Robinson earns Watchman Player of the Year

When you have a player like Anthony Robinson, you get him on the field as often as possible. Whether out of strategy or necessity, the Linden Patriots have done just that for the last four years.

Robinson has been Linden’s starting quarterback and first-string punt returner for four years. He spent his freshman and sophomore seasons as the team’s best cornerback before sliding back to become its best safety for his junior and senior campaigns.

Robinson was the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 1A Back of the Year runner-up a season ago. This year, the well-established emotional leader of the Patriots became even more important to the Linden cause after the team graduated four collegiate signees amid a group of nine senior starters.

So Robinson did what he always does. He answered the bell. He answered the bell on offense. He answered the bell on defense. He answered the bell on special teams.

Robinson accounted for 24 offensive touchdowns and nearly 2,000 yards total offense on the year in addition to his two punt returns for scores in the 12 games the Patriots played this season.

Robinson also served as the team’s full-time punter and part-time placekicker. But it was his free safety spot where Robinson was the biggest surprise. Long known for his adept ball skills, Robinson once again led the team in interceptions with four. But, on a defense loaded with tacklers, Robinson led the team in total stops with 75.

If you have Anthony Robinson on your team, you have to play him at every opportunity. And, if you have Anthony Robinson on your All-County Team, you can’t confine him to just one position. So, here he is. Your West Alabama Watchman Player of the Year for 2012, Anthony Robinson.

Honorable Mentions:

In a year loaded with superlative performances, Robinson topped a stout list. Our two runners up for the West Alabama Watchman Player of the Year Award both played exclusively on the offensive side of the ball.

Jakoby Aldridge of Sweet Water was undeniably electric in his first season after transferring from Marengo High. The Bulldog tailback ran for 1,627 yards and 20 touchdowns on the season. Those numbers are tops in both categories countywide.

Then there is Tucker Jones of Demopolis. The senior quarterback accounted for 31 total touchdowns and just shy of 2,000 yards total offense. But it was Jones’ absence that really showed his value to the Tigers. After scoring a touchdown on Demopolis’ opening possession of its second round playoff matchup with Spanish Fort, Jones suffered an injury to his throwing hand and was forced to leave the game. Demopolis never recovered.

Thursday morning, WestAlabamaWatchman.com will reveal its 2012 Coach of the Year.