Mustang Football Earns Major League and State Honors After Standout Season

The Pershing County Mustangs closed out their season with an impressive slate of All-League and All-State football awards, reflecting a year of grit, depth, and top-tier performances across the roster.

Leading the list is Ayden Montes, who was named North Player of the Year and earned All-State First Team Linebacker honors. Montes also secured All-State Second Team Quarterback, showcasing his versatility on both sides of the ball.

Teammate Trenton Rhodes matched that level of recognition, earning 2A North Defensive Player of the Year and All-State Defensive Player of the Year. Rhodes also claimed All-State First Team Running Back and All-League First Team Running Back, underscoring his dominance on offense.

In the trenches, Taylor Montes captured All-State First Team Defensive Line, All-League First Team Defensive Line, and All-League Second Team Running Back, marking him as one of the most rounded players in the division.

Jeffrey Elerick anchored both lines for the Mustangs, earning All-State First Team Offensive Line, All-State Second Team Defensive Line, All-League First Team Offensive Line, and All-League First Team Defensive Line.

Brayden Padgett added to Pershing County’s strength in the interior with All-State Second Team Offensive Line and All-League First Team Offensive Line honors.

At the skill positions, Ramon Sanchez earned All-State First Team Tight End, All-State First Team Defensive Back, All-League First Team Tight End, and All-League First Team Defensive Back, rounding out one of the strongest award lists in the state.

Additional league awards included:
•Marcus Allen – All-League Second Team Defensive Back
•Ashton Jimenez – All-League Second Team Defensive Line

Special awards were also presented:
•Cade Liebsack received the Cody Gibson Memorial Special Teams Award
•Houston Allen earned the Robbie Weagant Outstanding Underclass Lineman Award

Honorable Mentions went to:
Josiah Hunt Jr. (Running Back, Defensive Back), Logan Hunt (Offensive Line), Houston Allen (Offensive Line), Estevan Gonzalez (Offensive Line), Cade Liebsack (Linebacker), and Marcus Allen (Wide Receiver).

For a program built on consistency and hard work, this year’s honors reflect the contributions of every unit and coaches say the group’s leadership and toughness set a high bar for the seasons ahead.