CHARMCO (WVDN) – Five members of the Greenbrier West football team earned All-State honors today. The distinction is awarded by a vote of the West Virginia Sport Writers Association. The Cavaliers had a successful 2022 season, going 10-2 and advancing to the Class A state quarterfinals.
Ty Nickell claimed first team running back honors for the second consecutive season. Nickell rushed for a career-high 1,918 yards and 31 touchdowns. Both his yardage and touchdown numbers were good enough for the third best single season totals in Greenbrier West history.
Nickell is the sixth Cavalier to have back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, joining Jeremy O’Dell (1994-95), Mitch Winnings (1999-2000), Chris Fleming (2003-04), Trent Walker (2005-06) and Malik Boatwright (2012-13). Nickell is just the third West running back to be a two-time, All-State selection at that position, joining O’Dell (1995-96) and Noah Brown (2019-20). Nickell is the 44th first-team All-State selection in Greenbrier West history.
Ethan Holliday was a dynamic defender for the Cavaliers in 2022. Holliday led the team in solo tackles with 77, total tackles with 122, interceptions with three, and tied for the team lead in forced fumbles with three. Holliday registered two fumble recoveries, 11 tackles for loss, two passes defensed, a blocked kick and a pick six. For his efforts, Holliday earned Class A first team honors as a defensive utility player, reflective of his diversity in playing both strong safety and linebacker. For good measure, Holliday led the Cavaliers in all receiving categories with 17 catches for 387 yards and four touchdowns. Holliday also grabbed two two-point conversions. Holliday was also West’s third-leading rusher with 192 yards and five touchdowns. Holliday becomes West’s 45th first-team selection.
Reney Cordial V was selected as a second-team lineman. Cordial anchored an offensive line that paved the way for three straight first-team, All-State running backs, Noah Brown in 2020 and Ty Nickell in 2021-22. Over the last three seasons, Greenbrier West has rushed for 8,995 yards and 142 touchdowns. Cordial provided Cavalier fans with one of the signature moments of the 2022 season, when he scored his first career touchdown with a five-yard carry against Meadow Bridge. Cordial sprinted toward the West bleachers with his helmet held high in celebration as the homecoming crowd roared with their approval. Cordial is the Cavaliers’ 29th second-team All-State selection.
Cole Vandall garnered second-team, defensive-line honors for an impactful 2022 season. Vandall collected 65 total tackles and led the Cavaliers with three fumble recoveries and 14 tackles for loss. Vandall added an interception, forced fumble and blocked kick to his resume. Vandall had a 32-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the week-five win over Meadow Bridge. Vandall constantly harassed and pressured opposing quarterbacks on his way to an All-State season. Vandall added some solid offensive numbers in 2022, rushing for 430 yards and six touchdowns while throwing for 402 yards and a touchdown. Vandall is West’s 30th second-team All-State selection.
Dalton Heath earned Honorable Mention honors for his first-year efforts as a Cavalier football player. Heath had a knack for making acrobatic catches and tied Holliday with 17 receptions while putting up 212 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Heath had some impressive runs from scrimmage in the Cavaliers’ playoff win over South Harrison. On defense, Heath was a physical linebacker with size and speed. Heath registered 89 total tackles and tied Vandall for the team lead in fumble recoveries with three. Heath had three tackles for loss, a forced fumble, an interception, and a fumble return for a touchdown in the regular season finale against Moorefield.
Greenbrier West players have produced 167 All-State selections in 55 seasons. By the numbers, the Cavaliers have had 45 first-team, 30 second-team, 25 Special Honorable Mention, and 67 Honorable Mentions. The Special Honorable Mention designation has not been used since the 2019 season.
