A pair of athletes from the Greater Valley Area have been nominated as finalists for Player of the Year in their respective classifications. On Sunday, the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) released the Player of the Year candidates in each classification, with Lanett junior Kristian Story and Chambers Academy senior C.J. Lyons being nominated as one of the top backs in 1A and AISA, respectively. 

Story, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound junior, orchestrated Lanett’s high-powered offense throughout the season with his arm and his legs. Story finished the 2018 season by completing 102-of-145 passes for 1,828 yards, 36 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. On the ground, he led the Panthers by rushing for 839 yards and 15 touchdowns on 89 carries in nine regular season games. Story was also one of Lanett’s standout players on defense, totaling 55 tackles, 6 interceptions, 2 pick-sixes, and 2 fumble recoveries.

Lyons, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior, willed Chambers Academy to the first state championship in program history this past season. He averaged more than 15.5 yards per carry as a senior, and finished his career with over 4,000 yards rushing and scored 68 touchdowns. On the defensive end of the ball, Lyons grabbed an interception in the state championship. 

Former LaFayette quarterback JaTarvious Whitlow was the last local player to receive the ASWA back of the year honor, which he received in 2016. 

The banquet will take place on Jan. 15 at the Renaissance in Montgomery at noon.

The full list of 2018 nominations are as follows:

CLASS 7A

Back

– Te’Darrian Murray, Lee-Montgomery

– George Pickens, Hoover

– Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson

Lineman

-Daevion Davis, James Clemens

-Mohamoud Diabate, Auburn

-Pierce Quick, Hewitt-Trussville

CLASS 6A

Back

– Bo Nix, Pinson Valley

– Tyquan Rawls, Wetumpka

– Roydell Williams, Hueytown

Lineman

– Vonta Bentley, Jackson-Olin

– DJ Dale, Clay-Chalkville

– Clay Webb, Oxford

CLASS 5A

Back

– Zaye Boyd, Russellville

– Javonta Leatherwood, Central-Tuscaloosa

– CJ Yarbrough, East Limestone

Lineman

– Fred Austin, Vigor

– Jamin Graham, Etowah

– Mark Hand, Briarwood

CLASS 4A

Back

-JJ Evans, Montevallo

– Darrian Meads, Hokes Bluff

– Lee Witherspoon, North Jackson

Lineman

– Will Breland, UMS-Wright

– C.J. Person, Catholic-Montgomery

– James Waller, American Christian

CLASS 3A

Back

– Tony Amerson, St. James

– Daquan Johnson, Flomaton

– Ian Thies, Westminster Christian

Lineman

– Ricky Samuel, T.R. Miller

– Ja’Len Sims, Fultondale

– Sean Smith, Piedmont

CLASS 2A

Back

– Payton Anderson, Fyffe

– Jaquon Kincey, Abbeville

– Samario Rudolph, Cottage Hill

Lineman

– Karron Daffin, Leroy

– Arian Gregory, Luverne

– Caleb Lyles, Fyffe

CLASS 1A

Back

– Graderius Brown, Linden

– Jermaine Brown, St. Luke’s

– Kristian Story, Lanett

Lineman

– Jah-Marien Latham, Pickens Co.

– Colt Smith, Mars Hill

– Tristen Thetford, Maplesville

AISA

Back

– Tripp Carr, Autauga Academy

– Carter Ledkins, Monroe Academy

– CJ Lyons, Chambers Academy

Lineman

– Max Carter, Monroe Academy

– Braxton Griffin, Bessemer Academy

-Adarius Tolliver, Autauga Academy