Six Black Diamonds have been recognized among the players of the year in District 4A-4 after leading Sallisaw to a strong season on the football field.
Sallisaw boasted the league's stingiest defense, allowing just 96 points during the regular season. Senior defensive end Shane Barnes was a big part of that success and was voted Defensive Player of the Year by the 4A-4 coaches.
Also among the top honorees on defense were Sallisaw teammates Matt Hancock, Cody Coleman and Eric Peterson. Hancock was selected as the league's Outstanding Linebacker. Coleman was voted Co-Outstanding Defensive Back and Peterson was honored as the Co-Outstanding Defensive Lineman.
On the other side of the football, Sallisaw senior right tackle Jadon Turner was voted Co-Outstanding Offensive Lineman.
Black Diamond senior punter and kicker Dustin Edgmon was also honored as coaches picked him as the Co-Outstanding Special Teams Player.
The Black Diamonds, who tied Hilldale for first place in 4A-4 with a 6-1 league record, had five other players make the all-district team. They were linemen Eli Rhoades, Treston Wilson and Max Worthen and defensive backs Trevor Teel and Job Thomas.
In addition, Sallisaw defensive end Colt Sanders and wide receiver Jacob Martinez received honorable mention after helping the Diamonds to a 9-2 season.
The following is a complete list of District 4A-4 Players of the Year.
Offensive Co-Players of the Year: Brent Brown, Hilldale; and Levi Walker, Fort Gibson.
Outstanding Offensive Back: Earl Parker, Hilldale.
Outstanding Receiver: Eric Baker, Fort Gibson.
Co-Outstanding Offensive Linemen: Jadon Turner, Sallisaw; and Kyle Fishburn, Hilldale.
Defensive Player of the Year: Shane Barnes, Sallisaw.
Co-Outstanding Defensive Linemen: Eric Peterson, Sallisaw; and Jarrod Miller, Fort Gibson.
Outstanding Linebacker: Matt Hancock, Sallisaw.
Co-Outstanding Defensive Backs: Cody Coleman, Sallisaw; and Cory Baker, Fort Gibson.
Co-Outstanding Special Teams Players: Dustin Edgmon, Sallisaw; and Jerrad Garroute, Fort Gibson.
Coach of the Year: Don Hendrix, Hilldale.