Kevin Valentine, a senior running back and defensive back at Tonopah High School, was named by the division coaches the most valuable player in Nevada Class A Central football in 2007.

The Muckers won their first-ever state 1-A football title in November, defeating Carlin 54-20 at Damonte Ranch in Reno.

Valentine:

rushed for 733 yards and 12 touchdowns on 93 carries;

caught 27 passes for 460 yards and six touchdowns;

had 45 solo tackles and 32 assisted stops, along with two sacks;

intercepted 10 passes, broke up 21 others, and had two fumble recoveries.

Scott Thibodeaux, a junior quarterback, was named the offensive player of the year. He rushed for 1,214 yards and 24 touchdowns on 142 attempts and completed 82 of 189 passes for 1,197 yards and 15 TDs, with just four interceptions.

Mike Dolfin, a junior linebacker, was the defensive MVP. He had 74 solo tackles and assisted on 134 others, as well as two sacks. He had four fumble recoveries.

Named to the first team offense were Tonopah running back Steven Carnell and linemen Roberto Miramontes, Ronnie Lowndes and Tim Smith, and wideout Tyler Bessire, along with Indian Springs RB Derek Oliver and Thunderbird QB Trent Sargent.

First team defenders were Tonopah ends Chase Gibson and Jose Arias and linebacker Ryan Misener. Matt Stark, an Indian Springs tackle, was also selected.

Miranontes, Thibodeaux and Oliver were also first-team defense selections.

Second-team choices included Tonopah linebacker Ermilo Arias and Round Mountain's Gus Johnson, Will Sweeney, Clint Wilson and Cody Burgraff.

Carnell was named the top kick returner and punter and Miramontes was the leading kicker.

Curt McElroy of Tonopah was named coach of the year. Some of the Central coaches did not participate in the selection process.