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Tuesday, December 16, 1997

Granger's Everage brothers top APSE Class A first-team

By JAIME ARON AP Sports Writer

DALLAS (AP) - Brothers James and Brandon Everage, whose swarming defense and productive offense led Granger to its first state title, topped the Associated Press Sports Editors Class 1A all-state team released Monday.

James, a senior, was chosen at both receiver and defensive back for the second straight year. Brandon, a junior, joined him in the defensive backfield and was voted defensive player of the year. Brandon also was the second-team quarterback behind Tenaha's Chavis McCollister, the offensive player of the year.

Granger, which capped its 13-1 season with a 40-0 victory over Wheeler this past Saturday, also placed offensive lineman Matthew Bohac and punter Marc Vanek on the first team. Bohac also made second-team defensive line.

Granger coach John Valastro learned of the honors Monday just before going to a school assembly honoring the 1A champs.

"I think everybody is going to go crazy in a minute," Valastro said.

Celeste, which fell to Granger 22-19 in the semifinals, was the only other school with multiple first-teamers, placing Chris Barnard on the offensive and defensive lines and Demetrius Rector at running back and defensive back.

The eighth annual APSE team was chosen by sportswriters around the state, based on players' regular-season performance. Nominees were selected during the season and balloting was conducted during the playoffs.

Offensive lineman Eric Ramon of Bartlett and running back Jonathan Reagins of Munday joined James Everage as the only first-teamers returning from last season.

Other first-team offensive linemen were Kevin Morwietz of Falls City and a tie between Jeff Curlee of 1996 state champ Windthorst and Abel Orosco of Runge.

Bobby Bouse of High Island was the other first-team end, and Dante Hailey of Frost the other running back. Throckmorton sophomore Nick Rankin, who kicked a 1A-record 51-yard field goal this season, was the place kicker.

The linebackers were Bo Allen of Dawson, Blake Guthery of Gorman and Roy Zapata of Menard. Cedric McFall of Fannindel was the other defensive back.

Rounding out the defensive linemen were Brad Blount of Paducah, Barry Fleitman of Muenster and Alan Watts of Wink.

Runge's Alonzo Esparza, a first-team running back last season, was voted second-team at running back and linebacker. Era's Wayne Twiner made second-team receiver after sharing first-team honors with James Everage last season.

How good were the Everages on defense? Opponents threw just two touchdown passes against the Granger secondary during the regular season, while Brandon had 10 interceptions and James grabbed five.

"I really honestly believe we had the best secondary in the state because of the kids we had back there," Valastro said.

On offense, Brandon ran for over 800 yards and five touchdowns threw for 1,000 yards and 14 TDs. James caught 35 passes for 748 yards and nine TDs, plus ran for five more TDs.

"We may go down as one of the overall best teams in the state as far as being able to run and throw," Valastro said, also crediting Bohac and the rest of the offensive line.

James Everage is still trying to bring up his score on his college entrance exams. If he does, Division I schools may be very interested in a 6-foot-3, 210-pound player who can run the 40 in 4.5 seconds.

He also proved he can handle pain, as he played outstanding defense and caught several passes in the championship despite having hurt his knee in the semifinals.

"He wasn't going to stay out of that game," Valastro said.

McCollister, who led Tenaha to the finals as a sophomore, threw for 1,867 yards and 31 TDs and ran for another 1,311 yards and 19 TDs.