SPANISH FORT, Alabama — Johnny Cook of Spanish Fort has been named the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) Back of the Year for Class 5A football. SFHS teammate and Toro quarterback Joel Poe (5A championship MVP) was a runner-up in the voting along with Muscle Shoals running back Tyler Jackson.

Though primarily a defensive back, Cook played both ways and on special teams—especially in region and playoff games. Region 1 in the 5A football class is often called the South Eastern Conference of Alabama High School sports. Five of the last six 5A state champions have come from the Mobile-Baldwin area.

The ASWA selects three finalists for backs and linemen in each of the six classes in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) as well as all teams in the Alabama Independent Schools Association.

All three 5A Back of the Year finalists are seniors. Tre Williams of St. Paul's, a junior linebacker for the Saints, was named a finalist for Lineman of the Year.

The Alabama Sports Writers Association's 2012 Mr. Football Award was also presented Wednesday night with Jeremy Johnson of Carver-Montgomery claiming the honor. Johnson edged out Fultondale’s ArDarius Stewart in the voting 170-168.

The finalists were voted on earlier this month at the ASWA's all-state meeting by a panel of high school writers from around the state. Winners in each class and the Mr. Football Award were announced at the ASWA's annual Player of the Year banquet in Montgomery Wednesday. The event is sponsored by the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association (AHSADCA).

The full list of award winners from each classification can be found at www.ahsaa.com