Helsel COC co-Defensive Player of the Year

By Pat Dailey
Sports Editor

For the second straight year, Branson has a hand in the Central Ozark Conference Large Schools Division Defensive Player of the Year award.

Tee Helsel, whose playing postition was referred to as a buck, hybrid, safety and outside linebacker, was named the COC Large Schools Division co-Defensive Player of the Year.

Last season, noseguard Bryce Jordan was the COC Large Schools Division Defensive Player of the Year.

Although the Pirates' defense surrendered more points than in any of coach Steve Hancock's 24 seasons at Branson, Helsel's play was exceptional week in and week out. He broke Branson's career solo tackles record by 36 tackles while leading the Pirates in tackles for the third straight season.

Other first-team selections for Branson include offensive lineman Johnny Ohno, kicker Jeremy Mahoney and punter Michael Spain.

Ohno was a unanimous selection, one of four offensive linemen to garner first-team votes by all eight league coaches. The others are Carthage's Cody Caster, Webb City's Hector Luna and Neosho's Matt Bridges.

Mahoney was only 2-of-8 on his field-goal attempts this season, but tied Branson's school record for longest field-goal by hitting a 43-yarder at Carthage. He is the Pirates' record-hodler for single-season and career touchbacks.

Spain averaged 34.3 yards a punt.

The co-Offensive Players of the Year are Carthage running back Brian Poston and Nixa running back Jordan Keeney.

Branson's second-team selections are Helsel at running back, Spain at tight end and free safety Chase Shields.

Honorable mention recognition went to offensive lineman Justin Carley, center Blake Caruthers, cornerback Justin Foltz and quarterback Cameron Chancey.

Helsel became Branson's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2004.

At the skill positions, first-team picks include Neosho quarterback Alex Wise, Webb City quarterback Patrick Drake, Webb City running back Braxton Baker and Webb City wide receiver Austin Daniel.

Second-teamers of note include Carthage quarterback Derek Peterson, Nixa quarterback Ben Fisher and Neosho running back Jared Shurley.