Avery’s Gonzalez, Mitchell’s Styles Named to 1A All-State Football Team

Avery Vikings wide receiver/defensive back Andy Gonzalez was named to the 1A All-State football team for the second consecutive season, North Carolina Prep Football News officials announced last week through its website, www.ncpreps.com.

Gonzalez caught 51 passes, tops in the Western Highlands Conference and fifth-highest among all Western North Carolina receivers, for 864 yards (6th best in WNC) this past football season. The senior played in all 14 Avery football games this past season and hauled in 12 touchdowns, the second-highest mark among all WNC receivers.

The six-foot tall wideout had three 100-yard receiving games in 2010, including a season-high 134-yard effort and two touchdowns in Avery’s win at Cloudland on Sept. 10.

“I’m extremely proud of Andy and I’m really proud for him,” Avery head football coach Darrell Brewer said of his player’s honor. “It was my pleasure to be his coach. He will be truly missed by the coaching staff.”

Gonzalez amassed 1,016 all-purpose yards in helping Avery advance to the third round of the state football playoffs in 2010, and registered 44 tackles and an interception on defense. Gonzalez also punted twice for the Vikings for a 33-yard average in its win over Madison on Oct. 22nd.

In addition to Gonzalez, Mitchell Mountaineers punter Michael Styles was also named to the 1A All-State squad. Styles punted 39 times for a total of 1,542 yards, an average of 39.5 yards per kick. Styles gained 532 yards rushing on 79 carries as a running back for the Mountaineers, scoring seven touchdowns. As a two-way player on defense, the junior amassed 101 tackles in 15 games, helping Mitchell advance to the 1A state semifinals.