Hatfield leads all-state honorees

Fallon has made its mark statewide for two years running.

As a result, six Greenwave football players were named first-team all state and one to the second team for the Division I-A on Wednesday. The teams were selected by the DI-A coaches.

Justin Hatfield, who set the all-time DI-A career sack record and was second all-time for sacks in a season this year, was tabbed Co-Defensive Most Valuable Player along with Desert Pines’ Anthony Smith.

Smith topped Hatfield’s single season mark by two, 16-14, in addition to the Jaguars eliminating the Wave in the DI-A state semifinals 16-0. Hatfield’s all-time DI-A record for sacks in a career is 33.

Fallon’s other selections included running back Nathan Heck, quarterback Joe Pyle, receiver Dylan Jabines, offensive lineman Cody Stadtman and linebacker Riley Williams. Defensive lineman Hunter Holcombe was named to the second team.

Fernley was also well represented, as defensive lineman Tyler Roemer and punter Shane Kelso were tabbed first team, while quarterback Kevin Montgomery, running back Brian Reyes and Kelso (safety) were second-team honorees. Roemer and Reyes were also selected as an offensive lineman and linebacker, respectively, to the second team.

Moapa Valley junior R.J. Hubert was named the division’s MVP, while Pirates quarterback Zach Hymas was the Offensive MVP. Elko’s Benton Wichersham was selected as the Lineman of the Year and Moapa Valley’s Brent Lewis named Coach of the Year.

Although Hatfield specialized in sacks, his all-around performance dominated opponents all season. He tallied 84 tackles with an eye-popping 40 tackles for a loss, forced two fumbles, had two fumble recoveries and even one pass defensed.

Heck ran for 1,553 yards and 19 touchdowns this season after starting fall camp as the No. 2 option. Nevetheless, the Wave rode his legs into another deep playoff run.

Pyle completed 124-of-217 passes (57 percent) for 1,758 yards, 20 TDs and just three interceptions. He also ran for 336 yards and six scores.

Pyle’s blanket came in the form of Jabines, who hauled in 43 catches for 559 yards and three TDs. Jabines’ sure hands picked up numerous first downs and was Pyle’s safety throughout the year.

Stadtman was a physical presence at guard for Fallon. The senior muscled through opposing linemen to open holes for Heck and protect Pyle in the pocket.

Holcombe rotated along the defensive line with Hatfield and was no slouch. The duo anchored the most formidable front in the North and were stellar in the playoff loss to Desert Pines.

For the season, Holcombe tallied 56 tackles with 15 for a loss, recorded three sacks, recovered two fumbles and forced one.