NEW YORK STATE FOOTBALL: WOOD BROTHERS, WORTHING EARN FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE HONORS FOR TIOGA; WILLIAMS, HOWARD NAMED TO SECOND TEAM (2020-01-08)
Valley Sports ReportTIOGA CENTER - Tioga advanced to the Class D state semifinals, and had five players recognized with all-state honors, including first-team selections sophomore Emmett Wood, and seniors Brady Worthing and Dom Wood.
Junior Cole Williams and senior Aaron Howard received second-team nods for the Tigers.
FIRST TEAM
Emmett Wood, sophomore, running back: Emmett Wood rushed for 2,356 yards and 37 TDs on 225 carries for an average of 10.5 yards per carry. He also caught two passes for 70 yards, including a 60-yard TD reception, and tacked on nine two-point conversion runs.
In the postseason, Wood rushed for 1,025 yards and 14 TDs in four games.
"He had a great year for us," said Tioga coach Nick Aiello. "He has the stats to back it up.
"It's a very nice honor to be on the first team as a sophomore," added Aiello. "I think it's well-deserved."
Brady Worthing, senior, defensive back: Worthing averaged 6.3 tackles, including 3.7 solo stops per game. He also four interceptions and one fumble recovery.
"Brady is on the team at defensive back, but he's really an all-purpose player," said Aiello. "He had a tremendous year for us, whether it was at quarterback or in the secondary.
"He had a knack for making the big play when we needed it," noted Aiello. "He was always around the ball.
"His leadership was also a major reason for our success," he added.
Dom Wood, senior, defensive line: Dom Wood averaged 9.2 tackles per game, including 3.9 solo stops per game. He had five QB sacks, recovered two fumbles, and blocked one punt.
"I'm glad to see Dom on the first team," said Aiello. "I think it's kind of an exclamation point for the year that he had in being a dominant two-way lineman.
"He made a living on defensive side of the ball, but on offense he was an anchor, and the leader for us up front," added Aiello.
SECOND TEAM
Cole Williams, junior, offensive line: Williams was a mainstay on the Tioga offensive line that paved the way for 338.6 yards per game on the ground and 55 rushing TDs.
"Cole Williams really came on strong for us this year," said Aiello. "He gave us the ability to run the ball to either side.
"He's a big body, and he got better as the year progressed," he noted. "He really stepped up big time down the stretch and in the playoffs, and had some really good games for us.
"I think is something for him to build on for the future," Aiello added.
Aaron Howard, senior, defensive line: Howard recorded 60 tackles in 11 games, including 14 solo stops. He also had three QB sacks.
"Aaron Howard is a great story," said Aiello. "He didn't play football until he was a sophomore, and he showed tremendous growth each year.
"He dedicated himself to becoming a good football player, and dedicated himself in the weight room," added Aiello. "I think this is great recognition for him, and all the hard work he's put in."
"”"”"”"”"”"”
IN PHOTO: From left: Emmett Wood, Brady Worthing, and Dom Wood.
