West Liberty defensive back Darren Banks has been named the West Virginia Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Banks led the WVIAC in interceptions for a second straight season with seven picks. The Camden, New Jersey senior ended his West Liberty career with a WVIAC-record 35 interceptions. He ranked third on the Hilltopper squad with 41 solo tackles. Banks also notched four tackles for loss and a pair of pass breakups.
Banks' cousin Branden Ore, the West Liberty running back who transferred from Virgina Tech, was named to the West Virginia Conference first-team. Ore ran for a West Liberty record 20 touchdowns in his only season on campus. His next move is hopefully the NFL. Ore was a first-team All-ACC perfrormer from his days at Tech, when he rushed for over 1,000 yards a sophomore in 2006. He rushed for 992 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2007.
Ore will now play in the Texas vs. the Nation All-Star Challenge at the Sun Bowl in El Paso on January 31st 2009.
West Liberty receiver Eddie Hills was named to the WVIAC first-team offense. He caught 61 passes for 811 yards an 9 touchdowns.
WL junior linebacker Nick Harding was named to the WVIAC first-team defense after 115 tackles, 13 of them for loss.
Senior Billy Hager was named first-team, all-conference kicker. He booted 13 of 19 field goals, and became West Liberty's and the WVIAC's al-time leading kick scocrer with 275 career points.
