MVPs were versatile and delivered in crunch time

Equally as impressive were his exploits at defensive tackle, where he averaged 11 tackles per game.

"For a tackle to be one of your top tacklers on the team, that says a lot," Lee said. "His responsibility is usually to make two blockers responsible for him so the linebackers can make tackles. Teams were double-teaming him and they still couldn't stop him. He just had a knack."

He was also San Juan's kicker.

Lee is adamant that Sharpe has what it takes to play at the next level, but because he played 2A football in Blanding, college coaches haven't taken notice yet.

"I would put Tranner up against any offensive lineman in the 2A ranks I've ever seen," Lee said.

1A MVP: WESTON DESPAIN, Duchesne

First impressions can be very deceiving. Just ask Duchesne coach Jerry Cowan.

When Despain first entered the Eagles' program four years ago, he came across as a "real lazy, non-aggressive kid," Cowan said.

That negative reputation didn't stick.

By his senior year, Despain evolved into the most dominant player in 1A and was instrumental in leading the Eagles to the 1A title this year.

Offensively, Despain rushed for 1,220 yards and 14 touchdowns, but he was at his best on the defensive side of the ball. The linebacker racked up 131.5 total tackles, almost double that of his closet teammate.

"He took a lot of tackles away from the linebacker next to him," Cowan said. "He can take on blocks and make tackles he shouldn't make."

Despain approached running the ball with the same mentality.

"He's real fast, but if you don't go for his legs, he's going to run you over," Cowan said. "He's one of those rare combinations of great speed and great strength."

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E-mail: jedward@desnews.com