THOMASVILLE — One was the most dynamic offensive weapon in south Georgia. The other was the leader of his region’s top-ranked defense. Together, they are the players of the year in Region 1-AAAA.

Lee County quarterback D’Vontrey Richardson was named the Times-Enterprise Region 1-AAAA offensive player of the year, while Ware County linebacker Antwan Tucker was named the Region 1-AAAA defensive player of the year.

“He definitely was a very special player,” said Lee County head coach David Johnson, referring to his senior quarterback. “Usually, you get one or two during your coaching career.”

Johnson was named coach of the year after a 9-1 regular season and the school’s first region championship.

Richardson passed for 2,406 yards, 25 touchdowns and only three interceptions to end his high school career. The dual-threat also finished with 1,180 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns.

While Richardson’s heroics led the Trojans to a region title, Tucker led the Gators’ defense that allowed an average of 235 yards per game during the regular season. The 5-foot-9, 185 pound linebacker finished the year with 88 tackles, including seven assists.

Thomas County Central was well-represented on the all-region first team. Running back Debrale Smiley, offensive linemen Dustin Heard and Keith Ryals, defensive lineman Cameron Clark, linebackers Cecil Hill and Taylor Welch and defensive back Dontavia Bogan were all first-team selections.

Heard and Ryals helped pave the way for Central’s top-ranked rushing offense at 300 yards/game. Smiley was also an integral part of that success, finishing with 1,171 rushing yards and a region-leading 19 touchdowns.

Hill and Welch were key contributors on the defense.

Heading into Central’s final game, Hill led the Yellow Jackets with 75 tackles, while Welch had 58 tackles and three interceptions, two of which came in a 14-7 victory over Coffee.

Clarke had 38 tackles on the defensive line, while Bogan had 56 tackles and two interceptions.