The Tri-Eight Conference, home to local teams Apex, Athens Drive, Cary, Middle Creek, Green Hope and Panther Creek, released its All-Conference selections for the 2008 year.

Senior Apex defensive tackle Lewis McAlister took home defensive player of the year, while Cary sophomore kicker/punter Will Gilfillan was named the conference's special teams player of the year.

Apex (10-4) led all teams in members selected with eight after advancing all the way to the third round of the 4-AA playoffs. The offensive triumvirate of Houston Hawley, running back Kevin Fogg and wide receiver Rob Fronk all made first-team offense as well as offensive lineman Will Soares.

Other Cougars joining McAlister on the first-team defense were senior linebacker Jake Milinichik and twin cornerbacks Josh and Joey Powell.

Middle Creek (6-7) had the next highest number of selections among area schools with five. The Mustangs ended their year in the second round of the 4-A playoffs.

Three Mustang juniors made All-Conference defense with lineman Allen Reams, linebacker Matthew Laxton and defensive back Garrett Rider. On offense, junior running back Stephen Sladek and senior wideout Tre Nesbit were selected.

Cary (four) and Athens Drive (three), both playoff teams, were next highest in selections.

The Imps (4-8) placed junior lineman Fre'shad Hunter on the all-conference defensive team along with senior defensive back Bryan Wilson. Eloheim Palma, also a standout wrestler for Cary, made first-team offense for his play on the offensive line.

Lineman Steve Kotnik, running back Darius Williams and receiver Phillip Barren - all seniors - were named to first-team offense for the Jaguars (4-8).

Also named to the All-Conference team were Green Hope (0-11) seniors Mack Lloyd (offensive lineman) and Matt Burke (wide receiver) and also Panther Creek (2-9) senior Gray Mazzone - who made it as a linebacker after starting the year at quarterback.

NOTE: To view all those awarded, including those that made honorable mention, go to the SWakeSports blog.