Redskins headline All-District selections

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Multiple Kingston Redskins were honored as part of the District 2A-8 All-District selections announced last week. Voted on by the eight coaches of the district, the Redskins, undefeated in district play this year, also led this year’s awards with eight players named to first-team offense and defense.

First Team Offense selections included junior running back A.J. McKinney, who in his first year as a starter racked up 964 yards on 179 carries for 12 touchdowns. Also honored were senior receiver Tyler Blanchard, as well as junior offensive linemen Jakey Williams and Jesse Rose. Williams is a two-time honoree, having been recognized in 2018.

First Team Defense selections included junior linebacker Bryant Watts, who led the Redskins with 130 tackles, 18 for loss. Joining him were senior defensive lineman Caleb Yeager, junior linebacker Matthew Hawkins, and junior defensive back Colton Robinson. Watts and Yeager were also All-District in 2018.

Honorable mentions included freshman Kolton Daniel, sophomore Brandon Watson, and juniors Jase Hayes and Matthew Flesher, and senior Tanner Showalter.

Senior Koltin Knape, who started on Kingston’s offensive and defensive lines, as well as deep-snapping on special teams, was named a top Injured Athlete.

In his second season at Kingston, Redskins Head Coach Tommy Bare was recognized as District Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year.

The awards cap off an historic season for the 12-2 Redskins. Kingston went undefeated in district play, winning its second consecutive district title after a thirty-year-plus drought. The Redskins’ only losses were at Sperry, which they were able to avenge in the state quarterfinals, and to Vian in the state semifinals. Vian lost the 2A state title game this Saturday to Metro Christian 42-34, making this the second consecutive season Kingston has had its season ended by the eventual state runner-up.

Coach Bare heralded the honors, along with the team’s accomplishments this season, as great achievements for the team. He gave credit to his assistant coaches and all his players for their great job during the season.

The All-District Team individual honors are as follows:

2019 CLASS 2A-8 ALL DISTRICT FOOTBALL

COACH OF THE YEAR: Tommy Bare: Kingston

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kaden Merrell: Lindsay

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Stephen Singleton: Lindsay