All-East Texas high school football 2023 teams, awards: Terry Bussey is MVP

Timpson's Kerry Therwhanger nabs Coach of the Year. Who else made the cut?

The Texas high school football season came to a close with DeSoto mauling Humble Summer Creek, 74-14, in the Class 6A Division II title game at AT&T Stadium Dec. 17.

With each of the 12 state champions crowned, it’s time to hand out our player awards and get ready for the 2024 season.

SBLive is recognizing standout players throughout the state from this past season by unveiling All-Region teams and awards for Central, East, North, South and West Texas.

East Texas teams came away with three state championships in four title game appearances. Timpson (Class 2A Division I) and Malakoff (Class 2A Division II) were first-time champions, while Gilmer (Class 4A Division II) won its fourth state title.

Here’s a complete look at SBLive’s 2023 All-East Texas Football first team, second team, honorable mention and awards:

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SBLIVE'S ALL-EAST TEXAS AWARDS

Timpson QB Terry Bussey surveys the field during a record-setting 2A Division I state championship performance / Photo by Tommy Hays

MVP

Terry Bussey, ATH, Timpson, Sr.

A generational talent, Bussey broke the Class 2A Division I state championship game record for longest pass play and longest run play. Before halftime. That’s a perfect microcosm of how dominant the 2022 Mr. Texas Football Player of the Year was for his encore this season. The five-star Texas A&M commit, who ranks as the top Athlete in the country, guided Timpson to its first state championship by dominating on offense, defense and special teams. He threw for 1,785 yards with 24 TDs and 4 INTs, rushed for 1,165 yards and 17 TDs despite missing six games with an injury. The Bears rolled past Tolar, 49-7, in the title game.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Will Henderson, RB, Gilmer, Sr.

Like Bussey, Henderson went out a winner in his final high school game, leading the Buckeyes to a 28-26 win over Bellville in the Class 4A Division II state championship game. He rushed for 227 yards and a touchdown in the title game to earn Offensive MVP. Henderson, who is uncommitted, rushed for 2,737 yards and 12 touchdowns and caught 36 passes for 449 yards and three more scores. The Buckeyes finished 13-3 and claimed their fourth state football championship. #bEASTTexas, indeed.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Trevor Brooks, LB, Tyler Chapel Hill, Jr.

Brooks was a big reason why the Bulldogs’ defense shut down opposing offenses on a regular basis to earn a trip to the Class 4A Division I state championship game. Brooks registered 131 tackles (101 solo, 30 assists), with a whopping 37 for loss, including 15 sacks. Chapel Hill finished 13-3 after a 26-0 loss to Anna in the title game.

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Jerrion Hall, RB, Malakoff, So.

Helping another East Texas program to its first state championship, Hall was a huge weapon in the Tigers’ offensive arsenal. The super sophomore rushed for 1,490 yards and 31 TDs on 168 attempts. Malakoff finished with a spotless 16-0 record, capped by a 14-7 win over defending champ Franklin in the Class 3A Division I state championship game.

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR

Brett Wells, RB/LB, Troup, Fr.

Wells got his high school career off to an electrifying start by rushing for 1,155 yards and 10 touchdowns on 149 carries on offense. On defense, he made 93 tackles (54 solo, 39 assists), including eight for loss, to help the Tigers finish 9-2. Wells is the District 9-3A Division II Defensive Newcomer of the Year and a First-Team running back. Have a year, newbie.

COACH OF YEAR

Kerry Therwhanger, Timpson

After knocking on the door for the last three seasons, the Bears busted through in a big way with the program’s first state championship. Timpson blasted Tolar, 49-7, in the Class 2A Division I state championship game to finish 16-0. The Bears made it to the state semifinals each of the previous three seasons. Therwhanger is 81-24 in eight seasons at the helm.

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FIRST TEAM ALL-EAST TEXAS

Demetrius Brisbon releases a pass in the UIL Class 4A Division I championship on Friday at AT&T Stadium

OFFENSE

QB — Demetrius Brisbon, Tyler Chapel Hill, jr.: Part of an incredible wealth of junior class talent for the Bulldogs, Brisbon is a threat to break a big play every time he touches the ball. He was 124-of-197 passing for 1,939 yards with 26 touchdowns and six interceptions. He added 149 carries for 1,664 yards and 13 more TDs for the state runner-up. He is an SMU commit.

RB — Rickey Stewart, Tyler Chapel Hill, jr.: Stewart put up another huge season after a big sophomore campaign, rushing 257 times for 2,797 yards and 40 touchdowns to lead a potent ground game for Chapel Hill. He was third in the state at any level in rushing yards and among the leaders in touchdowns. He also caught 17 passes for 285 yards and four more end zone trips. He is also an SMU commit.

RB — Keyshawn Walls, Hooks, sr.: Walls wrapped up his high school career with a stellar senior season that saw him rack up 2,070 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns on the ground. He also caught five passes for 94 yards and another score for the Hornets, who finished 11-1. He is also earned All-District 10-3A Division II Co-MVP honors. Walls is uncommitted.

FB — Joe Miller, Texarkana Texas, sr.: Miller was a workhorse for an offense that averaged 195.2 yards per game and had two 1,000-yard rushers. In addition to his blocking prowess, he made four receptions for 51 yards for the Tigers, who went 11-2. The uncommitted senior is also a First-Team All-District 8-5A Division II selection.

WR — Ta’Erik Tate, Gilmer, sr.: Tate was an elite pass-catcher for a Buckeyes team that broke through and won its first state title in a decade. He made 62 catches for 1,190 yards and 14 touchdowns, including a score in the Class 4A Division II state championship game. He is uncommitted.

WR — Kenny Mosley, Daingerfield, jr.: An electrifying two-way starter who averaged more than 20 yards per reception, Mosley established himself as one of the top players on both sides of the ball in East Texas. He made 53 catches for 1,071 yards with 11 touchdowns to lead the Tigers to an 11-4 campaign.

WR — Bradan Manning, Carthage, sr.: Although Carthage’s season did not end with another state title, Manning finished his high school career with a solid campaign that included 53 catches for 944 yards and 12 touchdowns, as the Bulldogs went 13-1. Manning, who transferred in from Elysian Fields after his sophomore season, is uncommitted.

TE — Hudson Barron, Whitehouse, jr.: In addition to strong blocking, Barron caught six passes for 52 yards for the 7-4 Wildcats. The heady junior was instrumental in leading Whitehouse’s offensive attack. He is a First-Team All-District 8-5A Division II pick.

OL — Kash Courtney, Carthage, jr.: Courtney helped pave the way for a Bulldogs rushing attack that averaged 152.9 rushing yards and 30 points per game. He is the District 8-4A Division II Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year. The multi-sport athlete has a football offer from UTSA.

OL — Dyllan Drummond, Tyler Chapel Hill, sr.: A big reason for the success of the Class 4A Division I state runner-up’s offense, Drummond helped the Bulldogs rack up average 312.8 rushing yards per game with 2,700-plus-yard and 1,600-plus-yard rushers. Chapel Hill scored 41.3 points per game. Drummond is a UNLV commit.

OL — Braydon Nelson, Kilgore, sr.: A massive all-state performer, Nelson had another big season to put the finishing touches on his prep career. He helped the Bulldogs finish 12-2 with playoff wins over Livingston, Bay City and Needville. Nelson is uncommitted, but he has an offer from Prairie View A&M.

OL — Jacoby Watts, Longview, sr.: Watts helped the Lobos field a potent running attack with a 1,400-plus-yard leading rusher and a total of 46 rushing touchdowns. Longview finished 11-2 with postseason victories over New Caney Porter and Frisco Reedy. Watts, an All-District 7-5A Division I First-Team pick, is uncommitted.

DEFENSE

DL — Kamryn Brown, Gilmer, sr.: A big-time playmaker for the Buckeyes, Brown logged 116 tackles (69 solo, 47 assists), including 17 for loss with 10 sacks and 13 quarterback hurries. After a 3-3 start to the season following a defensive scheme change, Gilmer won out for the program’s fourth state title. Brown is uncommitted.

DL — Devin Robertson, Quitman, sr.: The Bulldogs struggled to a 4-6 record, but Robertson had an elite-level senior season with 127 tackles (81 solo, 46 assists), including 21 for loss with nine sacks. The First-Team All-District 9-3A Division II pick is uncommitted.

DL — Kash Fletcher, Overton, sr.: Fletcher put up some fantastic numbers for the Mustangs, making 123 tackles (67 solo, 56 assists) with 19 for loss, including 10 sacks. Overton finished 10-2 with a bi-district win over Evadale. Fletcher, a First-Team All-District 11-2A Division II pick, is uncommitted.

DL — Xaryus Sheppard, Longview, sr.: Sheppard was a problem for opposing offenses all season long, recording 72 tackles (43 solo, 29 assists), with 18 for loss, including eight sacks for the Lobos. A First-Team All-District 7-5A Division I selection, Sheppard is uncommitted.

DB — Chauncey Hogg, Malakoff, sr.: Always one of the most gifted athletes on the field, Hogg came up huge on both sides of the ball for the state champion Tigers. In addition to his offensive prowess, which includes scoring both touchdowns in the title game, he had nine interceptions on defense to go along with 11 tackles. Hogg is uncommitted.

DB — Jayden Doss, Mount Vernon, jr.: Doss consistently made big plays in the secondary for the Tigers, who finished 8-4. The junior standout had eight interceptions to go along with 26 tackles (20 solo, 6 assists). He also caused and recovered a fumble. Having Doss back next season will be huge for Mount Vernon.

DB — Willie Nelson, Longview, sr.: In addition to sharing a name with a Texas legend, Nelson gave opposing quarterbacks shared bad dreams. In 11 games, he recorded 50 tackles (35 solo, 15 assists), including four for loss with six interceptions. The three-star senior is an Oklahoma State commit. Yee-hah.

DB — Antonio Yarbrough, Garrison, so.: Yarbrough and the Bulldogs had a stellar season that probably fell a bit under the radar. Garrison went 12-2 with their only two losses coming at the hands of undefeated Class 2A Division I state champion Timpson. Yarbrough had six interceptions and was second on the team in tackles with 84 (56 solo, 28 assists).

LB — Cody Adkinson, Center, so.: Another standout 10th-grader, Atkinson made 182 tackles (123 solo, 59 assists) to help the Roughriders to a 7-4 finish that included a bi-district match-up with eventual state champion Gilmer. He is a First-Team All-8-4A Division II pick.

LB — Mason Banker, Honey Grove, so.: Banker made his first varsity season as a starter count by tallying 153 tackles (68 solo, 85 assists), including 20 for loss with a sack. The Warriors finished 10-2 with playoff wins over Ore City and Centerville. Banker is the District 9-2A Division I Defensive Newcomer of the Year.

LB — Boone Morris, Mount Vernon, Sr.: Morris was a tackling machine for the Tigers. He finished second among tacklers at any level in Texas with an astounding 205 tackles (162 solo, 43 assists), including nine for loss with a pair of sacks. He was 33 tackles behind Brock’s Cooper Massey, but he played 15 games. Morris, a three-star recruit, is a Kansas State commit.

LB — Da’Veon Ross, Tyler Chapel Hill, sr.: Ross was the leading tackler for a ferocious defense that included four starters with 100 or more tackles. He tallied 166 tackles (111 solo, 55 assists), including 12 for loss with 6.5 sacks and four caused fumbles. Ross in uncommitted, but he is getting looks from Arkansas State, Central Arkansas and Sam Houston.

SPECIAL TEAMS

ATH — Timothy Johnson, Center, jr.: The speedy Johnson made some big plays for the Roughriders, including 23 kickoff returns for 594 yards and eight punt returns for 97 yards. In addition to scoring two touchdowns on special teams, he caught 13 passes for 202 yards.

ATH — Mitchell Nuziard, Mount Vernon, sr.: The speedy senior gave his team good field position on a regular basis with 20 kickoff returns for 546 yards and two touchdowns and five punt returns for 88 yards. He also led Mount Vernon in receiving with 49 catches for 712 yards and four scores. Nuziard has an offer from Division III Hardin-Simmons.

K — Brayden Pate, Gilmer, jr.: Pate was a reliable weapon for the state champion Buckeyes, connecting on all 12 of his field goal attempts. He had a long of 36 yards. Pate was 95-of-103 on PAT attempts. He was perfect on both in Gilmer’s huge regional final upset of Carthage, going 5-of-5 on extra points and 4-of-4 on field goals.

P — Jasper Crain, Hooks, so.: With an average of 43.8 yards on 16 punts, Crain finished ninth in the state at any level in punting average. He had a long of 62 yards and punted nine times inside the 20-yard line. Also a starter at linebacker, Crain is the District 10-3A Division II Defensive Newcomer of the Year.

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SECOND TEAM ALL-EAST TEXAS

Carthage QB Jett Surratt surveys the field during the 2023 fall season / Photo by Robbie Rakestraw

OFFENSE

QB Jett Surratt, Carthage, so. (204-of-308 passing, 3,046 yards, 34 TDs, 8 INTs)

RB Taylor Tatum, Longview, sr. (189 carries, 1,463 yards, 20 TDs)

RB Tradarian Ball, Texarkana Texas, so. (166 carries, 1,225 yards, 12 TDs)

FB Landen Jones, Marshall, so. (133 carries, 562 yards, 11 TDs)

WR Trae Davis, Troup, sr. (67 catches, 1,245 yards, 18 TDs)

WR Jaylen Edwards, Overton, jr. (75 catches, 1,346 yards, 19 TDs)

WR Zane Borque, Arp, so. (61 catches, 1,287 yards, 12 TDs)

TE Beau Hardin, Brownsboro, sr. (9 catches, 146 yards, 1 TD)

OL Jose Suarez, Van, sr. (8-4A DII Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year)

OL Brady Davis, Beckville, sr. (First Team District 10-2A Division I)

OL Casey Poe, Lindale, sr. (Four-star Alabama commit)

OL Jake Shannon, Gilmer Harmony, sr. (Led Eagles to 10-3 record, district title)

DEFENSE

DL Andrew Rodgers, Nacogdoches, sr. — 71 tackles (42 solo, 29 assists), 7 sacks

DL Asher Price, Honey Grove, jr. — 137 tackles (74 solo, 63 assists)

DL Kendall Allen, Tyler Chapel Hill, sr. — 124 tackles (67 solo, 57 assists)

DL Brody Mahan, Honey Grove, jr. — 120 tackles (52 solo, 68 assists), 4 sacks

DB Kenny Mosley, Daingerfield, jr. —71 tackles (24 solo, 47 assists), 6 INTs

DB Daniel Smith, Jefferson, jr. — 68 tackles (33 solo, 35 assists), 5 INTs

DB Aiden Barnett, Rusk, jr. — 43 tackles (29 solo, 14 assists), 5 INTs

DB Crew Bowman, Bullard, jr. — 54 tackles (43 solo, 11 assists), 5 INTs

LB DJ Cooks, Tenaha, sr. — 167 tackles (167 solo)

LB Braxton James, Nacogdoches, sr. — 163 tackles (95 solo, 68 assists)

LB Quinterrian Webb, Daingerfield, sr. — 158 tackles (28 solo, 130 assists), 2 sacks

LB Nathaniel Kirksey, Tyler Legacy, jr. — 160 tackles (79 solo, 81 assists)

SPECIAL TEAMS

ATH Carter Smith, Quitman, sr. — 13 KOR, 328 yards. 16 PR, 249 yards.

ATH Isaiah Hawkins, Overton, sr. — 11 KOR, 310 yards. 6 PR, 111 yards.

K Carlos Hernandez, Center, sr. — 7-of-7 FG (41 long)

P Trevor Brooks, Tyler Chapel Hill, jr. — 27 punts, 41.9 ypp. 69 long. 9 inside 20.

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HONORABLE MENTION

RB — Kaegan Ash, Mount Enterprise, so.

WR — Amari Burton, Timpson, sr.

LB — Calen Castles, Beckville, sr.

RB — KJ Edwards, Carthage, so.

RB — JJ Garner, Timpson, jr.

LB — Cole Jackson, West Rusk, jr.

QB — Chase Johnson, Daingerfield, jr.

LB — Tyler Lane, Timpson, sr.

WR — Derrick McFall, Tyler, sr.

QB — Jaxon Moffatt, Van, jr.

DL — Billy Smith, Longview, Sr.

OL — Jose Suarez, Van, Sr.

RB — Clint Thurman, Lindale, Sr.

RB — J’Koby Williams, Beckville, Sr.

RB — Kedren Young, Lufkin, Sr.

-- Chuck Cox | @sblivetx