VALLEY SPORTS REPORT: SAYRE'S HORTON HEADLINES 'SUPER 7' AS 2018-19 'NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR' (2019-06-18)

Valley Sports Report
THE VALLEY "” There were several outstanding one- and two-sport newcomers in 2018-19, but Sayre freshman Brayden Horton made his presence felt in three sports and is the Valley Sports Report "Newcomer of the Year."

Horton made his bones on the diamond this spring, sharing Baseball "Newcomer of the Year," while helping Sayre to an NTL Small School title, and its third straight trip to the PIAA playoffs.

A very good defensive catcher with a strong arm, Horton made an immediate impact on the Redskins. He hit .323 (21 hits in 65 ABs) with eight doubles, three triples, 23 RBI, 17 runs scored, and four stolen bases. He walked 12 times an had a .452 on-base percentage. He also had a .538 slugging percentage, and a .991 OPS.

Horton also threw out nine would-be base stealers, and also picked two runners off first base.

In the fall Horton took over at quarterback late in the season. He completed 6 of 8 passes for 272 yards and four TDs in his first significant playing time in Week 8. In his first start in Week 9, he threw for 173 yards and three TDs.

On the season, he completed 24 of 57 passes for 578 yards and seven TDs, with six interceptions. He also rushed for 71 yards and one TD.


Caden Hollywood, freshman, Waverly: Hollywood shared Baseball "Newcomer of the Year" honors and started on the Wolverine basketball team.

Hollywood made an immediate impact on the mound for the Wolverines, and became their big-game pitcher by the end of his first varsity season.

Hollywood posted a 7-0 record with a 2.15 ERA. He struck out 44 and walked 36 in 45 2/3 innings pitched, while allowing just 27 hits. He also hit .279 (17 hits in 61 ABs) with five doubles, seven RBI, and 13 runs scored.

On the hardwoods, Hollywood played in all 19 games, averaging 5.6, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He was third on the team with 15 3-pointers.

Jalen McCarty, junior, Waverly: McCarty played a big role on both the football and basketball teams for the Wolverines.

A quick and hard-nosed defender, McCarty, who was a Section IV place-winner on the wrestling mats as an 8th-grader, displayed a solid all-around game in his first varsity basketball campaign.

He averaged 7.4 points, 3 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 assists per game. He was second not he team with 24 3-pointers.

On the gridiron, McCarty was fifth on the team with 40 tackles, and led the team with two fumble recoveries.

McCarty only carried the ball nine times in his first varsity season, but ran for 58 yards (6.4 yards per carry) and four TDs. He was also dangerous kick and punt returner.

Gavin Bradley, freshman, Athens: Bradley became just the second freshman in the storied history of the Athens wrestling program to win a PIAA medal, and was the Valley Sports Report  Wrestling"Newcomer of the Year."

Bradley put together one of the best freshman seasons in program history, posting a 34-12 record and a sixth-place finish in the 106-pound weight class at the PIAA Class AA Championships. He joins Brian Courtney, who finished third in 2014, in the exclusive club.

Bradley finished second at the North Section Tournament, District 4 Championships, and the PIAA Northeast Regionals - losing in the finals at all three to eventual state champion Sheldon Seymour of Troy. Of his other nine losses on the season, three came at the PIAA Championships, and three more came to state qualifiers in N.Y. and Pa.

Emmett Wood, freshman, Tioga: Only a freshman, Emmett Wood led Tioga's potent ground game, easily topping the 1,000-yard plateau to earn the Valley Sports Report 2018 Football "Newcomer of the Year."

Wood, using a blend of speed, power and instincts, led the Tigers with 1,416 yards and 15 TDs, averaging 8.1 yards per carry. His freshman yardage ranks second only to Jesse Manuel, who had 1.535 yards and 22 TDs, in the Tioga record books.

Wood, who also returned kickoffs for the Tigers, was among the team leaders in tackles and interceptions.

Brady Worthing, junior, Tioga: Already a two-sport standout at Tioga, Worthing took over the QB duties in the fall and handled them flawlessly, whether it was directing the misdirection or running the option. He was also a solid presence on defense in the Tioga secondary.

Offensively, Worthing completed 51 percent (28 of 55) of his passes for 479 yards and three TDs with three interceptions. He also ran for 633 yards (7.1 yards per carry) and seven TDs.

Cameron McIsaac, freshman, Waverly: McIsaac was fearless in the net for a very young Wolverine team, using his quickness and instincts to make numerous acrobatic saves.

McIsaac faced an astounding 22 shots-on-goal per game this season, and averaged 17 saves per game. He also scored one goal during a brief stint on the offensive end of the field.

"”"”"”"”"”"”

IN PHOTO: Sayre's Brayden Horton.