Record Breaking Year for KCU Football

The Appalachian Athletic Conference announced the 2024 Football All-AAC Team and Awards on Thursday.

Derell Simmons of Kentucky Christian is the Offensive Freshman of the Year, while Dashawn Webster is the Defensive Freshman of the Year. The awards were voted on and selected by the football coaches of the AAC.

Simmons, a wide receiver, led the league in receiving yards (1,045), receiving yards per game (95.0), and receiving touchdowns (12). He finished fourth in the league in receptions with 54.

Webster, a linebacker, led the conference in total tackles (99) and tackles per game (9.0). He is fifth in the AAC in sacks with 8.0 and tied for third in tackles for a loss with 15.0. He forced three fumbles and blocked one kick this season.

A total of 30 players earned All-AAC First Team honors with 15 on offense and 15 on defense with an additional 31 players making the second team. Several players earned All-Academic Team accolades, while four made the Champions of Character Team.

For a complete look at the awards, click here.

Not only did these two players win these awards, as a whole team it was a record breaking year. KCU scored 85 points on St. Andrews breaking a school record of most points scored in a single game. Jett Engle decided to get in on the action and break another school record of most passing touchdowns in a single game with 7. KCU led at the half 59-26, breaking the school record for most points scored in a game already which was set at 50. Engle also broke the single season record for passing yards with 2974 and Simmons broke the single season receiving yards record with 1045. Engle had 248 completions and 424 attempts with 31 passing touchdowns and 270.4 passing yards per game which also broke records. 

This year featured four players of the week. Jett Engle received the AAC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against St. Andrews, Dashawn Webster received the AAC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Union Commonwealth, Yuriel Carrero received the AAC Defensive Player of the Week against Taylor, and Derell Simmons received the AAC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Pikeville. 

The season featured many ups and downs but no one can deny that the Knights had a spectacular year with many records broken for not only the school but also in the AAC as well.