The PTP pick
ATH Junior Vandeross, Jr., Jesuit
Junior Vandeross can elude defenders on handoffs and punt returns.
But Jesuit’s most versatile playmaker usually spends Friday nights as a dependable target in the passing game.
He leads the Tigers in receptions (34) and yards (667) and is tied for the team in touchdown catches (nine).
Four of those catches came in a Class 5A play-in game against River Ridge two weeks ago.
They all resulted in big plays.
Vandeross ended up gaining 207 yards and scoring three times to lead Jesuit to a 50-7 win.
The fans’ pick
RB Mitchell Wood, Sr., Palm Harbor University
For the past two seasons, Mitchell Wood put up modest numbers on varsity.
That changed this year. The senior was given a bigger as Palm Harbor University’s featured ball carrier.
He thrived as the go-to guy, rushing for more than 1,000 yards this season in just nine games.
Wood’s best performance came two weeks ago when he ran for 218 yards on 25 carries and scored three touchdowns in a 31-17 win over Alonso in a Class 8A play-in game.
The fans agreed. Wood received more than 52 percent of the votes (15,997) to beat out Anclote’s Geramyah Porter, who had more than 46 percent (14,183).
