After finishing 7-4 with their first playoff appearance since 2016, the Trojans earned many all district honors at season’s end including a district MVP, offensive MVP, and a plethora of first team selections.
It was no surprise that TCU commit Ed Small was the district’s most valuable player after an incredible senior season that saw him become AISD’s career leader in receiving yards and touchdowns. This year alone he had over 1300 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns, cementing his legacy as arguably the best Anderson athlete since the turn of the century.
The Tom Brady to Ed’s Randy Moss, Max Gerlich, won offensive MVP after tossing 40 touchdowns in the regular season to just 5 interceptions. He had 44 total touchdowns this year and over 3000 passing yards, continuing the run of great Trojan quarterbacks over the past 4 seasons. Next year, he’ll take his talents south on I-35 to San Antonio, where he’ll play for UTSA.
The final Trojan to earn an individual award was captain Jadyn Evans who was honored as the district’s best center. Evans has been a three year letter winner for Anderson and was a big leader as a senior. He’s one of the most underrated players on the team, and commands arguably the most important position bc group on the field in the O-line.
On top of a trio of individual award winners, a multitude of Anderson players were first team all-district selections. On offense, receivers Zayden Sharp and Tristan Waidelich received honors, as did offensive lineman Luke Tillett. Sharp and Waidelich had excellent seasons playing in the Trojan’s record setting offense, combining for almost 900 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Defensively, four Trojans were on the all-district first team. Cornerback Colin Haines had five interceptions this year, and tied the career record for Anderson with eight over his three season varsity career. Gage Webb was the quarterback of the defensive and finished with 117 tackles, 20.5 TFLs, and 10.5 sacks. It was an incredible year for Webb, carrying on the family name after a great career by his older brother IV. Liam McMillan and River Anderson were the final two selections, playing huge roles in the Trojan’s front seven. McMillan finished with 72 tackles and 6 sacks, while Anderson matched him with 6 sacks of his own at defensive end.
Five Trojans received second team honors, two on both offense and defense, and kicker Ryan Ostboe on special teams. Jay Grey, a sophomore, was awarded for his play at offensive tackle, Ben Hatcher had 500 receiving yards and several scores, Hodges Smith excelled at inside linebacker, and Alex Longoria stepped up to play a stellar safety.
An additional eight Anderson players were honorable mentions. Kristian Peterson, Calvin Ballinger, Grayson Lake, Max Middleton, Dom Mays, Jake Laibo, Elias O’Keefe, and Jay Fullmer. These Trojans showed out and were all a big part of the reason they made a run to the playoffs.
It was a fantastic season for Coach Hatcher and his team, and they’ll look to build on it, despite losing a legendary senior class. A big offseason looms.
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