13th Region football players and coaches are bringing home some top awards after today’s release of the 2022 Kentucky Football Coaches Awards.
Williamsburg’s Sydney Bowen, Middlesboro’s Cayden Grigsby, Bell County’s Daniel Thomas, and Corbin’s Jacob Baker took home their respective Class’ District Player of the Year award while Jerry Herron and Tom Greer captured their respective Class’ District Coach of the Year award.
Bowen was named Class A, District 8 Player of the Year after throwing for 1,520 yards and 12 touchdowns this past season. He also ran for 1,012 yards and 19 touchdowns. Bowen guided Williamsburg to a 7-3 record, and it’s seventh consecutive district title.
Grigsby captured the Class 2A, District 7 Player of the Year award after guiding Middlesboro to a 7-4 mark.
He threw for 1,475 yards, and 17 touchdowns while running for 1,089 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.
Grigsby also recorded 17 tackles on defense.
Bell County’s Thomas dominated throughout the season and captured the Class 3A, District 5 Player of the Year.
Thomas, led the state in rushing, and finished with 2,228 rushing yards, and 29 touchdowns. He also completed 7-of-10 pass attempts for 101 yards, and two touchdowns while hauling in 12 receptions for 360 yards, and five touchdowns.
On defense, Thomas totaled 87 tackles, and five sacks. He also forced a fumble, and had two fumble recoveries while helping guide Bell County to a 10-3 record.
Corbin’s Jacob Baker Class 4A, District 7 Player of the Year.
Baker is known for his kicking ability but he’s more than just a kicker. He has 85 points in the season while connecting on 65-of-66 PAT attempts. He’s also 6-of-7 on field goal attempts.
On defense, he has three interceptions, and a fumble recovery along with 81 tackles.
He’s a big reason why the Redhounds are currently 13-0 and one win away from advancing to the Class 4A state title game.
Herron was named Class A, District 8 Coach of the Year after guiding Williamsburg to its seventh straight district title and a 7-3 record.
Greer captured Class 4A, District 7 Coach of the Year after guiding his Redhounds to their current 13-0 record along with district and Region titles.
His team is two wins away from capturing the Class 4A state championship. It would mark As Corbin’s first state crown since 1982.
