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The Alabama Sports Writers Association came out with the All-State teams for the 2024 football season. Several local players were represented on the state-wide list. 

Beulah’s Reed Maloof returned to the list for the second year in a row. However, this year he improved, being named the 3A first-team kicker. The senior bobcat served as the leg of the team, serving as the clutch placekicker and punter. Maloof made six for seven of his field goals and had a season-long 46-yard extra point. He contributed 57 points to the Bobcat’s cause, playing a major role in Buelah’s playoff bid. 

There was another kicker from the area represented; Yonathan Cobon from Lanett. Cobon was named the 2A second-team kicker. The senior captain proved vital to the Panthers as they secured a last-minute spot in the playoffs. Cobon had a near-perfect season, going 4 for 4 in field goals and 28 for 29 in extra points. His season-long was 41 yards. 

LaFayette’s Defensive Lineman Zephaniah Phillips was chosen for the 2A second-team all-state, as well. The big lineman was the star of the defense, getting a whopping 12 sacks this season, 44 solo tackles, 47 assisted tackles with twenty tackles for loss. Phillips, a two-way player, had a strong season at running back also, tallying 1,122 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Valley had one nomination. Galvin Goss got a 5A honorable mention for his role as Defensive Back. Goss also stepped into the quarterback role for the majority of the season while later subbing in at his usual wide receiver position. However, he shined as a Defensive Back. Goss led the team in interceptions with four. He had 40 solo tackles on the season, 12 assisted tackles and 5 tackles for loss. 

Unsurprisingly, Chambers Academy racked up the most nominations of any local school. The Rebels won the AISA AA 2024 state championship, becoming back-to-back champs for the first time in school history.

Luke Tarver was the pick for first-team athlete, for his roles as a running back and linebacker. Tarver was arguably the best player in the county this year. He was the backbone of the team, playing all 13 games. He rushed for 1,755 yards, averaging 13.5 yards per carry. He totaled 24 rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Tarver had 65 solo tackles, leading the team, one sack and an interception. 

Aiden Anglin was the only defensive player from Chambers named to the All-State team, for his work at defensive back. Anglin racked up 22 solo tackles, five interceptions and seven PDUs. According to coach Jason Allen, he played the other team’s best wide receiver every game.

Two offensive linemen, Spencer Newman and Eli Whorton, were named to the first team. Newman was often the largest, and most productive player on the field. He tallied 39 solo tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks. Scouts have seen the potential of the lineman as Newman has a Division 1 offer from Murray State. 

Wharton was perhaps the most aggressive player, clearing the way for runs by quarterback Landon Hand and Tarver. The junior had 44 solo tackles, three tackles for loss and three sacks. He also became a key player on offense as a tight end, rushing for almost 250 yards and totaling 85 receiving yards. 

Junior Quarterback Hand got an honorable mention for his efforts in leading his team to the state title. In his first year as QB1, Hand established himself as a dual threat. He was just behind Tarver in rushing yards with 1,309, for an average of 14.54 yards per carry, and had 14 rushing touchdowns on the season. He threw for 648 yards and nine touchdowns.  

Congratulations to all the nominees. There were some surprising snubs of stellar Chambers County players. However, the talent pool was deep this year. Check back soon for the All-Valley team, where VT-N will name our picks for the best players in the area.