Seven Make All State

SEATTLE - You may have missed it over the holidays.

But almost three weeks after the football season ended, the 2010 Waitsburg-Prescott team reeled in more recordsetting recognition for their historical performance during the season.

One Dayton Bulldog, Colton Bickelhaupt, also received statewide recognition for his efforts on a team that made it to the first round of the playoffs.

Sports writers across the state voted to include six Cardinals in the Washington All- State poll, with two winning the honor for both offense and defense - the first time in local sports history.

The Associated Press 2B All-State Team offensive list has Junior Zach Bartlow at the top in the quarterback category. T.J. Hofer won All- State as a wide receiver. Tre Brannock joined the list as offensive linebacker, while Kris Cady was singled out in the all-purpose category.

Brannock and Bartlow were listed again on the defensive side as linebacker and defensive back respectively. David Brock and Justin Armstrong received honorable mention as defensive linebacker and defensive back.

Bickelhaupt received honorable mention as defensive back, though locally he is probably better known as his team's quarterback.

Interviewed on Saturday before their basketball game against the Mac-Hi Pioneers, the Cardinals who made the All-State team said they heard about the poll from head coach Jeff Bartlow during a recent basketball practice.

"It was a surprise," Brannock said. "I didn't think I was going to get it for both. It just shows our team worked hard this (past) year."

To Zach Bartlow, the All- State poll, released Dec. 21, felt like an early Christmas present for him and his team. "It was a good way to cap the season."

Cady and Hofer agreed.

"It feels good to be recognized for so many people on our team," Cady said.

As Hofer put it: "I was just really excited."

The Associated Press All- State Team is compiled from balloting by sports writers and sports casters throughout Washington.