Their season might be over, but the Lago Vista Vikings continue to make history as a school record 26 players were named to the All-District Team for District 26-2A last week. Senior Jason Cormier and junior Austin Terry were chosen as the district’s offensive and defensive most valuable player, respectively.
“It’s a testament to all of the hard work that our kids have put in throughout the year; we’re definitely proud of them,” said head coach Alan Haire, who was named Coach of the Year.
In addition to Cormier, six offensive players were chosen for the first team including three offensive linemen and a tight end. Cormier’s teammates in the backfield, Ryan Bingham and Brady Land, were also first teamers. The three are the fourth, fifth and sixth running backs in the past three years to earn first team all-district honors for the Vikings.
“Those guys (Bingham and Land) never worried about their stats or who was getting the ball, they just went out and blocked and did everything we asked them to do. And I think that’s why they’re on the first team,” Haire said.
Cormier, the school’s second offensive MVP in three years, finished his high school career with 2,034 yards on 259 carries.
The offensive accolades were not a surprise for a unit that has routinely put up huge numbers. The Lago Vista defense, however, was also rewarded for its season’s performance in helping to take the Vikings to a championship level.
Seven defenders join Terry as first-team selections and six others were named to the second team. Sophomore defensive lineman Donald Hopkins was given the award for District 25-2A Newcomer of the Year. Hopkins is one of nine honorees who are expected to return to Vikings’ defense next season.
This avalanche of honors is an indication that Lago Vista is finally gaining the recognition of their peers as a program to be reckoned with, and Haire knows that can be a curse as well as a blessing.
“It can make scheduling a little tougher when teams can look and see the success that you’ve had, and they might not be as eager to face you,” Haire said. “But our kids take a little pride in that and they’re willing to work to stay on top.”
The bulk of next season’s schedule will remain undecided until the district realignment is announced by the UIL on Feb. 1. It appears likely Lago Vista will be classified in 2A – Division I after the UIL completes the process of separating Class 2A into larger (Division I) and smaller (Division II) schools.