By Marty Gordon
The River Ridge District has named Christiansburg’s Tanner Evans as its offensive player of the year, and his teammate Curtis Altizer as the defensive player of the year.
The two helped lead the Blue Demons to a Region 3D title and into the state semis this weekend.
Altizer and Evans were joined on the first team by offensive lineman Ayden Conley and Blacksburg lineman Brayden DeMasi.
Nick Leftwich of Cave Spring was named the River Ridge coach of the year.
Conley, Altizer and Evans were all named to the first defense. Conley received the honor from his defensive line position while Altizer was honored as a linebacker and Evans as a defensive back. Altizer was also named the first-team punter, and Christiansburg’s Robert McCrea was selected at defensive end.
Christiansburg lineman Carter Stallard was named to the second-team offense along with receiver Jayron Thompson.
Blacksburg’s DeMasi was named second-team defensive lineman along with Christiansburg linebacker Jeremiah Thompson. Blacksburg’s Spencer Campbell was named second-team punter and defensive all-purpose.
The River Ridge honorable mention players included Jayron Thompson as a kick returner and Blacksburg’s Luke Poff at defensive back.
The Pioneer District also released its all-district teams with Eastern Montgomery’s Brandon Kingrey being named to the first-team defense.
Teammates Xavier Brown and Gage Akers were named second-team linebacker and defensive back, respectively. Brown was also honored as a second-team running back.
