Wylie senior inside linebacker Harrison Vicic (1) was named the overall team MVP at the Pirates’ annual team banquet Feb. 1. Photo by Oladipo Awowale / C&S Media
By David Wolman
The Wylie High School football team reflected on what was an exciting 2024 season at their annual team banquet, held Saturday, Feb. 1.
The Pirates won five of their last six games in the regular season after starting 1-3 to qualify for the postseason before falling to North Forney in the bi-district round of the Class 6A-Division I playoffs.
Not only was the team recognized as a whole, but several players were on the receiving end of some individual honors.
A total of six awards were announced with nine players being handed an award.
Sophomore running back Daylon Gordon and senior offensive lineman Michael Oyeka shared co-offensive MVP. Last December, Gordon was named the District 9-6A offensive newcomer of the year after he rushed for team highs in rushing yards (966) and rushing touchdowns (15). Oyeka, who earned a spot on the all-9-6A first team at offensive guard, provided pass and run protection for a Wylie offense that averaged 203.5 rushing yards, 165.6 passing yards and 29.27 points per game.
Senior nose tackle Brady Light won defensive player of the year for Wylie. Light, a first-team, all-9-6A honoree, finished his senior season with career highs in tackles (51) and tackles for loss (5) and also had one sack. A three-year varsity player, Light finished his decorated high school career with 97 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, four sacks and five quarterback hurries.
Special teams MVP was shared by junior Tyler Helton and senior place kicker Spencer Gilbert. Gilbert, a 9-6A all-first team honoree, had a near flawless season, finishing 35 of 36 on PAT kicks and a perfect 8-of-8 on field goals. He made a 45-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Pirates to a 27-24 win over Naaman Forest on Friday, Oct. 4. Helton, meanwhile, recorded 16 tackles, two sacks and two quarterback hurries.
Senior inside linebacker Harrison Vicic garnered overall team MVP. Vicic, a unanimous all-9-6A first team honoree was a wrecking ball in the middle of a Wylie defense that showed a lot of improvement as the season progressed. He stuffed the stat sheet with 156 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, nine sacks and one interception.
Senior wide receiver Mitchell George was the recipient of Most Improved Player. George became a big target in the Pirates’ passing game. George, who was an honorable mention selection on the all-9-6A team, caught 24 passes for 375 yards and five touchdowns.
The AHMO Award was presented to senior running back Josh Ausborne and senior defensive back Ryan Waters. Ausborne, a 9-6A first team honoree, finished second on the Wylie Pirates in rushing yards with 694 yards to go along with seven rushing touchdowns. Waters, also an all-9-6A first team honoree at safety, finished his final season in a Pirates uniform with 58 one tackle for loss, 58 tackles, one sack and one caused fumble.
The AHMO Award is presented to players, who might not necessarily be a starter, but show up to practice every day, loves everything about Wylie football and puts the team before themselves.
To read the full story and stay informed about your community, support local journalism by subscribing to your local newspaper The Wylie News today!
0 Comments