George Washington star running back Ryan Switzer has become just the eighth junior to win the Kennedy Award. The accolade for the state's best overall high school football player was first handed out in 1947. Of those eight juniors who won the Kennedy, four went on to win it a second time in their senior year.
Switzer was the favorite to win practically all season and had no real competition when it came time to vote. He received all but two of the first place votes. Second place went to ‘AAA' State Champion quarterback Brandon Ashenfelter from Martinsburg. East Hardy quarterback Kollin Foltz finished third followed by another QB, Roane County's Dylan Cottrell. One other junior made the top five, Bridgeport running back Brett Hathaway.
George Washington fell to Martinsburg 35-27 in the ‘AAA' Championship Game, giving the Bulldogs a second-straight title. Switzer still managed to make it a memorable season. He rushed for 2,796 yards and 40 touchdowns.
North Central West Virginia high school football talent has dotted the Kennedy Award winners list since the first local player took the honor in 1958. Below is a list of winners from the area.
2006 – Kyle Allard, Fairmont Senior
2000 – Mark Wigal, Morgantown
1997 – Chris Yura, Morgantown
1989 – David Mayfield, Morgantown
1987 – Jed Drenning, Tucker County
1983 – Tony Johnson, Morgantown
1982 – Brad King, North Marion
1969 - Kerry Marbury, Monongah
1958 – Larry Drake, Fairmont Senior
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