Although it came up short of qualifying for the Class 6A state playoffs, Richmond Hill still had a solid 7-3 season and several Wildcats were recognized on the Region 1-6A all-region teams which were announced Tuesday afternoon.

Senior linebacker Lee Johnson was selected by the six region coaches as the Defensive Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Johnson had an outstanding season as he had 94 tackles which was third in the region to Camden County’s Xavier Brown with 116 and teammate Gabe Bauman who had 97. Johnson’s 14 tackles for a loss led the region and he also recovered two fumbles and caused two.

The Wildcats had three first team picks on offense as running back Joshua Troupe and offensive lineman Hookipaaloha Naki and Thomas Zimbalatti were recognized. Cornerback Caleb Easterling was the lone Richmond Hill player who was a first team pick on defense.

Troupe had an outstanding season as he easily led the region in rushing with 1,399 yards and touchdowns with 18. Colquitt County’s Day’Shawn Brown trailed Troupe with 1,123 yards.

Naki and Zimbalatti, who was a first team all-region pick for the third time in his career, paved the way for Troupe. Naki had 30 pancake blocks and Zimbalatti had 26.

Easterling was a four-year starter for Coach Matt LeZotte and he was a jack-of-all-trades at times. During his career Easterlin played quarterback, running back and wide receiver in addition to being a shutdown cornerback and kick returner. His versatility showed as he finished the season with 1,316 all-purpose yards:  521 rushing, 239 receiving, 162 on kick returns, 134 on punt returns and 70 on three interception returns.

Richmond Hill was the top rushing team in the region and offensive linemen Camron Jackson and Brody Miller were second team selections.

Defensive lineman Tad Christian, who had 34 tackles and 11 tackles for loss, Bauman and safety Aiden Grant with 45 tackles were second team defense.

Honorable mention honors were garnered by quarterback Kirk Scott, offensive lineman Billy Meadows and defensive lineman Juwan Harvey.

Sean Calhoun of Colquitt County was Coach of the Year while Marvis Parrish of Lowndes and Todd Robinson of Valdosta were Co-Region Player of the Year. Camden County's Elyiss Williams was Offensive Player of the Year.while Special Teams POY went to Brett Fitzgerald of Colquitt and Athlete of the Year was awarded to David Coleman of Camden County.