Lambert, Keller make all-state

JEFFERSON CITY - Sikeston offensive lineman Kevin Keller and kicker Andrew Lambert were both named to the Class 4A Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association All-State first team.

"They both worked very hard to accomplish that," said Sikeston coach Charlie Vickery. "Neither one of them sat back and tried to survive on ability alone. They've worked hard in the off-season to improve their skills."

All-State teams for Class 1A through 3A were put out on Wednesday, followed by the release of 4A and 5A today. In all, eight players from Sikeston, Cape Central, Jackson and Poplar Bluff were honored.

Sikeston's Lambert (6-2, 165) was chosen over Webb City's Casey Eichelberger as the top kicker in Missouri 4A.

This season Lambert put 7-of-9 field goals through the uprights with a long of 45 yards. He also hasn't missed a PAT kick in two years.

"We felt like any time we got close to the 30-yard line, we had a chance to get points," said Vickery. "Kicking extra-points and field goals is a huge weapon."

Keller, a Division-I prospect, was considered one of the area's top linemen before a season-ending knee injury took him out of the lineup. Without the 6-foot-6, 280-pound senior, the Bulldogs lost two of their next three games to finish the season.

"He's big, strong, smart and he's got great feet," said Vickery. "I think he's really going to make a very, very good offensive lineman in college. He has gotten looks from all over the country."

According to Vickery, schools that have been in contact with Keller are Stanford, Northwestern, Air Force and several other schools from the Big 12, Big 10 and Pac 10.

Also in 4A, Cape Central placed defensive lineman Chris Smith (6-3, 315) and defensive back Monroe Hicks (5-10, 170) on the first team.

"No doubt about it, both of those guys deserve it," said Central coach Lawrence Brookins. "Both have played a monumental role in the last couple of seasons we've had here at Cape Central."

This year the Tigers went 7-5, reaching the 4A quarterfinals where they lost to state finalist Washington 18-17 on a missed field goal.

In the secondary Hicks, a junior, made 58 solo tackles with eight assists. He also intercepted four passes with several deflections.

"Monroe is a competitor," said Brookins. "If I were only allowed one word to describe him, that would be it. He's very excited, but he's also very humble about it. He's probably more focused on next season then he is with making all-state."

Smith took advantage of his size and surprising quickness on the defensive line to lead the Tigers' run stopping attack. He finished with 56 solo and eight assisted tackles. "From what I was told and what I've heard, Chris was the first item of discussion for most teams that we played," said Brookins. "It was 'How are we going to keep him out of the backfield? Do we double-team him, triple-team him? Run away from him?' He was always a concern in the middle of our 4-3 defense. He's pretty darn quick for his size."

In Class 5A, Jackson running back Mario Whitney (6-0, 185) and linebacker Seth Harrell (6-0, 195) both made the first team. Offensive lineman Travis Dambach (6-5, 275) made the second team.

"Those three kids they picked from Jackson would start on any football team in the state," said Jackson coach Carl Gross. "I'm super proud of them, that their hard work and dedication to the game and Jackson football is paying off. They deserved everything they've gotten."

The Indians finished with a 12-1 record, losing in the 5A semifinals to nationally ranked Hazelwood East.

The speedy Whitney was Jackson's star tailback, rushing for 2,782 yards with 43 touchdowns.

"The biggest thing he improved on was his mental toughness," said Gross. "Before this year, there would be no way he could run it 30 times a game. He learned how to run between the tackles, and how to finish runs."

Harrell dominated the linebacker position, recording 121 solo tackles with 27 assists. He also intercepted two passes. "I don't know of anyone anywhere who loves football more than Seth," said Gross. "He has an unbelievable tenacity and feel for the game. He's been that way since he was a sophomore."

Dambach led the Indians up front, and was rated the third best blocker in the state by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "To be honest, I'd like to see the other two," said Gross.

"He had a dominating year. He took a lot of pride in yards Mario and Brad (Berry) got behind him. Travis anchored that offensive line, probably the best line I've had since I've been here."

Also in 5A, Poplar Bluff receiver Brent Little (6-1, 175) was placed on the first team. This season Little caught 38 passes for 805 yards with nine TDs.

In the surrounding area, North County receiver Broc Gremminger (5-10, 160) was placed on the first team while teammate and fellow receiver Alex Winters (5-11, 155) made the second team.

Gremminger had 764 yards in receiving, while Winters collected 1,012. Perryville punter Andrew Meyr (6-0, 180) was put on the second team, after punting for a 42.5 average this year.