Hawk football players named all-state

HOUSTON - The Houston Hawks had a pretty special season. So it's only appropriate that two key members of the Houston special teams units were named first-team small-school all-state at the Alaska Coaches Association annual meeting on Sunday.

Punter Donovan Parker and kicker Matt Garner each earned first-team honors for the Hawks.

&#8220He got us out of a lot of trouble at times,” Houston head coach Norm Bouchard said after Parker was named first-team punter on the All-Greatland Conference list.

In addition to his honors on the first team, Parker also was named to the second team at defensive back.

While Parker consistently helped the Houston defense keep opponents out of good field position, Gardner provided a steady presence in the kicking game. Gardner hit 16 of the 18 extra points he attempted. He even kicked a 35-yard extra point in a game. In Houston's win over Seward, the Hawks were assessed a 15-yard penalty after a score. Despite the penalty, Houston chose to try the kick, and Gardner made the conversion.

Senior defensive lineman Karl Thistle was also named to the first team. Thistle led a Houston defense that allowed less than 100 yards rushing in a game four times, and 12 or fewer points in a game four

times.

Junior Israel Morales earned second-team honors on both offense and defense. Morales was recognized for his work at running back and

linebacker.

Houston senior Seth Grove was named second-team inside linebacker.

Kodiak quarterback Stuart McFarland and Eielson running back Nick Rogers shared offensive player of the year honors, while Skyview's Greg Bosick was tabbed as the defensive player of the year. Soldotna's Austin Roberts is the lineman of the year, and Kodiak's Todd Cook is the coach of the year.

Kodiak and Soldotna each placed five players on the first team.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.