Owensboro head football coach Jay Fallin and Red Devil junior quarterback Gavin Wimsatt continue to bring in the awards as the two each earned another honor during this historic season at OHS.
Fallin was named the KFCA Class 5A Coach of the Year on Sunday, while Wimsatt was named the KFCA Class 5A Player of the Year.
For the man at the helm of the Red Devils that now sits alone at fourth all-time in victories at the school with 59, he said it’s a testament to all those that contribute to the success of Owensboro High School football.
“A coach of the year recognition is a reflection of the health of the program,” Fallin said. “Obviously everybody involved – the assistant coaches, players, administrators, support staff, it’s a recognition for everybody. Gavin’s recognition is just a reflection on the season he’s had and I know he would be the first to say his teammates really helped him to have all the success he’s had.”
Wimsatt’s skill level is known not only throughout the state but around the country as his recruiting has heated up this season.
Fallin said there’s more to his junior leader.
“What everybody doesn’t see is there’s a lot of pressure to be a quarterback at Owensboro High School and we ask him to do a lot because we throw the ball so much,” he said. “He handles it all in stride. He works very hard in the weight room and in the offseason with our offensive coordinator coach (Jeff) Reese through the week, gameplanning, prep and what we’re trying to accomplish then he goes out on Friday night’s and executes.
“We knew on Friday that when we got the ball back down six with 5:00 left, I had every confidence that he was going to lead us down the field and get us in the endzone, get us an opportunity to take the lead.”
Wimsatt said while the award is nice, it’s not just for him.
“It means a lot,” he said. “Me and my guys worked hard during the offseason and I definitely think it’s a reward for hard work.”
The Owensboro offense has weapon after weapon for Wimsatt to throw and hand the ball off to, and he said that makes his job a lot easier.
“I love it,” he said. “Especially knowing they’re hardworking guys and they’re going to give it their all every time.”
Fallin, Wimsatt and the rest of the Red Devils hit the field Saturday at 3 p.m. EST in the KHSAA Class 5A State Championship against Bowling Green.
