Sports Editor

Two football players from Pike County were named All-State by the Alabama Sports Writer’s Association this week, with three others being named honorable mention.

Goshen wide receiver Jamar Tucker and Charles Henderson offensive lineman Von Ewing were both selected in Class 2A and Class 5A, respectively.

Tucker, (6-4, 205), hauled in 32 catches for 841 yards this season, helping the Eagles to a 10-2 record. The senior averaged 26.3 yards per catch and scored 13 touchdowns. He also returned a punt and a kickoff for two touchdowns and on defense, at safety, intercepted one pass and was third on the team in tackles, finishing the year with 66 total.

Ewing, (6-5, 300), who was named as the Class 5A Lineman of the Year earlier this month, helped lead the Trojans to an 8-3 finish. Ewing had 46 pancake blocks in his senior year and allowed just one quarterback sack. The Dothan Eagle honored Ewing as Class 4A-6A Player of the Year following the conclusion of the 2000 season.

CHHS senior quarterback Kevin Stephens was named honorable mention in Class 5A after passing for 1,508 yards and 16 touchdowns. Stephens broke the Charles Henderson record for career passing yardage this season, finishing with 2,381 passing yards as a Trojan.

Pike County’s Sam Diggs was named honorable mention in Class 3A. Diggs, a linebacker, finished the year as the the Bulldogs’ leader in tackles and helped lead Pike County to the quarterfinals of the Class 3A state playoffs.

Goshen’s Rhett Bean was honorable mention in Class 2A on defense. As a senior defensive lineman, Bean led the Eagles in tackles, finishing the year with 88 total, which included 70 solo.

The Messenger will release its All-County Football Team on Jan. 5.