Even the awards can’t elude the grasp of Jared Rogers.
Rogers, La Vega’s standout linebacker and tackle machine, was named as the Defensive Player of the Year on the Class 4A Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Football Team on Thursday. Rogers made 194 tackles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries for the Class 4A Division I state champion Pirates.
“It was electrifying,” Rogers told the Tribune-Herald last month. “Just looking up and seeing all the people who traveled there from where we’re from to AT&T, it made me want to play harder for them. They didn’t come for us to lose. We had to show out and make a statement.”
Rogers was joined on the all-state first team by teammates Jaelyn Maladdie and DeMarr Hayes at offensive tackle and defensive end, respectively. Other Central Texas performers who made the first team were Lorena linebacker Daylon Bartosh, Connally running back Jay’Veon Sunday and Hillsboro kicker Claudio DeLuna.
Maladdie graded out at 96 percent while paving the way for a powerful La Vega rushing game. Hayes was a beast as edge rusher for the Pirates, piling up 75 tackles and 10 sacks.
Sunday blew up as a junior, leading Central Texas in rushing with 2,329 yards and 36 touchdowns. Bartosh finished as the area’s top tackler with 215, and also had four sacks and 13 quarterback hurries.
Hillsboro’s DeLuna was 11-of-14 on field goals with a long of 43 yards.
Fairfield all-purpose back Kameron Ransom and Connally utility back Kavian Gaither both made second-team all-state. La Vega running back Jar’Quae Walton, Fairfield defensive lineman Jar-Mychael Hudson, Lorena safety Cade Michna and La Vega defensive back Donta Stuart tallied third-team honors.
— WACOTRIB