The 2011 Warren County Middle School football season was a memorable one for the Pioneers.
Warren County went into the season defending the Central Tennessee Conference title and wound up winning seven games, the second-highest total in school history.
The 7-3 Pioneers finished second in conference play, won two postseason games and saw their coach set the school record for wins in a career.
Coach Greg Cotten, who has won 17 games in four seasons at Warren County Middle School, spoke highly of a group which has helped turn around the entire Pioneer program.
“We had 38 eighth-graders on this team and most have been with me for three years,” said Cotten. “We’ve accomplished a lot and changed the complexion of our program with their help.”
Coach Cotten and his staff honored several members of the squad for their contributions to a seven-win season.
The biggest honor was bestowed on Darius Wright, a do-it-all player for coach Cotten. Wright was named the team MVP.
Wright lined up at tailback, was the last line of defense at safety and changed games as a punt and kick returner.
Wright’s biggest game came in the season opener against Lancaster Christian. Wright scored in every facet, finishing the game with a touchdown run, punt return score and pick-six from his safety position.
Wright led the team in interceptions and was among the team leaders in rushing yards, touchdowns and tackles.
Rickie King was named the team’s offensive MVP after a versatile season as the team’s top rusher and pass catcher. King led the team in rushing, finishing the season with four games over 100 yards, but the star running back was also the team’s best deep threat.
King and quarterback Christian Wilkinson hooked up on several long touchdowns through the season as King perfected the wheel route to get behind team’s secondaries.
Defensively, nose guard Dakota Watson was honored as MVP. Watson was the key cog in the middle to keep the Pioneer defense stout against the run. Watson was a disruptive pass rusher and finished among the team leaders in tackles and sacks.
Seventh-grader Ethan Stuart was recognized as the team’s top lineman. Stuart was inserted into the starting lineup on the offensive and defensive lines from the start of camp and was a consistent performer throughout the season.
On offense, Stuart paved the way for King and Wright to run wild. Defensively, Stuart helped Watson plug the middle to keep opposing teams from running the ball.
Tailback and linebacker Jordan Bonner was awarded the team’s Pioneer award, given to the player who best exemplified the values of a football player on and off the field.
Bonner was always heard on the sidelines being supportive of his teammates and was a vocal leader on the team’s defense.
Along with being honored at the banquet, Wright, King and Watson were also named to the All-CTC team. Wilkinson was also named as a member of the all-conference team.
Monday’s banquet wrapped up the football season for the Pioneers and reminded everybody just how special 2011 was.