ATLANTA — Three Pierce County seniors were named to the Class AA all-state team by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The AJC released its 2024 all-state teams for each classification Monday, December 30.
Milton senior quarterback Luke Nickel, who led his team to the Class 5A title a year after a Class 7A championship and being tabbed Offensive Player of the Year, was the AJC’s all-classification Player of the Year.
PCHS senior quarterback Caden McGatha, the Class AA Offensive Player of the Year in 2023, was named to this year’s all-state team as was teammate/classmate Dixon Morris as a linebacker. Senior wide receiver/defensive back Joe Drew was tabbed honorable mention.
Only two other players from Pierce County’s region (3-AA) received all-state status.
Region champion Appling County senior linebacker Tavion Wallace was one of two Pirates recognized. Sophomore linebacker/ running back Jaiden Knight was honorable mention.
Cook High junior Brooks Moore made all-state as a punter.
Crisp County senior defensive back Cayden Daniels and junior wide receiver Deshaun Fedd received honorable mention status.
McGatha earlier grabbed Region 3-AA, Player of the Year honors. He finished the year with 1,755 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns to go along with 1,830 yards passing and 27 touchdowns.
The totals came on the heels of 2,160 yards rushing and 31 touchdowns last season along 2,011 yards passing and 23 scores.
Morris was named the region’s Defensive Player of the Year. He was part of a defensive unit which ranked among the Top 3 in the state for fewest points allowed. PCHS entered the playoffs allowing just 6.8 points per game finishing the season at 10.5 points.
Drew, named the Region 3 Athlete of the Year, led the receiving corps with 36 catches for 554 yards and five touchdowns. He also led the defensive unit in interceptions.
