Morgan Academy, Selma High represented on ASWA All-state football team

Published 2:24 pm Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Dallas County had six players on the Alabama Sportswriters Association (ASWA) All-State football teams.

Morgan Academy accounted for five of the selections: quarterback Jeremy Lee, wide receivers Ed Williams and Hardin Utsey, offensive lineman Kenneth Nichols and defensive lineman Taylor Henderson.

Lee, The Selma Times-Journal’s football player of the year, made the first team as an athlete. Williams and Utsey were both second-team picks. Nichols and Henderson were both honorable mention selections.

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Selma High running back Nicholas Parnell made the Class 6A second-team as an athlete.

Morgan Academy coach Josh Thacker said he was pleased with the Senators’ selections.

“I feel that all five were very deserving as they all took great pride in their craft,” Thacker said.

Thacker said each of the all-state selections brought something unique to the Senators, which went 9-3 this season.

“Jeremy is one of the most naturally gifted quarterbacks I’ve ever laid eyes on,” Thacker said. “Hardin and Ed are the perfect blend of heart, hustle and talent, those two will be greatly missed next year. I can’t imagine a more dynamic duo than them.

“Taylor at the defensive tackle position is another one who will be highly missed. He was a force at the 3 technique for us and could alter the entire game plan of an opposing team. Kenneth was another two-way starter and could’ve easily been an all-state defensive tackle. His talent ceiling is unlimited. We’re excited to have him for two more seasons.”

Selma coach Christopher Raymond said Parnell played several roles for the Saints, which made the junior invaluable.

“Nicholas is a tremendous player and an excellent person,” Raymond said. “He did so much for us. He played running back, wide receiver, returned kicks and returned punts.”