TIFTON — Four Tiftarea Academy Panthers earned All-State honors and seven were named All-Region as the Georgia Independent School Association awards were revealed.

Tiftarea had a banner year in 2018. The Panthers went 11-1 in 2018 before falling in the state finals to John Milledge Academy.

The four All-State players, as named by the league, were Dalton Jones at linebacker, Spence Massey at running back, Brandon Mullis at defensive tackle and Casen Royal at linebacker.

Jones had a team-high 105 tackles this season, with eight for losses. He had two sacks and caused three fumbles. Royal was second on the team with 101 tackles, also with eight for losses. Royal recorded five sacks, recovered two fumbles and intercepted a pass.

From his defensive tackle spot, Mullis had 13 of his 25 tackles end in lost yardage. He led in tackles for losses and also in sacks, recording 12 of them. He added one blocked punt.

Massey ran for 1,360 yards in 10 games, averaging 9.3 yards per carry. He ran for 17 scores and had three touchdowns receiving on nine catches. This is Massey’s third All-State selection, having also been named in 2017 and 2016. For Mullis, Jones and Royal, this is their first time making the team.

GISA All-Region selections for Region 3-AAA were Jones, Massey, Mullis and Royal, plus Bo Cunningham at wide receiver, Hunter Hartsfield on offensive line and Adam McKinney at defensive back.

Cunningham led the Panthers in receiving yards, with 615. He scored five touchdowns. As a defensive back, McKinney had 34 tackles and five interceptions. Of the players named for Tiftarea, McKinney is a junior and the rest are seniors.

Massey was named All-Region in 2017 and 2016. Jones and Royal were previously picks in 2017.