National champs take area's best

Coco Hillary has always been one to please a crowd.

That includes Thursday night at the All-Area football banquet at Augusta Towers Hotel. On a night for The Augusta Chronicle and News Channel 6 to honor the area's best players, Strom Thurmond's senior quarterback walked away with everything shiny except the glass chandeliers hanging over the hotel ballroom.

Hillary, who led Strom Thurmond to a 14-1 record and the South Carolina Class AAA state championship, had an impressive haul: South Carolina All-Area Quarterback. South Carolina Player of the Year. All-Area Overall Player of the Year.

Hillary even won the Jeep Commander Award, a new honor presented by Milton Ruben Jeep to the top overall quarterback in the area last season.

The honors were to be expected after a season with over 3,100 yards of total offense and 38 touchdowns this year.

"This is just the very best way a football player can wrap up his season," Hillary said.

But even though he left the banquet needing a U-Haul for his own hardware, he brought some news of his own to the banquet.

The area's top player this season finally has a college home. Hillary shared the news he committed to defending Division I-AA national champion Appalachian State on Wednesday evening.

"To finally get a offer like that is just like winning a state championship," Hillary said. "That was one chip, not having an offer from a championship-caliber program like an Appalachian State until now, is one that I can finally brush off my shoulder."

It was a frenzied courtship. Hillary sent a highlight tape to the Mountaineers' coaching staff Jan. 10, had an offer by Jan. 12 and went on an official visit over the weekend.

"I really like Appalachian State," he said. "They have a great campus, great coaches and of course are the defending I-AA national champions. They want me at quarterback and feel like I am a great fit for their offense."

The featured speaker of the night was new Georgia Southern coach Brian VanGorder.

"My best message to all of you is just to congratulate all of you for the fine seasons you've had to get here," Van Gorder said. "But I also want to thank and to recognize all the parents and grandparent that had a hand in raising you and playing such a large part in your success."

Lee Banks, of Augusta Christian, was honored as the Independent Schools Player of the Year. Thomas Jefferson coach Chuck Wimberly was honored as the Area Coach of the Year in leading Thomas Jefferson to a state championship.

Lee Sawyer, Hillary's coach, was named as the South Carolina Coach of the Year for leading his Rebels to a 14-1 record and a state championship.

Cross Creek's Donald Hudson received the award for the All-Area Georgia Player of the Year. Lincoln County's Larry Campbell was honored as the All-Area Georgia Coach of the Year for leading his team to a 12-3 record and his 10th state title.