by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi
Essex High School had eight All-Region A first team selections and will return to the Class 1 state football championship Saturday, December 14, at Salem Football Stadium.
The Trojans, who lost by a point, 7-6, to Galax in the 2023 state final, beat Altavista, 30-8, in the semifinals last weekend. Essex will play in the state championship against Grayson County, which defeated Rye Cove, 40-34, in the other semifinal.
The Trojans placed junior center Tristan Marshall, junior running back Jaden Holmes and junior linemen Taivian Holmes and Daniel Walker on the first team offense. Junior lineman Xzayviia Lundy, senior all purpose player Izaya Terpening and senior linebackers Demonte Johnson and Elijah Morton were named to the first team defense.
Additionally the 13-1 Trojans named freshman running back Demetrius Stewart to the offensive second team.
Rappahannock, which lost to the Trojans in the regional final, claimed the two top honors. Junior running back Kenneth Madison was named offensive player of the year and junior Chase Self was named defensive player of the year.
Madison joined teammates junior quarterback CJ Kelly Jr, senior tight end Brayden Hayes and senior lineman Billy Houchin on the offensive first team. Self filled a linebacker spot on the defensive first team and was joined by Rappahannock teammates junior linemen Madison and Carter Sullivan, junior linebacker Kevin Fauntleroy and senior back Brayden Hayes.
Other first team offensive selections included….
