Before we announce the 2013 VirginiaPreps.com 2A All State team, let's take a quick moment to review the standards that we've put into place around the all-region and all-state team that we name each season.

First, we limit ourselves to just twelve players on each side of the ball with four specialists and one coach of the year. We also will not name co-players of the year on either side of the ball forcing us to make very difficult decisions. Last but not least, because we limit the team to just 28 players overall, we want to honor as many as possible, therefore we will not name a player at more than one position.

On the defensive side of the ball, we name four defensive linemen, four linebackers, three defensive backs and one 'wildcard' position that we generically name 'athlete'.

Offensively, we name a quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, four offensive linemen and one 'wildcard' position that we generically name 'athlete'. Naming three wide receivers is a notable change from past seasons when we named two wide outs and one tight end, but the trend for spread offenses has led us to believe that it is the right time to make that move. However, when applicable, we will name a tight end as the third wide receiver, so that position is a bit of a flex spot.

2013 VIRGINIAPREPS.COM 2A ALL-STATE OFFENSE

Owens took a big step forward in 2013, totaling nearly 2,700 yards of offense and quarterbacking Brunswick to the state finals. The sophomore, who was honorable mention Southside District as a freshman, earned first team Tri-Rivers District and Conference 34 honors this season and was named as the first-team 2A East all-region quarterback by the coaches and VirginiaPreps. For the year, Owens threw for 1,485 yards and a 26/8 touchdown to interception ratio and ran for 1,213 yards and 16 touchdowns.

In 2012, the Knights were led by the running combination of Johnson and Kyree Koonce. Koonce transferred to Monticello for the 2013 season, leaving Johnson to be the Buckingham workhorse. And the senior took to the role, leading the Knights to a state semifinal appearance against Brunswick. Johnson finished the year with 2,300 yards rushing and 39 touchdowns, tops in 2A, earning offensive player of the year honors in the James River District and first team selections in Conference 37 and the 2A West all-region coaches & VirginiaPreps teams.

Whitlow was the most productive back for the state champion Spartans and made important contributions on defense and special teams. Lining up as fullback in the single-wing, the junior ran 229 times for 2,409 yards and 30 touchdowns, kicked a game-winning field goal in the second round of the playoffs and put Giles in good field position with kick returns all season, including a touchdown return on the opening kick of the season against Blacksburg.

Cannaday was a bright spot for the Blue Devils, who finished in the #16 spot in 2A West and lost to Giles in the first round of the playoffs. The senior caught 54 balls for 856 yards and 11 touchdowns and a first-team Conference 39 pick and first-team 2A West all-region selection by the coaches and VirginiaPreps.

Collier was on the receiving end of most of the passes from brother Hunter (a freshman quarterback for the Blue Devils) and the results were great for Gate City. The senior receiver caught 59 passes for 818 yards and nine touchdowns this year and had no drops, according to coach Bill Houseright. Coach Houseright continued, "Michael has great hands and very good speed. He is the best possession receiver I've coached. Everyone knew where we were going with the ball and he still got the job done."

The senior wide receiver put up huge numbers for the Mountaineers, finishing with a 2A best 76 catches for 1,343 yards and 11 touchdowns. Those numbers earned him first-team Bull Run District and 2A East all-region honors from the coaches and VirginiaPreps. Madison County coach Stuart Dean says Weakley was "the hardest working player on the team. He runs great routes and really understands how to get open."

Estep was a first-team Bull Run District and 2A East all-region selection on the offensive line after anchoring the Clarke County offensive line in 2013. The senior tackle was the best blocker on a team that ran for over 3,800 yards in 13 games and was also a first-team all-district choice by the coaches on the defensive line, totaling over 100 tackles and 7 sacks for the Eagles.

Herndon was a force on both sides of the line of scrimmage, anchoring a Riverheads offensive line that paved the way for over 4,500 yards rushing and 579 points in 14 games and forcing consistent pressure into opposing backfields while playing at linebacker early in the season (and as a junior in 2012) and at nose guard in the latter half of the year. Defensively, Herndon was in on 102 tackles (22 for loss), had 6 sacks and forced four fumbles. Herndon also got an opportunity to carry the ball some late in 2013, using his 6-4, 315 frame to score two touchdowns. Along the way, the University of Pittsburgh-bound senior earned player of the year honors in the Shenandoah District and in Conference 36.

Rhodes had an impact on both the offensive and defensive lines for the state champion Spartans. His work on the offensive line varied with the senior showing an excellent ability to run block in the single wing, but also would be a threat on the rare occasion that the Spartans would pass the ball. Make no mistake, however, Rhodes earned his stripes as a lineman, rather than tight end. On defense, he was a major factor at defensive end and was named to the 2A West all-region second team by the coaches on the defensive line.

Snoddy was the lynchpin of an offensive line that cleared the way for over 3,500 yards rushing and a trip to the state semifinals. The 6-3, 305 guard opened up plenty of room for backs Kenneth Johnson and Leon Ragland and was a first-team James River District and Conference 37 selection (offensive lineman of the year in Conference 37) and a 2A West all-region choice by the coaches and VirginiaPreps.

Huff was the man in the middle of a strong offensive line that blocked for Wilson Memorial's excellent running game in 2013. Huff earned first-team Shenandoah District honors at center, as well as first-team 2A East all-region honors from the coaches and VirginiaPreps. With Juh-Kwquan McCauley and Savant Swift running behind Huff and company, the Green Hornets earned the top seed in 2A East heading into the playoffs.

Blankenship was the offensive catalyst for an Appomattox squad that nearly upset eventual state champion Giles in the second round of the playoffs and lost four games by a touchdown or less in finishing 7-5. The senior quarterback ran the Raider offense, throwing for over 500 yards in limited passing situations and running for 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns.

2013 VIRGINIAPREPS.COM 2A ALL-STATE DEFENSE

Burke was the player that had to be accounted for on 2A's best defense. The senior forced offenses away from his side of the field where teammates were ready and waiting. The Bulldogs allowed just 10.7 points per game, shut out four opponents and held 10 of 15 opponents to 10 points or less. Burke finished the season with 95 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 20 quarterback hurries and had four pass knockdowns.

Clayton finished off a great career in Staunton with a strong senior campaign. The 6-3, 250 defensive tackle was a sparkplug on the line for the Leemen, finishing with 10 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, forcing two fumbles (and returning one for a touchdown) and breaking up five passes at the line of scrimmage.

Fitz had a great senior season for the Wildcats, who finished 9-3 after a second round loss to Buckingham County. Lined up at defensive end, Fitz was in on 116 tackles, including 29 for loss and compiled 15 sacks. He also had two fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown in a 32-28 win over Magna Vista.

The junior interior lineman was a huge part of Brunswick's defensive success as the Bulldogs were outstanding in 2013. McFarland had 65 tackles (23 for loss), eight sacks and five fumble recoveries and was a menace to opposing backfields week in and week out.

Crook was the quarterback on both offense and defense for Marion, leading the Scarlet Hurricane to a playoff berth in 2A West. The senior totaled 110 solo tackles, 50 assists and had 14 tackles for loss, which put him among the leader in 2A West. Crook also had a solid season at quarterback, throwing 17 touchdowns on just 120 attempts.

Doucet has been a key player for the Panthers for four years, earning first-team Bay Rivers District honors as a freshman DB in 2010. By this year, Doucet was playing at linebacker and put up fantastic numbers for 8-4 Bruton. The senior James Madison commit finished with 88 tackles (10 for loss), 8 sacks, forced six fumbles and recorded two interceptions. Doucet was named the 2A East defensive back of the year by the coaches and was a first-team choice at running back, as well.

Clarke County's leader on both offense and defense, Dulaney's injury early in the first quarter against Brunswick was a big factor in the Eagles' season coming to an end in the state quarterfinals. The senior led the Eagles with 63 solo tackles and 77 assists on defense, while running for over 1,600 yards and 24 touchdowns on 180 carries for Clarke County's offense. Dulaney was the Bull Run District defensive player of the year, as well.

Stephenson led the state runners-up in tackles with 110 and had three sacks from his inside linebacker spot. The sophomore also had four tackles for loss and recovered six fumbles, returning one for a touchdown. He showed great poise in reading opposing backs and staying at home with his defensive keys and was rewarded with the defensive player of the year honor in the Tri-Rivers District.

Burney was a standout in the defensive backfield for the Bears, earning defensive back of the year and defensive player of the year honors in Conference 40. The senior was also named to the first-team 2A West all-region teams by both the coaches and VirginiaPreps and was a playmaker at wide receiver for Union on offense.

Jefferson was an all-state performer as a sophomore and earns that honor again as a junior in 2013. Patrolling the secondary, Jefferson led Goochland with 8 interceptions, forced three fumbles and returned a fumble for a touchdown. On the offensive side, Jefferson threw for 566 yards (25.7 yards per completion) and 9 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions and ran for 470 yards and 8 touchdowns, as he split time at quarterback for the Bulldogs.

Squire earned first-team Tri-Rivers District, Conference 34 and 2A East all-region honors from the coaches and VirginiaPreps after a strong senior season leading the Bulldog secondary. Squire finished 2013 with 66 tackles (four for loss), two sacks, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Squire generally lined up at safety, though he showed the speed to line up as an outside linebacker at the line of scrimmage.

Edmunds had a junior season to remember on the defensive side of the ball for the Wildcats. He contributed to the team's success on defense, leading the Wildcats by being in on 120 tackles, 8 quarterback hurries, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. Edmunds also blocked two kicks on special teams and averaged nearly 11 yards per touch on offense with three touchdowns.

2013 VIRGINIAPREPS.COM 2A ALL-STATE SPECIALISTS

The junior was nearly perfect in 2013, connecting on 7 of 7 field goals and 60 of 61 extra points. That earned Marria first-team all-James River District, Conference 34 and 2A East all-region honors from both the coaches and VirginiaPreps.

Moreno was a weapon for Goochland, averaging 37.5 yards per punt and having 53% of his punts downed inside the 20-yard line. Goochland coach Joe Fowler notes that Moreno "booms the ball with great hangtime and we did not give up any yards in punt returns all season due to the height of his kicks."

Allen was a key player for the Bulldogs on special teams and offense, finishing with 16 total touchdowns. As a kick returner, the senior averaged 44 yards per return and took two kickoffs back for touchdowns (81 yards against Essex and 82 yards against Central (Lunenburg)). On offense, he ran for over 800 yards and scored 12 touchdowns on the ground.

Gullion was a special teams standout for the Scarlet Hurricane, handling kicking and punting duties in addition to leading the team in receiving and kick returns. The senior returned two punts for touchdowns (59 yards against Northwood and 58 yards against Rural Retreat) and took a kickoff 77 yards for a touchdown against Holston. He also had six offensive touchdowns for Marion, as well.

2013 VIRGINIAPREPS.COM 2A COACH OF THE YEAR

When Jeff Williams took over from legendary head coach Steve Ragsdale at Giles in 2008, the plan was for most things to stay the same. The Spartans continued to run the single-wing, which Williams learned as a player and assistant coach under Ragsdale. However, three five-loss seasons in a row (a rarity in Pearisburg) may have led to some questions in other places. Williams continued to get his feet as the Spartan leader and results have been on a steep incline over the past three years, culminating in an unbeaten 15-0 record and state championship win this year.

Giles opened the season with back-to-back wins against 3A schools Blacksburg and Christiansburg and continued to improve from there. Williams oversaw an offense that averaged nearly 38 points per game and scored more than 40 points seven times. Giles' playoff campaign saw them pick up big wins over Grayson, Richlands and Riverheads, as well as last-second victories against Appomattox and Brunswick. Coach Williams delivered the first state title to Pearisburg since 2005 and has now compiled a 52-19 record in six years, including 35-4 over the past three seasons.

QB: Dyon Rosser, Gretna, Sr.

RB: Terrell Edmunds, Dan River, Sr.

RB: Juh-Kwquan McCauley, Wilson Memorial, Jr.

WR: Quantrel Hardy, Brunswick, Sr.

WR: Jeremy Martin, Glenvar, Sr.

WR: Austin Miles, Virginia, Sr.

OL: Dennis Cherry, Brunswick, Jr.

OL: Justin Koogler, Wilson Memorial, Sr.

OL: Alex Mitchell, R.E. Lee, Sr.

OL: Austin Reed, Central (Wise), Jr.

C: Dyshaun Perkins, Buckingham County, Soph.

ATH: Javon Chisley, R.E. Lee, Sr.

DL: Adrian Gray, Graham, Soph.

DL: Carter Harlow, John Battle, Sr.

DL: Kaleb May, Wilson Memorial, Sr.

DL: Thorne Morrison, Union, Sr.

LB: Jenson Doffin, Giles, Jr.

LB: Dylan Giovine, R.E. Lee, Sr.

LB: Austin Smiley, Riverheads, Jr.

LB: Frank Taylor, Richlands, Sr.

DB: Ben Brown, Richlands, Sr.

DB: John Teats, Giles, Jr.

DB: Zach Uvodich, Bruton, Jr.

ATH: Dakoda Shrader, Giles, Jr.

K: Sam Goodson, Riverheads, Sr.

P: Gray Mumpower, Virginia, Sr.

RET: Camajae Peatross, King William, Jr.

RET: Richard Perry, Amelia County, Jr.