HS Football: 8 players from Section 4 earn all-state honors in classes AA and A

Posted by Admin January 15, 2025 Football

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First-team pick Robert Peckham is among eight Section 4 football players to earn all-state honors from the New York State Sports Writers Association in classes AA and A.

The selections were announced Wednesday afternoon. All-state teams for small schools were revealed last week.

Two other players from Section 4 champion Horseheads received all-state honors in Class A, with another four receiving honorable mention.

Class AA state semifinalist Corning also had three all-state picks, led by second-team choice James Freeman.

Section 4 Class AA champion Elmira and Class A runner-up Vestal had one selection each.

Steve Grandin of the NYSSWA edited the teams based on nominations collected from correspondents across the state.

New York State Sports Writers Association Co-Players of the Year in Class AA were Syracuse Christian Brothers Academy senior offensive end Darien Williams and Iona Prep junior running back Crew Davis.

Co-Players of the Year in Class A were Somers senior quarterback Miguel Iglesias and Half Hollow Hills West junior quarterback Joseph Filardi.

Section 4 Class A all-state picks

First Team

Robert Peckham, Horseheads, senior offensive lineman: The 6-foot-2, 300-pound Peckham excelled up front on both sides to help Horseheads to its first sectional championship since 1998. He had 40 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and scored a touchdown on offense on a lateral.

“He’s hands-down the best lineman around here on both sides of the ball. Not even close,” Corning coach Mike Johnston Jr. said during the season.

Third Team

Lucas Mosher, Horseheads, senior all-purpose: Mosher won the Ernie Davis Award as the top player in Chemung County. He rushed for 792 yards on 88 carries (9 yards per rush) with 15 TDs, and caught 18 passes for 362 yards and 5 TDs. As a free safety, Mosher had 30 tackles and 2 Interceptions, returning one 45 yards for a touchdown.
JT Gannon, Vestal, junior defensive back: Gannon was another two-way standout. He had 111 tackles on defense and more than 1,100 all-purpose yards. He caught 61 passes for 916 yards and 7 touchdowns while establishing multiple Vestal receiving records. Gannon added 94 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground.

Fifth Team

Griffin Stevens, Horseheads, senior linebacker: Horseheads’ defensive quarterback had 58 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Also shined as a blocker and receiver at tight end.

Honorable Mention

Horseheads: Miles Woodhouse, senior receiver; Hunter Lavigne, senior offensive line; Jonah Lamb, senior linebacker; Kyle Ernst, junior linebacker.

Section 4 Class AA all-state picks

Second Team

James Freeman, Corning, senior all-purpose: Repeat all-state selection carried 127 times for 950 yards (7.5 yards per carry) and had 9 catches for 27 yards. Contributed 64 tackles at linebacker, returned punts and kickoffs, and handled punting duties for Hawks.

Fifth Team

Jayden VanDusen, Corning, senior defensive lineman: Three-year varsity starter had 60 tackles, a sack and fumble recovery.
Marcus Brooks, Elmira, senior linebacker: Leading tackler for Section 4 champions with 72 (41 solo, 31 assists). Brooks had 6 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions. Added 250 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns at tight end.

Sixth Team

Brenden Jardin-Reed, Corning, senior linebacker: Three-year starter at running back and linebacker had 17 tackles and a sack. Jardin-Reed carried 115 times for 770 yards (6.7 yards per carry) and caught 12 passes for 103 yards.

Honorable Mention

Corning: Carter Sparks, senior tight end/defensive end; Clayton Smith, junior fullback/linebacker.

Elmira: Zach Conklin, junior quarterback.

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