Ravens, Rams, Whalers get Greatland Conference first-team nods

FAIRBANKS — Eielson head football coach David DeVaughn received a special “coach of the decade” honor as the Greatland Conference named its all-conference awards.

He was recognized for the Ravens’ consistent excellence since joining the Greatland Conference in 2003.

“It kind of takes you aback,” he said of being honored by fellow coaches.

Ravens senior middle linebacker Dwanye Fearon was named Defensive Player of the Year.

“His presence is ominous, and when the ball is snapped he becomes even more scary,” DeVaughn said.

On the heels of a landmark season for the Barrow Whalers’ young high school football program, Barrow head coach Mark Voss was named Coach of the Year and Whalers junior Colton Blakenship shared Lineman of the Year honors.

Fearon was named to the first-team defense as a middle linebacker, along with fellow Ravens Joe Biggane (defensive lineman) and Charles King (defensive back). Fearon (guard) and King (wide receiver) each got a second spot on the first team for their roles on the Ravens’ high-powered offense, which also garnered first-team nods for quarterback Colten Growden and kicker Sarah Colvin.

Barrow’s Justin Sanders also earned two first-team honors as a wide receiver and defensive back. Other first-team honors for the Whalers went to running back Anthony Edwards, offensive tackle Alistar Dunbar, offensive guard Kiefer Kanayaurak, interior lineman Blakenship, outside linebacker Robert Vigo and utility player Cody Romine.

In its first season of varsity play, Monroe Catholic garnered one first-team selection for defensive lineman Nick Gavora.

Growden, who became the first Alaska player to surpass 1,000 yards in rushing an passing in a season, got the first team nod over another record-setting quarterback, the Whalers’ Albert Gerke. Gerke set the small schools single-season mark for passing yards and earned second-team honors. Other notable second-team players include: Eielson’s Ricky Nelson (halfback, inside linebacker), Kevin Barnicle (tight end, outside linebacker) and Sam Rogers (defensive back); Barrow’s Austin Fishel (wide receiver), Cody Gleason (long snapper), Caleb Cinerski (interior lineman), Sanders (return specialist), Edwards (inside linebacker) and Blakenship (offensive tackle); and Monroe Catholic outside linebacker Alex Nelson.

Honorable mention: Offense - Guard Justin Marshall, Center Joe Biggane, Defense: Defensive Back Colten Growden.

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