The Shadow
LOW MOOR – Last Tuesday the Virginia High School League announced the Class 3 All-State Teams.
Among all the many talented student athletes who were selected, so too was Alleghany’s Xzavier Hayslett.
Hayslett put together a tremendous senior campaign where he reeled in a team-high 64 receptions, to go along with 1,109 receiving yards. The senior also led the team with 14 touchdown receptions.
During Alleghany’s regional semifinals game against Turner Ashby, Hayslett was injured early into the first quarter and missed significant time in the Cougars loss to the Knights. While it seemed like AHS was down for the count, Hayslett made a return towards the end of the first half which sparked a touchdown scoring drive for the Cougars and just showed how much of an impact his return and presence could ignite a team.
In what was his 139th and final reception of his high school career, Hayslett caught a touchdown reception with no time on the clock in the regional semifinals’ loss to Turner Ashby.
While Hayslett was so good offensively, his presence also on defense was felt greatly as he was a nightmare for opposing teams with four interceptions and a dozen of deflections in the secondary.
The other three first-team wide receivers included Matthew Outten (I.C. Norman) and Amare Gough (Thomas Jefferson).
LCA’s Gideon Davidson, who was the regional offensive player of the year, was so too, the states offensive player. Meanwhile Rashaud Cherry of Thomas Jefferson High School was the defensive player of the year. Kettle Run head football coach Charlie Porterfield was named the states coach of the year.
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
Quarterback: Jacob Mulhern, Kettle Run
Center: Ryan Sissney, Liberty Christian Academy (LCA)
Offensive Linemen: Daniel Jordan (Kettle Run), Andrew Buckley (Lafayette), Easton Ware (LCA), Gavin Walker (Lord Botetourt)
Running Back’s: Colton Quaker (Kettle Run), Gideon Davidson (LCA), Tristan Overbay (Lord Botetourt)
Wide Receiver’s: Xzavier Hayslett (Alleghany), Matthew Outten (I.C. Norman), Amare Gough (Thomas Jefferson)
Tight End: Carter Bernatzky, Kettle Run
Kicker: Cole Byrd, Bassett
Kick Returner: Matthew Outten, I.C. Norman
O. All-Purpose: Rashard Cherry, Thomas Jefferson
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
Defensive Linemen: Jayden Booth (Kettle Run), Daniel Jackson (Lafayette), Easton Ware (LCA), Maurice Burnett (William Byrd)
Linebacker’s: Donnell Jones-Teal (Armstrong), Jamir Nesbith (Lafayette), James Deyo (LCA), Beau Baylor (Turner Ashby), Jonathan Rosser (William Byrd)
Defensive Back’s: Jahkei Chavis (Armstrong), Magerald Clarke saw SS (Lake Taylor), Simeon Moore (Magna Vista), Rashaud Cherry (Thomas Jefferson)
Punter: Bryant Nottingham, Pulaski County
Punts Returner: Malik Porter, Thomas Jefferson
D. All-Purpose: Sebastian Nix, Lafayette
