Statewide high school football tournament proposals debated

The Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association is working on yet another proposal for a statewide football tournament.

After repeated past attempts have failed, the MHSFCA expects to present a plan at the MIAA state football committee meeting on Feb. 9.

Gazette Football All-Star Team

First team

Shane Andrews, junior, Easthampton

Paul Bergeron, senior, Easthampton

Justin Carey, junior, Amherst Regional

Charlie Clark, junior, Amherst Regional

Connor Doran, senior, South Hadley

Max Dowd, junior, South Hadley

Zach Greaney, senior, South Hadley

Jake Griffin, senior, Northampton

Belchertown quarterback Chris Ladd Gazette Football Player of the Year

Simply referring to Belchertown's Chris Ladd as a quarterback doesn't begin to tell the whole story of his ability as a football player. Indeed, the senior did it all on the gridiron for the Orioles, leading them into the postseason for the second straight season following a four-year drought. For all his exploits, Ladd has been named the Daily Hampshire Gazette Football Player of the Year for the 2011 season.

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Gazette Football All-Star Team

First team

Shane Andrews, junior, Easthampton

Paul Bergeron, senior, Easthampton

Justin Carey, junior, Amherst Regional

Charlie Clark, junior, Amherst Regional

Connor Doran, senior, South Hadley

Max Dowd, junior, South Hadley

Zach Greaney, senior, South Hadley

Jake Griffin, senior, Northampton

Students suspended for 'Tebowing'

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. - Two New York athletes have been suspended by school administrators for organizing several "kneel-downs" in tribute to NFL sensation Tim Tebow, who said Friday that while he appreciates their boldness, the students have to obey their elders.