The Randolph-Henry High School varsity football team had five representatives on the 2016 All-Conference 34 team, led by first-team selections Chris Powell and Tyrie Blow-Tydings.

Powell, a senior, was selected as an all-purpose offensive player, and Blow-Tydings, a junior, was selected as a linebacker.

Making the all-conference second team was senior Quadre Pulliam, as a center; junior Jaret Martin, as an offensive lineman; and junior Collin Vaughn, also as an offensive lineman.

Statesmen Head Coach Mark McPherson acknowledged that his team’s 2-8 record this season can help limit all-conference selections, but was pleased to see the efforts of several of his players did not go unrecognized.

“I felt like we were represented as well as we could be under the circumstnaces, so I was pretty happy about it,” he said.

Powell, who spent a fair amount of time at quarterback for Randolph-Henry this season, aided his team by being a dual-threat player.

While the Statesmen rarely passed the ball, he led their rushing attack, gaining 1,022 yards and 10 touchdowns on 165 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per carry.

He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, both in the season finale against visiting Nottoway High School.

He had a pass reception for a touchdown and also returned two fumbles for touchdowns.

“I thought Chris Powell was very deserving of the all-purpose (honor),” McPherson said.

Blow-Tydings, despite not playing in the first two games of the season, still piled up 48 solo tackles and 36 assists.

McPherson described Blow-Tydings as a good, intimidating and true middle linebacker.

“He was the guy that really made us go on defense,” the coach said.

Highlighting what Pulliam, Martin and Vaughn made possible on the offensive line, the Statesmen rushed for 1,960 yards this year.