Despite a disappointing end to the season, the Lone Tree Lions football team was recognized by the coaches of their district with several selections to the 2014 all-district team. The Lions had eight selections to this year’s all-district teams, six getting first team selections.

Lone Tree have four first team all offensive selections. Highlighting the group was junior running back Jared Hudson. Despite missing two of the first three games of the season, Hudson finished the season as the team’s leading rusher (1214 rushing yards), and scoring a team leading 16 rushing touchdowns. Hudson’s quarterback, senior Nick Viner, joins Hudson as a first team all-district selection under center. Viner collected 1182 yards of total offense (622 rushing) and scored 17 total touchdowns (10 rushing). The Lions picked up two first team offensive lineman selections in seniors’ Alex Yedlik and Drake Dauber.

Lone Tree had a few selections on the all-district defensive team, including one of the district’s overall best players. Senior Matt Wieland shared defensive player of the year honors with Pekin senior Tanner Adams. Wieland led the district in tackles for loss (17), tied for the district lead in fumble recoveries (4), and finished second in the district in sacks (5). Other Lions making the first team all-district defense includes junior Greg Feldman as a utility player. Feldman finished tied for the team lead in interceptions (3; sophomore Jovonte Squires), and third on the team in total tackles (48).

Lone Tree had one final first team all-district player in their senior kicker Travis Gillham. Gillham had 13 touchbacks in the 48 kickoffs this season.

The Lion’s second team all-district players included seniors Thomas Viner and Ty Schillerstrom.

The eight players helped lead Lone Tree to a 6-4 overall record, and their fifth straight Class A football playoff appearance. Lone Tree was shutout 40-0 by the Lisbon Lions in the first round on Oct. 29.

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