Washington well represented on All-Conference team

Published 5:27 pm Thursday, December 9, 2021

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Six Washington High School football players were named to the Eastern Plains All-Conference first team and six more made Honorable Mention in a vote by the league’s coaches.

As previously announced, quarterback Hayes Pippin is the overall player of the year, while running back Terry Moore is the offensive player of the year.

Joining them on the first team are senior defensive back/receiver Ryan Spruill and linebacker Jonathan Richardson, center Myles Jackson and defensive back Chris Carter, all juniors. Moore, Pippin and Spruill are three-time All-Conference performers.

Moore ran for 2089 yards and 30 touchdowns, while Pippin passed for 2,172 yards and 21 touchdowns and ran for 1,279 and 12 scores as the Pam Pack finished second in the league at 5-1 and 10-3 overall with a trip to the third round of the 2A state playoffs.

Spruill caught 23 passes with five touchdowns, while tying Carter with a team-leading six interceptions.

Richardson was second on the team in tackles, while Jackson anchored the offensive line.

“All of them were a huge part of our success,” coach Perry Owens said. “Spruill is a very smart young man and learned to play corner, strong safety and free safety as well as receiver during his career. He’s an under the radar great player and was a lock down defender for us. Carter earned the reputation for picks and break-ups spread, so they didn’t throw his way very often. Myles made all the reads at center and was the leader of our offensive line. Jonathan was a tone-setter at middle linebacker and it really hurt us when he was injured early in the playoffs. As I’ve said often, Terry and Hayes were terrific players for us as well. I’m proud of all of them.”

Seniors William Reid (WR), Ridge Zerniak (K-P), Drake Melton (OL), Wheeler Johnson (OL-DL), Messiah Ebron (DE) and junior Austin Waters (DL) were the Honorable Mention selections.

“Ridge led the league in extra points, Drake was a three-year starter on the offensive line, Austin made the adjustment from offense to defense, William led us in receptions and Wheeler and Messiah had strong years for us also. It’s good for them to be recognized for their effort.”