Winona’s domination of Region 5-3A was reflected in awards chosen by region coaches. Seventeen Tigers were honored, including Overall MVP Jalen Campbell.
Campbell, a senior linebacker and running back, led Winona in tackles with 114, including 24 for losses. He also carried 30 times for 256 yards and eight touchdowns.
Other Tigers receiving individual honors are senior Jay Lofton, Offensive MVP; senior Jakob Welch, Best Offensive Lineman; junior Saveon Gross, Best Defensive Lineman; senior Davandre Bays, Best Defensive Back; and junior An’darious Coffey, who shared Best All Purpose with Jacob Brooks of Forest.
Lofton carried 111 times for 978 yards and 16 touchdowns, caught 36 passes for 597 yards and eight TDs, returned five kickoffs for 162 yards and 13 punts for 109 yards.
Gross had 15 tackles, two for losses. Bays had 34 tackles, eight interceptions and a fumble recovery. He has been chosen for the North/South All Star Game. Coffey, the Tigers’ quarterback, passed for 1,401 yards and 16 touchdowns and ran for 1,445 yards and 19 TDs.
Seven Tigers were named first team All Region – senior Garrett Ables at safety, sophomore Blake Cooper at running back, junior Dorian Curry at linebacker, senior Laderrious Davis on the offensive line, junior Tay’shaun Pointer at linebacker, senior Jarius Weeks on the offensive line and senior Deterrious Williams on the defensive line.
Second team honorees were senior wide receiver Ahmad Robinson, junior offensive lineman Anthony Richardson, senior offensive lineman Jalyn Phillips and senior linebacker Jadarius Thomas.
Other individual award winners included Devonyal Lofton of Forest, Defensive MVP; Gerald Isom of Choctaw Central, Best Offensive Back and Best Punter; and Ricardo Windham of Kemper County, Best Linebacker Winona was 5-0 in region play, outscoring opponents 202-55. The Tigers finished 13-1, including two playoff wins prior to a 46-41 loss to Seminary in the 3A quarterfinals.
