PORT ANGELES — Port Angeles Roughriders’ football player Jason Hawes can add another honor to his long list.
The Olympic League defensive MVP was named Monday by the Washington State Football Coaches Association as a member of the first-team All-State defensive team as a linebacker.
Hawes, also the All-Peninsula football MVP, made 140 tackles this season for the Riders. He added seven quarterback sacks, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a interception. He was a big part of the reason the Riders went 7-4 and qualified for the state 2A football playoffs for the first time since 2011. He also rushed for 700 yards and scored a touchdown as a kick returner, but it was on defense that he truly shined this season.
Port Angeles coach Dustin Clark said it’s the first time in more than a decade since a Riders’ player had made first-team all-state.
“It’s huge for him and for us as a program,” Clark said. “This is a great honor. He’s pretty humble about it.”
Clark said the honor should also help Hawes in finding a college football program. He does not have a school picked yet.
“He’s going to find a spot that will fit him. Someone will find a diamond in the rough,” Clark said.
Hawes and about 10 to 12 other seniors from the Olympic League are expected to play in the East-West All-Star football game that will be held in Yakima in June.
