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Five Vikings make all-regional football

Williams High School placed five players on the all-Canyon Region football team with two of those making the first team.

Juan Alvarado, the tough-running back for the Vikings, was a first-team selection along with defensive back Tell Eckel. Both Alvarado and Eckel are seniors.

“All-conference is based on how you finish the year,” Shipley said, referring to Williams’ two first-team selections. “It doesn’t seem right for Sedona to come in third and about win in the first round of the playoffs and have fewer on the first team than Mayer.”

Williams and Salome, which tied for last after never playing the season finale, each had two players on the squad. Sedona Red Rock had three players, Mayer four, Orme seven and Mogollon nine.

The Vikings had three players named to the second team — juniors Tyler Aldredge and Juaquin Ortiz and sophomore Brandon Evans.

Aldredge played on the offensive and defensive line. Ortiz was a wingback and played some linebacker and defensive back on the other side of the ball. Evans was a fullback and linebacker.

Shipley said Evans could have been a first-team selection, but he was injured and didn’t play the final two conference games, plus the Vikes didn’t play Salome.

Jabari Smith and Chris Samon were named co-most valuable players for the league this season. Smith caught statewide attention for his 43 touchdowns and 2,300 rushing yards this past year. He’s reportedly headed to Southern University to play football and run track.

Jon Sang of Orme was the defensive MVP for the league.

Ron Tenney and Rocky Nelson of the Mustangs were named the coaches of the year. Mogollon won the region for the second straight year.

Mogollon and Orme both reached the second round of the playoffs before losing. Sedona was eliminated in the first round in a close game.

Awards will be presented at the year-end WHS banquet next spring.


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