Eight local football athletes have been recognized by Sports Illustrated for their performances, being named to the All-West Texas high school football 2024 region teams.
According to Sports Illustrated, five of these athletes were selected for the first team, led by three offensive linemen: Rowdy Pearce from Midland Christian, Pulelei’ite Primus from Midland High, and Peyton Arthur from Legacy High. Both Pearce and Primus are juniors who will return to play as seniors next fall.
Sports Illustrated described Pearce as a premier offensive lineman in West Texas, highlighting his record of "20 knockdowns and 24 pancakes as a junior." Primus recorded 62 knockdowns and has received multiple offers to play at the collegiate level, including from Notre Dame and Texas. Arthur has recently signed with Angelo State University. Additionally, Giovanni Meza and Jett Garcia, offensive lineman from Midland High, were named to the second team.
Midland High running back Elijah McCoy also earned a spot on the first team. Sports Illustrated noted that he averaged 189.1 rushing yards per game, concluding the season with 2,269 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns. McCoy is set to attend the University of Texas El Paso.
Julian Williams from Midland High was the sole player recognized on the defensive side. "A defensive back who plays much bigger than his 5-9 frame," Williams recorded 134 tackles (72 solo), six tackles for loss, one sack, one hurry, one interception, four passes defensed, and forced two fumbles," according to Sports Illustrated. Legacy High punter Jason Maltos was the lone area special teams player.