Piedmont Award Winner

Montgomery AL – Piedmont’s Hayes is named Class 3A Back Of The Year. Anniston’s McElderry 4A lineman of the year was also recognized.

By Al Muskewitz

Piedmont quarterback Jack Hayes has been described as a winner throughout his long and distinguished career.

Hayes was the man who got the yardage needed to keep the chains moving during a game-winning drive, or directed a historic comeback to win another state title.

Thursday afternoon, he won the largest prize: Mr. Football as best player through all eight state classifications (AISA included).

In the days leading up to the announcement there was much anticipation, but despite having a strong resume with a variety of records, he lost the vote.

Ryan Williams, a sophomore receiver from Saraland, was named Mr. Football. He caught 88 passes, totalling 1641 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also ran for 700 yards and 16 touchdowns, and threw one touchdown pass.

Williams is the second underclassman and the first sophomore to win this award.

Hayes was the Class 3A Back-to-Back of the Year. He came in third place on the super all state list, behind Thompson lineman Peter Woods and Williams. He was awarded four first-place votes.

Hayes stated, “It’s what it is.” He deserved it. He was a great player. There were three great candidates this year, and I believe they chose him to be the best player. That’s fine by me. It doesn’t bother my that much.”

Steve Smith, Piedmont coach, was disappointed that his player didn’t win the most prestigious award. However, he was kind enough to talk about the winner.

He said, “At the conclusion of the day, when you’re chosen as the Back-of-the Year, one among 16 winners at the banquet, there’s not much to be proud of.” “Jack is clearly a great player, and the accolades he’s received individually and team records, as well as the 60 games he played in over his career as a starting quarterback, speak volumes about the player he is.

“Obviously, everyone here is a great athlete and sports writers have a difficult job when picking these winners. If I were a sports journalist and had a vote, I would know who I would vote for. You shake hands with the winner at the end of each day and then you move on.”

Hayes bid to be the third Calhoun County player to be Mr. Football, joining Alexandria’s Mac Campbell (1997) or Oxford’s Roc Tom (2013).

His record was impressive. His senior season ended with a runner up finish in the Class 3A playoffs. He set four state records. His career ended No. He was No. 1 in the state’s total offense (15.103), passing yards (11.1024), touchdown passes (159), and touchdowns accounted (223) lists. In the four years that followed, he was 51-8 as the starting quarterback. This included two state titles and a second-place finish. As an eighth grader, he also started a game.

Smith stated, “I have always felt that the winner of this awareness each year should be the one that the kids accomplishes on the football field.” Although Jack was often mentioned for his career records, his numbers over the years were quite remarkable. His numbers were comparable to everyone’s.

“I don’t think it’d be a place I would like to be in, as it involves making unilateral decisions, but again, if it was me picking the award, I believe Jack deserved it. It’s hard when you have to consider candidates from all walks of the state…. Sports writers voted for the best player in the state for 2022.

He didn’t have a poor season if the award were based on his entire season. He threw for 3,267 yards, had 4,859 yards total and scored 60 touchdowns. He was a good baseball player. Curiously, he hasn’t had many opportunities to play football – something that puzzles both coaches and players alike. He has now committed to playing baseball at Snead state.

Hayes stated that she doesn’t believe it’s possible to be disappointed, as I didn’t expect to win. “If I had come in expecting to win, I might be disappointed. But it would be just another plus if it was my turn.

“I’m sure I didn’t come to this place looking to win, but it’s not going to make me feel disappointed.”

Each of the four previous seasons, he has attended the Mr. Football luncheon. He was nominated every year for Class 3A Back of The Year, and he won it last year for the first-time.

He arrived at the banquet hall in a light-colored sports coat and sat down at a table along the front row. When asked about any prepared remarks for the event he won, he replied that he would.

When asked if he kept notecards in his jacket pocket, he pointed to the top of his head and replied that it was. He was always ready.

He was a bit excited when he stood up to deliver his 3A speech. If he won Mr. Football, he would be able to speak again and he was willing for it.

He said, “I did actually have a speech prepared for that one if it did win.” “I was going to just say that I wasn’t here to win this. It was changed when I sat down. I thought I would say, “Let’s do it again.”

Anniston’s Ryqueze McElderry, a Class 4A lineman, was named the Lineman of Year. Although he has already enrolled at Alabama, he didn’t attend the ceremony. However, his mom Markesha accepted his request.

McElderry was the third Anniston player who won a class POY award. He was also the first lineman.

The proud mom stated that her son is concentrating on college now. “I don’t know if he believed he would win, but I told her I was going and represent him in case he did.

“I believe he would have thanked God and thanked his family. He would also have thanked his coaches. He would have thanked his teammates, the City of Anniston, his family, and all those who supported him. He would have said “Roll Tide,” I am certain.

Two Cherokee County players were named as finalists in Class 4A — Tae Dia (Lineman), Jacob Cornejo, (Back), while Anquon Fegans (Oxford player, now at Thompson) was a finalist in Class 7A Back. B.B. B.B.

Alabama Mr. Football

MR. FOOTBALL: Ryan Williams (Saraland)

CLASSIFICATION WINS

Super All-State

(Top 12 players, regardless of their classification)

Ryan Williams, Saraland

Thompson, Peter Woods

Jack Hayes (Piedmont)

Earl Woods, Hueytown

Fluff Bothwell, Oneonta

Cole Gamble, Mountain Brook

Jacob Cornejo, Cherokee County

Kelby Collins, Gardendale

Bradyn Joiner, Auburn

Jaquavious Russaw, Carver-Montgomery

Hunter Osborne, Hewitt Trussville

Cole Blaylock, UMS–Wright