TSWA All-State

Led by quarterback Hauss Hejny and linebacker Davhon Keys, six senior members of the Class 5A Division I state champion Aledo Bearcats were named to the Texas Sports Writers Association Class 5A All-State Team.

Hejny was selected as the Offensive Player of the Year and Keys was named Defensive Player of the Year. Hejny has signed to play for TCU and Keys signed with LSU.

Also honored were wide/receiver running back Hawk Patrick-Daniels, first-team all-purpose player; defensive back Jake Gillespie, first-team defense; tackle Djay Williams, first-team offense; and defensive back Jaden Allen, second-team defense.

The group led the Bearcats to a 16-0 season for their second straight state title, extending their state record with 12 total championships.

Hejny accounted for over 3,700 yards of offense (1,026 rushing on 131 carries; 2,701 passing) and 40 touchdowns (27 passing, 13 rushing). He completed 64% of his passes, had nine interceptions and just one fumble.

A highlight of Hejny’s season came against Denton Ryan in the ninth game at home. Down 19-17 in the closing moments and his team facing a third-and-11 on their own 43, the Bearcats’ 117-game district winning streak was on the line before Hejny broke free for the winning 57-yard touchdown run.

Keys posted 110.5 tackles, of which 99 were solo and 19 were for a loss. He also had four sacks and three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.

In his final game as a Bearcat, Keys was named the Defensive MVP in Aledo’s 51-8 win over Comal Smithson Valley at AT&T Stadium in December. He registered 11.5 tackles, including 11 solo, a sack and two tackles for loss.

Keys also had some standout moments on offense. Running out of the Raider package, where he took direct snaps, he scored 16 touchdowns, including 11 in the postseason.

“I think Hauss and Davhon are both very much deserving of the MVP honors. They were the leaders of our offense and defense the last couple of years winning state championships,” Aledo coach Robby Jones said.

“Hawk showed in the playoffs playing both running back and receiver that he was a great all-purpose player. Gillespie was a physical presence in our secondary that had offensive players looking out for him. Djay and Jaden are also very deserving of all-state recognition, being the best at their positions.”

Patrick-Daniels, who has committed to play at Tyler Junior College, rushed for 948 yards and 15 touchdowns on 142 carries, along with catching 28 passes for 390 yards and three scores.

It was in the state championship game where Patrick-Daniels had his best game of the season. He rushed for 184 yards and three TD in being named the Offensive MVP.

Gillespie posted 58.5 tackles, including 4.5 for a loss. He has committed to play for Stephen F. Austin.

Williams has signed to play for the University of Louisiana. He anchored an offensive line that helped the Bearcats average more than 460 yards and 49.8 points per game.

Allen has committed to Arkansas. He posted 32 tackles and an interception.

Padilla All-state

Five Bearcats were honored by coaches in being named to the Padilla Class 5A Division I All-State Team.

Williams, Allen and Gillespie were honored on this team, all on the first team. Also on the first team offense are senior tight end Tyson Timms and senior wide receiver Trace Clarkson. Senior defensive back Chris Johnson was named to the first-team defense.

Clarkson, who bounced back strong after missing his entire junior season with an injury, caught a team-high 50 passes for 963 yards and seven touchdowns. He has signed to play for West Texas A&M University.

Timms, who has committed to play for Colorado School of Mines, had 28 catches for 360 yards and three touchdowns. 

Johnson will next play for Arizona State University. He had 44 tackles, 3.5 for a loss, and a pair of interceptions.