The awards have officially begun to pour in for the William Penn football team as the all-MSFA Midwest League teams were announced Thursday.

Four Statesmen claimed first-team honors, while Todd Hafner, leading his team to a 5-2 league record (7-4 overall) in his fifth year, was named Coach of the Year by his peers. A total of 13 Penn players (one player earned two awards) collected some form of recognition, while offensive coordinator Aaron Hafner earned Tri-Assistant Coach of the Year laurels. The 14 awards are the most in program history.

Offensive linemen Andrew Dean and Jacob McCullough concluded their collegiate careers with first-team awards. The pair, who were both honored for the first time, helped Penn to 331.4 yards per game, including 240.9 rushing yards, good for second in the Mid-States Football Association.

Free safety Jake Jenkins claimed first-team honors as well for his second career award (honorable mention in 2007). The senior tallied 39 tackles, but more importantly led Penn with five interceptions in addition to one quarterback sack and four pass breakups.

Skyler Crouch had a strong season in the return game and was rewarded by being named a first-team return specialist. The junior, who earned his first-ever first-team honor, returned 17 punts for an average of 10.3 yards (long of 53) and returned four kickoffs for an average of 17.8 yards (long of 41).

Quarterback Ryan Van Dalen topped a long list of second-team honorees. The junior, who was an honorable mention last year, transformed into a multiple-option star for Penn, rushing 187 times for 1,158 yards and 18 TDs (tied school record) and completing 52 of 126 passes for 995 yards and nine TDs. He earned MWL Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week Seven of the season.

Fullback Lincoln Cavanagh was a tremendous complement to Van Dalen in the backfield and earned his first career honor. The senior rushed 159 times for 746 yards and five touchdowns. He earned MWL Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week Eight of the season.

Wide receiver Crouch, who completed Penn’s three-headed offensive monster, caught 19 passes for 644 yards and five touchdowns. The honor is the third of his career (honorable mention in 2006 and 2007).

Offensive lineman Steven Dawley, who was an honorable-mention selection a year ago, joined Dean and McCullough on the postseason list as a second-teamer.

Defensively, lineman Kris Austin, linebacker Trevon Greene and cornerback Terrance Flukers all also received second-team laurels. All three are first-time award recipients.

Austin finished the season with 38 tackles, a team-best two quarterback sacks, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble, while Greene led Penn with 93 tackles in addition to one sack, two pass breakups, one fumble recovery, and a team-high three forced fumbles.

Flukers ended his 2008 campaign with 38 tackles, four interceptions, a team-best 11 pass breakups, one forced fumble and one blocked kick.

All three of Penn’s honorable mentions came off the defensive side of the ball as well and all three are first-time recipients as well.

Lineman Jamal Zollicoffer tallied 42 tackles in 2008 with a team-best 10 tackles for loss. He also had a team-best two quarterbacks and one fumble recovery.

Lineman Scott Bell recorded 62 tackles (nine for a loss) in addition to a team-best two sacks and one forced fumble.