Springs Valley Community High School

With the football season now over for the whole Patoka Lake Athletic Conference, the league gathered last week to decide which players would land on the all-conference team. Springs Valley, the fourth-place finisher in the PLAC, placed five players onto the squad: two offensive players, two defensive players, and one special-teamer. Ezra Mills got the nod at running back. The senior was near the top of the conference in rushing yards, closing the season with 1,194 yards on 200 carries. He also scored 19 touchdowns, another top mark, and though he was honored as an offensive player, Mills was also one of the top tacklers in the league with 78 total. Jake Hammond was also named to the team, making the cut as an offensive at-large selection. The senior, a three-year starter for the Blackhawks at center, was the linchpin of offensive lines that paved the way for 1,000-yard rushers in back-to-back seasons and a leader in the locker room. When it came to the kicker position, Griffin McGee was a clear decision. The senior made 35 of 38 point-after attempts, leading the conference in both makes and percentage. He also converted six of his seven field goal attempts this season — tops in the PLAC as well — and racked up 2,243 yards in kickoffs with a league-leading three touchbacks on the season. A pair from Springs Valley’s front seven made the team on defense. Jonas Hammond, the Blackhawks’ leading tackler, was named all-conference after making 80 total tackles including 12 for a loss and four sacks from the linebacker position. He also recovered a fumble, forced a fumble, and recorded three quarterback hurries. Kayce Jones was the other Valley defender who was honored, being selected at defensive tackle. Jones, a sophomore, led Springs Valley with 17 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. He also put up 65 total tackles, one of the top numbers for a defensive lineman in the conference, and recovered a fumble. For the three seniors, this honor will serve as a good way to close their high-school careers. For Jones and Jonas Hammond, it will raise expectations for them moving forward.