Stephenson named District 3A-1 MVP
Versatile KHS senior accounted for more than 2,000 yards, 34113s, 69 tackles
CADE STEPHENSON picks up yardage for Kingfisher during the team’s playoff win over Lone Grove. Stephenson was recently named the District 3A-1 MVP after a vote of coaches. [Photo by Chris Simon/www.simon-sports-photos.smugmug.com]
Cade Stephenson’s value to the Kingfisher High School team was wellknown locally.
Turns out the District 3A-1 coaches were quite aware as well.
Coaches named Stephenson the district’s most valuable player after a recent vote.
Stephenson did a bit of everything during his senior season as he helped the Jackets to an 8-4 record and a spot in the Class 3A quarterfinals.
That included a 4-1 record and a runner-up finish in the district.
Along the way, Stephenson ran for 1,399 yards and 22 touchdowns. He averaged 7.8 yards per carry and 116.6 per game.
Stephenson also was tied for the team lead in receptions (44) and was second in receiving yards (711). He scored 12 more touchdowns through the air.
He was also second on the team in total tackles (69) and second in interceptions (4).
Leading the team in receiving yards (914) and interceptions (7) was Jarret Birdwell, who was among several other Jackets to be named to the all-district first team.
Birdwell was named as a wide receiver along with Caleb Dick.
Others garnering firstteam offensive nods were Tate Taylor at running back and T.J. Parker at offensive line.
Camden Foster (defensive line), Will Taylor (linebacker), Dynton Townsend (defensive back) and Mason Mecklenburg (defensive back) were first-team picks on defense.
Cason Matthews and Rigo Padilla were second-team selections.
McLoud’s Rusty Hall was named the district coach of the year.
Collin Gibson of McLoud and Austin Mages of Perkins-Tryon were the co-offensive MVPs.
Heritage Hall’s Aj. Siris and Omani Smith shared defensive MVP honors while the special teams MVP honor went to Elijah Banks of Douglass.