Nikiski's Ethan Ellis passes under pressure from Seward's Ronan Bickling and Emerson Cross (10) on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, at Nikiski Middle-High School in Nikiski, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)

Seward dominates Denali All-Conference voting

The Seward football team dominated the postseason awards in the nine-man Denali Conference in voting announced Thursday.

For the Seahawks, Ronan Bickling was Offensive Player of the Year, Noah Price was co-Defensive Player of the Year, Jack Gardner was Lineman of the Year, Tyler Mallory was Coach of the Year and Cody Gilmore was Assistant Coach of the Year.

Nikiski’s Oliver Parrish also was co-Defensive Player of the Year.

Seward won the league at 3-0 and also was 7-0 overall. The Seahawks receive a bye to the nine-man state championship in their bid to defend their nine-man crown.

Denali All-Conference

Offensive Player of the Year — Ronan Bickling, Seward.

Defensive Players of the Year — Noah Price, Seward, and Oliver Parrish, Nikiski.

Lineman of the Year — Jack Gardner, Seward.

Coach of the Year — Tyler Mallory, Seward.

Assistant Coach of the Year — Cody Gilmore, Seward.

Offense

1st team

Quarterback — Brett Gilmore, Seward; Halfbacks — Oliver Parrish, Nikiski; Noah Price, Seward; Fullback — Ronan Bickling, Seward; Wide receiver — Emerson Cross, Seward; Tight end — Kevin Love, Nikiski; Offensive line — Rex Wittmer, Nikiski; Shawn McClain, Seward; Center — Jack Gardner, Seward; Kicker — Emerson Cross, Seward; Return specialist — Hunter Forshee-Kurtz, Seward.

2nd team

Quarterback — Ethan Ellis, Nikiski; Halfbacks — Andrew Baczuk, Valdez; Talon Loving, Monroe; Fullback — Kaiden Parrish, Nikiski; Wide receivers — Lane Petersen, Seward; Wyatt Maguire, Nikiski; Offensive line — Travis Ray, Valdez; Zach Hockema, Nikiski; Center — DJ Baron, Valdez; Kicker — Talon Loving, Monroe; Return specialist — Kaiden Parrish, Nikiski.

Honorable mention

Center — Breaker Schmit, Nikiski.

Defense

1st team

Defensive end — Ronan Bickling, Seward; Jackson Wittmer, Nikiski; Defensive tackle — Rex Wittmer, Nikiski; Jack Gardner, Seward; Linebackers — Noah Price, Seward; Oliver Parrish, Nikiski; Micah Brueckner, Seward; Defensive backs — Lane Petersen, Seward; Wyatt Maguire, Nikiski; Utility player — Andrew Baczuk, Valdez.

2nd team

Defensive end — Emerson Cross, Seward; DJ Baron, Valdez; Defensive tackle — Breaker Schmit, Nikiski; Noah Bird, Seward; Linebackers — Kevin Love, Nikiski; James Hemphill, Nikiski; Nathaniel Beavers, Monroe; Defensive back — Hunter Forshee-Kurtz, Seward; Ethan Ellis, Nikiski; Utility player — Trigger McCaughey, Nikiski.

Honorable mention

Defensive back — Ryleigh Miranda, Monroe; Defensive end — Jackson Gilbertson, Monroe; Jack Schlieve, Monroe.

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