Four Bobcats make All-State football team

By Editor | March 4, 2021 |

By Whitney Wyatt

The Red River Sun

CHILDRESS – The Texas Sports Writers Association included Bobcats Collin Bishop, Zion Fuller, Lamont Nickleberry and Devron Sims in its 3A All-State football team.

“They earned it with their performances this year,” said Childress High School Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Jason Sims. “I’m excited for them.”

Fuller, a 5-10, 200-pound junior, made the second-team defense team while Sims, a 6-0, 175-pound senior, made the honorable mention defense team. Bishop, a 6-0, 190-pound junior, and Nickleberry, a 5-10, 150-pound sophomore, made the honorable mention offense team.

“I am so proud of Collin, Devron, Lamont and Zion,” said Childress High School Principal Paige Steed. “Their athletic prowess speaks for itself as they were selected for the Texas Sports Writers Association All-State team. However, I would like to draw attention to the academic skills of all four of these young men.”

They all have an impressive GPA above 3.5, Steed added. A bright future awaits each of them. They are attentive in class and are focused on their academics making them very well-rounded.

Nickleberry’s mother could not agree more.

“He makes me proud on and off the field,” Reynalda Juarez said. “Considering he didn’t play football his freshman year, he had a great year this year.”

Melanie Sims said it’s been amazing getting to watch her son play football. She’s his No. 1 fan.

“He is truly something special to me, and I’m beyond grateful to be his mother and part of all his accomplishments and achievements,” she added. “The love he has for the game and his teammates is something special.”

While Adam Bishop is proud of his son for working hard and being a student of the game, he said it’s more about the team.

“Each year Collin gets better, and he really uses what he learned the year before,” he explained. “You can’t have someone stand out without a good team. It’s a huge group effort. We’re retaining a lot of the boys.”

Zion’s mother Bibi Fuller said as a team, the players are close and work hard. Her son even set a goal of tackles at the beginning of the season and exceeded it.

“He was excited (when he heard the news of All-State),” she said. “We are super excited for him. He’s already set more goals for next year.”

And he’s not alone. The Bobcats are already thinking about next year’s football season.

“I’m proud to get such an incredible honor, and I give all the credit to the team and coaches,” the younger Bishop said. “All-state is a great accomplishment, but the team and I aim to bring the first state championship home to Childress next year.”