5A Offensive and Defensive MVPs

The 2023 season wrapped up a few weeks ago, but now its time to recognize some of the best players in the Big Country.

First up, the 5A Offensive MVP: Abilene High quarterback Dylan Slack.

As the color commentary guy in the booth for Abilene Eagle football, I got to see first-hand how much Slack improved this season.

His numbers improved in a big way as he helped the Eagles win a district title and go four rounds deep in the playoffs. Slack threw for nearly 2,500 yards and 28 touchdowns and only threw five interceptions, much better than his 1200 yards with 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions as a junior.

Slack, the District 2-5A Division MVP, recently committed to McMurry and could be a great pickup for the War Hawks.

He earned the nod for this award in a close contest with his main offensive weapon, Abilene wide receiver Ryland Bradford.

Another Eagle is the pick for the 5A Defensive MVP: linebacker Bryce Neves.

Neves was all over the field from kickoff to the final gun, in the opponent’s backfield, making tackles at the line, covering deep down the field, and even on kickoff coverage.

He was named the District Co-Defensive MVP after racking up 141 tackles, forcing eight fumbles, recovering eight of them, and picking off five passes.