Valley Sports ReportSYRACUSE — Waverly fell just shy of repeating as Section IV, Class C champs, but was unbeaten and ranked No. 1 in the state until its loss in the finals, and was rewarded with seven players being honored as all-staters, including four first-team all-stars, in voting by the New York State Sportswriters Association.
(NOTE: This story did not post in February when it was originally written.)
FIRST TEAM
WR - Xavier Watson, senior: A 6-5, 220-pound chiseled specimen with a knack for highlight-reel catches, Watson, who was double-covered most of the season, hauled in 45 receptions for 692 yards, and 11 TDs. He also had three carries for 34 yards.
On special teams, Watson averaged 32 yards per kickoff return, including a 92-yard return for a TD, and 13.4 yards per punt return.
OL — Kam Hills, senior: A mainstay for Wolverines, the 375-pounder was a force on an offensive line that created running lanes for the Wolverines, who averaged 188 yards per game on the ground, and allowed just a handful of QB sacks.
DL — Troy Beeman, junior: A force in the middle of the defensive front, Beeman had 46 tackles, including 15 solo stops, 3.5 QB sacks, and two pass break-ups.
PK — Hogan Shaw, junior: A weapon with his kick-offs (11 touchbacks), Shaw made 58 of 63 extra-point attempts, and also made a 33-yard field goal.
SECOND TEAM
QB — Ben Shaw, sophomore: After a rough first game, Shaw was nearly perfect the remainder of the season. He completed 70.8 percent (102 of 144) of his passes for 1,783 yards and 24 TDs with just one interception. He also ran for 1 TD.
DL — Matthias Welles, sophomore: Nearly unblockable, Welles was a disruptive force at defensive end for the Wolverines. He had 47 tackles, including 17 solo stops, and one QB sack, to go along with a pass break-up, one fumble recovery, and one blocked field goal.
Honorable Mention
LB — Kolsen Keathley, senior: Keathley was a terror on the defensive side of the ball for the Wolverines. He had 44 tackles, including 23 solo stops and one QB sack, and a number of tackles-for-losses. He also had two interceptions — both pick-6s, two tackles for safeties, and one fumble recovery. On special teams, he had two kick returns for TDs, and averaged 34.5 yards per return.
