By ROCKY STANLEY — The Independent
Olive Hill — Rowan County’s Darrell Cross found all kinds of ways to the end zone.
Cole Cooper of Lewis County shined at quarterback and intercepting passes.
On Wednesday, Cross and Cooper were named Co-Players of the Year during the Eastern Kentucky Conference’s annual football awards luncheon at Carter Caves State Park lodge.
“It means a lot,’’ said Cross, a junior tailback-cornerback who accounted for 32 touchdowns in leading Rowan County to a 7-4 record. “I have to thank my teammates. T.J. Chin is one of the best fullbacks in the state, and we have good linemen.’’
Cross, who rushed for almost 1,600 yards this season, caught a 55-yard scoring pass and threw for a 16-yard TD in the Vikings’ first-round playoff loss to Rockcastle County.
That’s the same kind of point-making versatility Cross demonstrated all season. He had several kickoff, punt and fumble returns for TDs to go with a slew of rushing scores.
“Darrell scored pretty much every way possible,’’ said Rowan County coach ShaDon Brown. “This is a great reward for him. He improved in a lot of areas this year, number one being his mental attitude.’’
Cross credited Brown’s influence for helping him to grow as a person and player.
“He’s been a huge help to me, like a second father figure,’’ Cross said. “Coach keeps me in line and helps me stay humble.’’
Conference commissioner Gary Kidwell said it’s possible Cooper may be the first Lewis County player to receive EKC Player of the Year honors, as voted by league coaches.
“I’m happy,’’ Cooper said. “It helps me out a little for college.’’
Lewis County coach Josh Hughes said the 6-foot, 175-pounder is drawing interest from a couple of small colleges.
“Cole is real dedicated,’’ Hughes said. “He had a great year.’’
Cooper generated more than 1,500 yards passing and running for Lewis County. Defensively, he picked off five passes during the regular season from his safety position.
Other top individual awards went to Fairview’s Zach Segina, Fleming County’s Josh Gray and Nicholas County’s Wes Hopkins.
Segina, enjoying a monster defensive season for the Eagles, was selected as the EKC Lineman of the Year.
Offensive Player of the Year honors went to Gray of league winner Fleming County (5-1). Hopkins received the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Fleming County’s Gene Peterson was named Coach of the Year. A new award, honoring the EKC’s Top Assistant Coach, went to Mike Flannery of West Carter.
ALL-EKC
First Team
Fleming County: Josh Gray, Steven Mitchell, Preston Dugan, Matt Sgantas, Devin Duncan, Justin Conley, Ryan Taylor.
Rowan County: Darrell Cross, Adam Wing, T.J. Chin, Phillip Hodge, Brandon Black, Cody Wallace.
West Carter: Josh Cundiff, Danny Cline, Harrison Bond, Corey Bradley, Justin Jarrell.
Raceland: Luke Bonzo, Rocky Jobe, Daniel Jones, Loren Huffman.
Fairview: Zach Segina, T.J. Shelton, Drew Boyd, Jared Hutchinson, Caleb Collins.
Bath County: Josh Terry, Bobby Becker, Michael Bowling.
Nicholas County: Wes Hopkins, Anthony Kiskaden, Cody Barnett, Ray Shrout.
Lewis County: Cole Cooper, Blake Kilgore, Caleb Enix, Codi Lewis.
Morgan County: Mitchell Harvey, Ryan Flannery.
East Carter: Darren Brammell, Brett Carra.
Second Team
Fleming County: Tyler Newsom, William Carroll, Andrew Earlywine, Carson Cannon, Allen Adams, Ryan Lamkin.
Rowan County: Dustin McClanahan, Ethan Cecil, Chris Adkins, Jeff Stamper, Daniel Prater.
West Carter: Timmy Bradley, Tyler Price, Caleb Whitt, Cody Stamper, Michael Jordan.
Raceland: Cody Grant, Tyler Farley, Eddie Compton, Michael Litteral.
Fairview: Chase Fannin, Matt Stephens, Chris Littlejohn, Ryan Webb.
Bath County: Thomas Woods, Caleb Kilburn, Dalton Armitage.
Nicholas County: Caleb Pope, Jessie Smith, Matthew Kelley.
Lewis County: Michael Mustard, Zach Mustard, Drew Truesdell.
Morgan County: Nate Cantrell, Dylan Moore.
East Carter: Matt Langstaff, Tanner Ashworth.
