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Three Wildcats finish 2018 as first-teamers

RICHMOND — Shane O’Brien led his Edison football team to a 4-6 record during his first season as the Wildcats’ boss. As a result, several of his players were named to the All-Eastern District awards list in Division V.

On offense, junior lineman Cody Waggoner was a first-team selection, while senior quarterback Anthony Sinicropi and junior wide receiver Noah Woods were both second-team selections.

Waggoner recorded 20 pancake blocks for the Wildcats.

“Our offensive line was our most improved unit overall from last year, and Cody was one of those guys that helped with that,” O’Brien said. “He was probably the most consistent guy. He played every game and really didn’t miss a snap. He’s a really hard worker.”

Sinicropi, a baseball standout that played football at the high school level for the first time, threw for 1,368 yards, 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He was a dual-threat, running for another 413 yards and six touchdowns.

“Anthony is one of the hardest working kids I know,” O’Brien said. “He’s very competitive, loves being in the weight room and is a three-sport athlete. I was really glad that I got the opportunity to coach him this year. He came a long way as the year went on. We are very proud of him.”

Woods, who transitioned from quarterback to receiver, hauled in 23 catches for 264 yards and five touchdowns.

“Noah is a really good athlete,” O’Brien said. “He has really good ball skills. He has been around football for a while and knows the game. This year he really was able to do a really good job of learning routes and putting himself in the right positions. We’re really happy he’s coming back next year.”

On the defensive side of the ball, Edison had a pair of first-teamers in junior free safety Kaleb Waggoner and senior outside linebacker Bryce McAfoose, who made first team for a second-straight season on defense.

Kaleb Waggoner combined a solid season running the football with a stellar season on defense, finishing with 93 total tackles, 65 solo tackles, one tackle for a loss and a forced fumble.

“Kaleb was a great two-way player for us,” O’Brien said. “He is a very tough kid. He is a boxer, so he has that mentality. On defense, to have your free safety being the second-leading tackler on the team, that really shows his effort.”

McAfoose finished the season with a team-leading 104 total tackles, 86 solo, nine tackles for a loss, two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He also was the Wildcats’ leading receiver.

“Bryce is just an aggressive player,” O’Brien said. “He made tackles that he probably shouldn’t have made from the position he plays, but there were times where we didn’t make a tackle, and he was able to get back in the play. He gives great effort all the time. Being on the Eastern District team last year, he came back this year with more experience. It is going to be a big role to fill next year.”

Junior kicker Carter Montgomery also garnered second-team honors, finishing 20 of 24 on extra points and a 20-yard field goal for 23 total points.

“Carter, being a soccer player, he was able to excel in two fall sports this year, which is really kind of rare for a student-athlete these days,” O’Brien said. “He did a great job for us. With a lot of close games we played in, him giving us those extra points was very big this year.”

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