamey.
Lamey was recently selected as the National Federation of High School Coaches 2009 Coach of the Year. Lamey led Piedmont to its first ever state championship last season, when the Bulldogs captured the Class 1A-4A state title last February in Huntsville.
Lamey earned the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s Alabama Wrestling Coach of the Year last September. He currently has the Bulldogs in contention for another run at a state championship.
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Congratulations go out to the Cherokee County 7th, 8th and 9th grade boys and girls for claiming their respective county titles on Jan. 16 at Sand Rock High School.
The 9th grade Warrior boys defeated Cedar Bluff 49-41 to claim their county tournament title. Josh Hale led the way with 21 points. Alex Moon added 10 points and Josh Higgins finished with six points.
The 8th grade Warriors boys defeated Sand Rock 62-29 in the tournament title game. Darius Covington led the charge with 27 points. Kolby Brannon, Wade Griffith, Tyler Sterling and Diterrious Trimble all scored eight points in the victory.
The 8th grade Lady Warriors captured their county title with a 43-38 win over Spring Garden. Madison Millsaps topped all scorers with 12 points, followed by Jessen Burk’s 10 points. Autumn Aloi and Haley Welsh both finished with eight points.
The 7th grade Warrior boys squeaked by Sand Rock in their title game, 42-40. Javaun Wright led the way with 18 points. Preston Grimes added 12 points and Anthony Downey netted 10 points. Trenton Edwards finished with six points.
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