Escambia Academy defensive lineman Garrett Kirk was named the AISA Lineman of the Year, at the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Mr. Football luncheon in Montgomery on Wednesday, Jan. 14.

Kirk, who also played tight end and punter for the Cougars, won the award as the best lineman in all three AISA classifications. Also nominated for the award were Monroe Academy offensive lineman Trey Carter and Restoration Academy defensive lineman Tim Collins.

Kirk and the Cougars finished the 2014 season with a record of 12-1, and won the AISA Class AAA state championship.

“It was quite a surprise,” Kirk said. “I honestly didn’t think that I would win it. I’m very happy.
“We had a great defensive scheme from Coach [John] Gartman. He helped to put me in the right place on the field to be successful.”

EA coach Hugh Fountain said that Kirk’s reward was just another testament to the success that the Cougars had in 2014.

“Football is really a team sport,” he said. “Obviously there are individual awards, but individual awards aren’t won without having great teammates to help.”

Fountain said that he was proud of Kirk’s accomplishment.

“I’m proud of him, and it’s quite an honor for him,” he said. “He is very deserving of this award, based on what he did on the field all year.”