Sealy junior defensive lineman William Forrester was among the honorees to earn a spot on a Padilla Poll All-State team, as voted on by Class 4A Division II coaches.

Forrester was a force in the trenches and was recognized as one of 19 on the second-team defense. He helped the Tigers claim their fourth bi-district championship in the last five years after a second-place finish in District 12.

According to stats provided by the Sealy Tiger Sports Network, Forrester compiled 40 tackles in 12 total games and recorded a season-best six tackles in wins over Brazosport and Sweeny. He registered four tackles in each of Sealy’s two playoff games and already has his eyes set on a return trip to the postseason as a senior.

“We want to dominate the game and focus on the grind,” Forrester said of the mentality leading into the season. “I’m ready to get another far run in the playoffs and hopefully get to state.”

Tiger Head Football Coach Shane Mobley said he was an influential piece of last season’s team but since Forrester was dealing with an injury in the summer, it was no guarantee he was even going to play.

“Once he was released, he never really looked back. He was a major impact player, first defensively and then he made a lot of impact on special teams as well,” Mobley said. “He’s got one speed; he’s one that, he’s not the biggest, but he plays big and he plays fast. That’s one thing that we love about him.”

Forrester said after he missed time in the preseason, he soon worked his way into the rotation and eventually became a starter after an injury to Jace Jarilillo.

“I started off with a back injury and missed the first two scrimmages,” Forrester said. “I started off not as a starter and had to work my way up, then Jace unfortunately got hurt so I got a starting spot then worked my ass off to stay there.”

He was sure to give credit to Defensive Line Coach Jimmie Osborne for the help throughout the season and even long after the end of the football season, Forrester said he shared a moment with his father when he received the news.

“I had no clue I was going to receive that award but I was excited,” Forrester said. “I’m just really thankful for Coach Osborne in helping me get up there.”

Four Bellville Brahmas also landed on all-state teams, two on offense and two on defense. Senior running backs Richard Reese and Robert Briggs both made the first-team offense, junior Tyler Fishbeck was named to the first-team defense and freshman DJ Sanders joined Forrester on the second-team defense.

Mobley said it was an honor to share the statewide recognition with their neighbors from one of the most competitive areas in the state at the 4A-D2 level.

“There’s no doubt that we’re in a tough district but I think that we’re in the toughest region in the state. Of course, the state-championship team comes out of here and you got teams like Carthage, Silsbee, West Orange-Stark, Sealy, Bellville, again China Spring; you name it,” Mobley said. “So, for us just to compete and make the playoffs is huge, we had a dogfight every week.” The state-champion

The state-champion China Spring Cougars that ended the Tigers’ season had the most representatives with 11 on all-state teams in addition to three superlative winners: Major Bowden and Brayden Faulkner as offensive, defensive player of the year and Brian Bell as coach of the year. The state runner-up Gilmer Buckeyes matched them with 11 all-state selections.

For immediate coverage from Thursday’s district realignment, stay tuned to sealynews.com and The Sealy News’ social media pages. Pick up next week’s print edition for full reaction and breakdown.