All-District 5-5A teams feature Cedar Hill, Duncanville stars
David McNabb
TheOldCoach.com Senior Editor
District 5-5A co-champs Cedar Hill and Duncanville took in most of the individual honors but the hard-fought district also took into account the progress at Mansfield by making the Tigers staff of Coach Jeff Hulme as the Staff of the Year after getting an 8-3 record following a 1-9 season in 2009.
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Cedar Hill defeated Duncanville, 35-31, in a district thriller to get the No. 1 seed but both ended their season to second-round playoff losses. Cedar Hill lost to Denton Guyer, which the Longhorns had defeated in non-district but found beating such a good team twice in a year unattainable.
Cedar Hill quarterback Driphus Jackson was named the 5-5A Offensive MVP after throwing for 2,910 and 29 touchdowns. He's being recruited as an athlete by SMU, Rice and Marshall but his improvement as a passer after concentrating on his throwing and giving up basketball showed dramatic results this season.
Duncanville quarterback Divan Ealy, who had to sit out the second half of at playoff loss to Coppell at Cowboys Stadium with a shoulder injury, was honored as well after throwing for 2,356 yards and 22 touchdowns. Duncanville running back Chris Simpson was another offensive leader with 1,256 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns and sophomore Aaron Piper emerged as a top prospect for 2013 with 741 yards on 83 carries and 10 touchdowns.
Duncanville senior linebacker Josh Hunt (6-1, 210) was named Defensive Player of the Year. He's got early offers from Wake Forest, Iowa State, Houston and Colorado State and will likely pick up more after a standout season with the Panthers.
Cedar Hill senior Lovett Gibson remains solid in his commitment to UTEP and made first-team all-district after the 6-3 receiver caught 64 passes for 1,204 yards and 13 touchdowns.
A top prospect for the Class of 2012 emerged with Mansfield star Hassan Ridgeway, a first-team selection at defensive end. He's a fast-rising, 6-45, 235-pound basketball player who will be among the state's Top 20 recruits next season.
Versatile receiver/returner De'Vante Lacy of Grand Prairie also was honored with a first-team selection and also established himself as a top 2012 prospect.