Eight Tigers Selected for All-Conference Football Team

John Carney led the list of eight Smith-Cotton High players named to the 2016 All-West Central Conference football team on Tuesday.

Carney, a senior, was named as an offensive guard for the second consecutive year. Other Tigers named on the offensive side of the ball were junior running back Gauge Young, junior tight end Korbin Scott and junior tackle Crymson Couch.

Senior kicker Blake Grupe was honored, as were junior middle linebacker Brice Pannier and junior defensive end Zach Gwaltney. Senior outside linebacker Antonio Erwin was an honorable mention pick.

Coach Ryan Boyer said: “I'm very proud of all of our players who received all-conference recognition. Each of these individuals did a great job of working hard every week and performing at a high level. The amount of players that were able to be recognized is a complement to our team as a whole.”

The Tigers finished the year 5-6, losing at Belton in the second round of district playoffs.

CARNEY: Smith-Cotton senior guard John Carney (69) works into the defensive backfield during the Tigers game against Center. Carney was selected to the All-West Central Conference team for the second consecutive year.

YOUNG: Running back Gauge Young (36) cuts to the outside against a pair of Marshall defenders. Young ran for 918 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season, and was named to the All-West Central Conference team.