Only in a year where the area had the state's leading rusher could two 1,000-yard rushers end up on the second team offense of the 2004 Times-Union All-Area team.

Warsaw's Thomas Balestri and Triton's Bryon Overmyer would be first team selections any other year but this area was loaded with talented running backs.

Leading the way was co-offensive player of the year Jordan Swain of Wawasee. Swain rushed for more than 2,600 yards to lead the state in rushing. Swain has garnered attention from some MAC schools including Buffalo and Central Florida and is also an Indiana Mr. Football candidate.

Overmyer rushed for 1,215 yards to break Triton's school rushing record. He was also nominated first team all-state in 1A. Balestri was an all-NLC selection and rushed for 1,001 yards.

Rounding out the first team offensive backfield are Valley's Bryan Wong and Whitko's Tyler Wilkinson. Wong is a two time all-TRC selection and rushed for 1,418 yards this year. Wilkinson finished his career as the second leading rushing in school history.

Wawasee's Kory Lantz, co-offensive player of the year with Swain, was selected at quarterback after passing for more than 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. Lantz, along with Swain, was named first team all-state in 4A.

Five Wawasee Warriors were named to the first team offense with Ben Champoux (kicker), Ryan Kauchak (tight end) and Ryan Thornburgh (offensive line) garnering the honor as well. Wawasee, the state's runner-up in 4A, landed 16 players on both first and second teams overall.

Despite a 4-6 record, Warsaw nabbed 10 players. The Tigers selections were highlighted by wide receiver Antonio Castillo. Castillo broke the Warsaw record for receiving yards and finished with 910 yards on 33 catches.

Whitko had to forfeit several games this year due to ineligible players but landed six players on the list. Nate Alspaugh was named to the first team in the athlete category. Alspaugh was Whitko's leading tackler and had 132 yards on 11 catches from the tight end spot.

Triton's Cory McClarnon and Zac Chittum were named first team cornerback and offensive tackle, respectively. McClarnon had three interceptions on the year, the same as teammate Daniel Stichter. Stichter played just six games due to injury but still garnered second team honors.

Valley had two first team selections, Wong and offensive lineman Ramon Contreras.

The Vikings grabbed seven spots overall.

Manchester struggled in its first year under head coach Brandon Baker but grabbed four selections. Quarterback Brian Runkel shares second team honors with Warsaw's Michael Wienhorst, who despite playing just six games threw for over 1,000 yards. Runkel filled in for Joe Egner, who was hurt early in the season, threw for 10 touchdowns and 648 yards.

Wawasee head coach Joe Rietveld was named Coach of the Year for his efforts in leading Wawasee to a 13-2 record in his seventh year as head coach.

With the amount of playmakers on offense and defense this team matches up well with any team in the state. [[In-content Ad]]