By Staff Reports

Austin Crittenden from Highland Home has been named the CM Gridiron Defensive Player of the Year, earning an impressive 28,075 votes, or 52.05%, in a fan-voted poll. CM Gridiron is an online platform that empowers fans to engage with Alabama high school football through a digital community.

Crittenden’s standout defensive performances were vital in leading the Highland Home Flying Squadron to a perfect undefeated, 10-0, regular-season record. His efforts, skill and determination helped propel the team to the Class 2A Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) state semifinals, where the Flyboys were narrowly defeated, 6-0, by the eventual state champions, Reeltown High School.