All State Team: Class A of Section VI (1st, 2nd & 3rd Team)
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With the New York Football All State teams being released, I have been reviewing each class from Section VI. Today, I will review the All State student-athletes that made the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Team from the Class A Division.…
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Continue ReadingWith the New York Football All State teams being released, I have been reviewing each class from Section VI. Today, I will review the All State student-athletes that made the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Team from the Class A Division.
A four year Varsity player, Hezekiah Mercado Hezekiah Mercado 6’3″ | 300 lbs | OL Kenmore West | 2024 State NY is a dominating presence standing at 6’3 300 lbs. Hezekiah has fantastic movement, an imposing frame and a motor that does not stop. He is strong, aggressive and incredibly agile for a player of his size. Mercado was a 2023 Trench Trophy finalist, given to Western New York’s best lineman. He plays with high emotion and intensity. This is one of the best lineman prospects in all of Section VI. He has received interest from some Division I colleges but has not committed as of yet.
A fierce aggressive defender for the Red Devils, Hayden Arrison Hayden Arrison 6’2″ | 205 lbs | LB Clarence | 2024 State NY was named the All Western New York Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. A two year varsity starter, Hayden combined for 200 tackles (23 for loss) – including a Section VI high 141 as a Senior – 7 sacks and 7 fumble recoveries. A rushing Outside Linebacker in Clarence’s 3-4 scheme, Hayden Arrison Hayden Arrison 6’2″ | 205 lbs | LB Clarence | 2024 State NY showcased his speed, quickness and his amazing hand placement to shed blockers. Still uncommitted, Arrison has received offers from many colleges such as Slippery Rock University and St. Francis University. Whichever school signs him will be getting a special player.
A three year varsity player, Shey Williams Shey Williams 5’11” | 175 lbs | ATH Lockport | 2024 State NY has been a standout Wide Receiver as he has lead Lockport in receiving each of the last two seasons. Shey’s quick feet and fantastic route running made him almost impossible to stop in 2023, as he recorded 1,553 All Purpose yards and scored 19 touchdowns (4 different ways – rushing, receiving, kick returns and punt returns). He also added 3 interceptions on defense. Williams has outstanding balance, great hands and breakaway speed. His football instincts are off the charts. Another eligible Senior, Shey Williams Shey Williams 5’11” | 175 lbs | ATH Lockport | 2024 State NY has received many offers and recognition from Division I colleges and he is sure to make an impact wherever he goes.
Cory Cummins Cory Cummins 6'0" | 165 lbs | WR Clarence | 2024 NY
Cory Cummins Cory Cummins 6'0" | 165 lbs | WR Clarence | 2024 NY
A two sport star at Clarence, Cory Cummins Cory Cummins 6’0″ | 165 lbs | WR Clarence | 2024 NY did not play much Varsity football until his Senior year. Then, he demonstrated his superior athleticism by being one of the top targets, leading the Red Devils in yards and touchdowns (4o receptions for 787 yards and 8 TDs). Cory is a good route runner and has the speed to separate himself from defensive backs. He is incredibly durable, always willing to catch those tough passes over the middle and his ability to track the ball and attack it at its highest point is fantastic. Cummins has the ability to play Division I ball. Whether it is going to be playing football and/or Lacrosse is yet to be seen.
As a Junior in 2023, Lombardo dominated opposing offenses with 119 solo tackles (20 of which went for a loss). He also added 11 QB sacks, 6 of which came in the first round of the playoffs when Starpoint beat Williamsville South 16-14. It seems that when the stakes of the game are the highest, Lucas Lomardo raises his play. Starpoint used Lombardo all over the field, lining him up on the inside and the outside. He has many tools in his arsenal as he can beat oncoming blockers with his speed or bullrush them with his power. His football instincts are impeccable and he tackles with superb form. This is arguably the best Linebacker in Western New York and he still has one more year of High School football left.
Running Back Christian Earnst Christian Earnst 5’10” | 205 lbs | ATH North Tonawanda | 2025 State NY was the lone bright spot on a Lumberjacks offense that struggled to find the endzone in 2023. He accounted for 16 of North Tonawanda’s 27 offensive touchdowns, all the while leading Section VI Class A in rushing with 1,082 yards. Christian is extremely quick and showed of his amazing speed as 5 of his 16 touchdowns went for 50 yards or longer. He also possesses elite vision and extraordinary balance. Christian Earnst Christian Earnst 5’10” | 205 lbs | ATH North Tonawanda | 2025 State NY is a special player and should get the attention of college scouts as a Senior in 2024.
Highlights
As valuable as Shey Williams Shey Williams 5’11” | 175 lbs | ATH Lockport | 2024 State NY was to Lockport’s offense, Tristan Grimball Tristan Grimball LB Lockport | 2024 State NY was “that guy” on defense. A strong, physical presence that commanded the middle of the Lion’s defense, Tristan combined for 217 tackles (14 for loss) in the last two years. He has a rare blend of speed, agility and strength. When he tackles, he does so with good form and his determination cannot be denied. Grimball also contributed as a back up Running Back, where his powerful and aggressive running style went for 345 yards on 84 carries. This a remarkable student-athlete that deserves the opportunity to play college football in 2024.