Coach of the year aims for 2014
Published 7:54 pm Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Washington High School Pam Pack football coach Sport Sawyer has seen three different conferences in his 10-year tenure at the school. And now he’s seen three different wins as the newly elected Eastern Plains Conference Coach of the Year.
“It’s an honor to be elected that among your peers,” Sawyer said. “It’s a team effort, though. I’ve got several coaches that coach with us. It’s not a one-person thing — it’s a group effort.”
Sawyer wasn’t alone in being selected all-conference: six other players made the list, another four were recognized with honorable mentions and player of the year was selected from Pam Pack ranks as well.
“We had the best defense and the best offense when you look at the points,” Sawyer said.
Karim Topping, Baylone Guilford, Travon Wallace, Tarahje Burke, Markel Spencer and Jamond Ebron were EPC all-conference selections, while Neil Jennings, Daniel Maultsby, Brandon Jackson and Kyle Krajewski made the honorable mention list. Washington’s do-it-all star player, Stevie Green, earned his spot as Player of the Year, finishing the season with 1,548 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, 10 receptions for 248 yards and three TDs, while completing two of his five pass attempts for 40 yards and two scores.
“Stevie was the best player in the conference this year. He played a little bit of everywhere. Whenever he was on the field he made things happen. That was a huge plus for us and our success,” Sawyer said. “Most players have one position, sometimes two positions (they play). That shows what kind of athlete he is: we could put him everywhere and he’d be successful. He’s a special athlete and a very nice young man as well.”
Green helped carry the team to a 12-3 season, and the East Regional round of state playoffs against T.W. Andrews High School in High Point on Dec. 6. The Pack would fall to the top-seeded Red Raiders 42-15.
Sawyer said he and the other coaches are already planning for the 2014 season and getting his players back in the weight room, training and conditioning in preparation.
“I think everyone’s working — the players — they want to work hard and get better. They coaches are doing that. The administration is supporting that. … I’ve got a good core of guys coming back. As long as we work in the offseason, we’re very excited about 2014,” Sawyer said.
Sawyer also made a point of thanking the many Pam Pack fans for their support of the team this year.