SYRACUSE – Five Chenango County football players received all-state recognition in a release from the New York State Sportswriters Association today.
Sherburne-Earlville senior Cody Marango returns to the squad as a second team all-state linebacker in Class C; Norwich senior Michael Oralls is a third team Class B choice at running back, while junior Jamison Luke and senior Tristan Rifanburg of Norwich along with Oxford junior Nick Neer are honorable mention selections.
A third team honoree a season ago at defensive back, Marango moved to inside linebacker this season, and again served as a defensive leader for the Marauders. Marango started on defense for three straight S-E playoff teams, and is also a three-time Evening Sun grid all-star.
"Cody has been a terrific kid on and off the field," said Marango's coach the last three seasons, Mike Jasper. "He's a very physical player, and he filled that physical role on defense. This is well deserved, and he'll certainly be doing something for someone on Saturdays next season."
Oralls produced the fourth-best single season rushing total for Norwich finishing with 1,254 yards and a county-best 22 touchdowns. He finished his career with nearly 2,800 yards rushing, and is only the second Norwich back in recorded Evening Sun history with back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
"Mike has been the cornerstone of our running game the last two years, and with the way he works on and off the field, the rest of the team feeds off that and works harder," said Norwich coach Mike Chrystie. "The more success Mike had, the more success we had as a team."
Rifanburg, a senior, was selected as a defensive back. The third-year varsity player missed the first two games of the season, but returned to become the Tornado's leading receiver and second leading rusher. He also played shut-down defense at cornerback where he usually matched up one-on-one against the opponent's best wideout.
"Tristan was the jack-of-all-trades and willing to whatever the team needed him to do," Chrystie said. "Once he returned from a knee injury, our season took off. His impact will be felt for years to come, and his work ethic is unmatched."
Luke, a junior second-year starting lineman, brought an athletic presence not typically seen on the interior working on the right side of the Tornado's offensive line. "The sky is the limit for Jamison," Chrystie said. "He's probably the most athletic lineman I've ever coached, and among the most athletic linemen in the area. He was great to see him recognized."
Neer was chosen as an all-purpose selection in Class D. Neer was a receiver, running back, punter, placekicker, and lead return man for Oxford, and he even threw a TD pass.
He scored as a receiver, running back, punt returner, and added several extra-point kicks in addition to starting on defense. Neer never came off the field except during mop-up time.
"Nick was a great asset, a great leader, and team captain for our team," said Oxford coach Jeff Newton. "His work ethic in the offseason helped him achieve 1,320 all-purpose yards. He's an explosive player who is exciting to coach and to watch. I'm honored to coach and help develop such a great kid and extremely talented athlete."