Jackson's Wright selected first-team all-state in football

Jackson wide receiver Brannon Wright saved one of his biggest catches for last.

Wright, who was a dangerous weapon in a revitalized Jackson offense, hauled in Class 5 first-team all-state recognition by the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association today for his performance on the football field during his senior season.

Wright, whose speed reportedly is stirring interest among college track programs, led the Southeast Missouri region with 871 yards receiving on 48 receptions. He hauled in eight touchdowns in an offense that averaged 211 yards passing per game and nearly 400 yards overall. The 5-foot-11, 175-pounder averaged more than 18 yards per catch.

Wright set a personal high with 190 yards receiving on seven catches in a Week 2 victory against Vianney. Wright also had 115 yards rushing and four touchdown runs for the Indians, who finished 7-3 and reached the Class 5 District 1 championship game.

Wright was the lone player from the Southeast Missourian's immediate coverage area to receiver all-state recognition.

Caruthersville senior offensive lineman Jay Stricklin (Class 2) and Sikeston senior defensive lineman Nick Nichols were the only other players from Southeast Missouri to make first teams.

Second team honorees from the region were Caruthersville junior running back Darrell Monroe, Caruthersville senior defensive lineman Kenneth Pittman, Charleston (Class 2) senior defensive back Sumner Foster and Poplar Bluff (Class 5) senior punter Darius Sales.

The entire all-state teams can be found online at semoball.com and also will appear in Sunday's print edition.