VALDOSTA — Making it back to the state championship game earned five Valwood Valiants first team All-State honors in the GIAA.

Tayt Snellgrove,  Triston White, Andrew Belcher, Ian Giddens and Jack Melendez were all listed by the league.

Snellgrove, a junior quarterback, was injured during the season after getting off to a fantastic start. Giddens and Melendez are also juniors. Melendez was picked as an offensive lineman and Giddens on both sides of the line.

White and Belcher are seniors.

A running back, White recently signed with Northern Illinois. He battled back from injuries to help the Valiants turn the tables on Tiftarea Academy in the semifinals.

Belcher was named All-State at defensive back. He also starred as a returner and receiver for Valwood.

State champion Deerfield-Windsor led Class 3A with six All-Staters. Coach of the Year went to Deerfield’s Jake McCrae.

Player of the Year went to J.R. Walker, Tiftarea Academy quarterback, and also a member of Valwood’s District 3-3A.