All-Albany football team announced: Weston Bryan, Jake McCrae lead the list

ALBANY — Two state championships, a Final Four appearance with a national ranking, and a historic season for one local football team highlighted a remarkable year for Albany area football. Selecting the best players and coaches from such an outstanding season was no easy task.

Coach of the Year

Westover’s Corey Joyner transformed the Patriots into a powerhouse, leading them to a program-best 9-1 regular season. Despite a heartbreaking first-round playoff loss, Joyner’s leadership set a new standard for Westover football.

Dean Fabrizio of Lee County guided the Trojans through one of the toughest schedules in Georgia, finishing the regular season undefeated at 10-0. The Trojans reached the Final Four and earned a No. 29 national ranking, defeating two defending state champions along the way.

Worth County’s Jeff Hammond revitalized the Rams, delivering a 9-4 season, a region championship—their first since 1998—and a trip to the Elite Eight.

Sherwood Christian’s Doug Eason led the Eagles to an undefeated 11-0 season and their second state title in three years, defeating Westminster of Augusta 36-26 in the GIAA Class AA championship.

But this year’s Albany Herald Coach of the Year is Deerfield-Windsor’s Jake McCrae, who turned a 2-9 team into GIAA Class AAA champions. The Knights defeated defending state champion Valwood twice, completing a remarkable turnaround season.

Each of these coaches exemplified excellence on and off the field, and their achievements set the stage for this year’s All-Albany Football Team selections.

Player of the Year

• Weston Bryan, Lee County: 2,407 yards passing, 1,528 yards rushing, 63 total touchdowns

Offensive Player of the Year

• Dominique Ball, Westover: 1,936 rushing yards, 28 touchdowns, 224 points

Defensive Player of the Year

• Shermon Smith, Worth County: 148 tackles, 18 tackles for loss

Athlete of the Year

• Ousmane Kromah, Lee County: 1,356 rushing yards, 741 receiving yards, 23 total touchdowns

Special Teams Player of the Year

• Brett Fitzgerald, Colquitt County: 12 field goals, 52 touchbacks, 87 points

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First-Team All-Albany

Offense

• QB: Lane Sceals (Deerfield-Windsor)
• QB: Lyndon Worthy (Worth County)
• QB: Jordan Washington (Monroe)
• RB: Cole Jones (Deerfield-Windsor)
• RB: Kaden Chester (Worth County)
• RB: Ty Thomas (Terrell Academy)
• OL: Dylan Richardson (Lee County)
• OL: Torian Chester (Westover)
• OL: Kyson Mallard (Westover)
• OL: Jayden Daniels (Lee County)
• WR: Braylen Still (Dougherty)
• WR: Qwinton Murray (Sherwood Christian)
• WR: Gabe Daniel (Deerfield-Windsor)
• WR: D’Ontae Fulton (Worth County)
• ATH: Bryson Peachey (Terrell Academy)
• K: Ryker Moye (Lee County)

Defense

• DL: Jeramiah McCloud (Lee County)
• DL: Amari Wilson (Colquitt County)
• DL: J’Shawn Jinks (Westover)
• DL: Martin Atkins (Lee County)
• LB: Greg Batson (Lee County)
• LB: Jaylon Carolina (Monroe)
• LB: Jordan Lassiter (Westover)
• LB: Dallas Williams (Sherwood Christian)
• DB: Jacori White (Lee County)
• DB: Zyler Thomas (Westover)
• DB: KaRon Noird (Monroe)
• DB: Javion McKinley (Sherwood Christian)

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Second-Team All-Albany

Offense

• QB: Tripp Roberts (Sherwood Christian)
• QB: David Burgess (Dougherty)
• QB: Keyon Thomas (Westover)
• RB: Bill Dunwoody (Sherwood Christian)
• RB: Chase Dixon (Monroe)
• OL: Jace Molden (Lee County)
• OL: Cleland McCrae (Deerfield-Windsor)
• OL: Cooper Harris (Deerfield-Windsor)
• OL: Shavez Dixon (Lee County)
• WR: Antwan Lockett (Dougherty)
• WR: Montavious Jones (Westover)
• WR: Jaden Upshaw (Lee County)
• WR: Talun Jones (Monroe)
• ATH: Kane Dupree (Sherwood Christian)
• K: Collyer Aldeman (Sherwood Christian)

Defense

• DL: Wes Peachey (Terrell Academy)
• DL: Rahsheike Molden (Monroe)
• DL: David Albano (Sherwood Christian)
• DL: Mitchell Cullen (Monroe)
• LB: Jaquavus Hallman (Dougherty)
• LB: Justin Tanksley (Lee County)
• LB: Kameyon Green (Monroe)
• LB: Liam Elliot (Deerfield-Windsor)
• DB: Trey Bush (Lee County)
• DB: Justin Kane (Monroe)
• DB: Trey Clay (Lee County)
• DB: Bill Murdock (Terrell Academy)