All Ruston Daily Leader Defense

Zheric Hill waited his turn to shine in the spotlight, and he made the most of his moment in 2024.

Hill, a veteran captain on the Ruston Bearcats defense with a smile that can light up any room, matched with an on-field hit stick that sent shudders into opponents, delivered when he was needed most this fall and has earned the honor of All Ruston Daily Leader Defensive MVP.

The future Louisiana Tech Bulldog put up 108 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions — one going for a pick-six — and 4 pass breakups this year. Among a handful of worthy season highlights was Hill’s opening the season against Acadiana with 20 tackles and his performance against Midland Legacy with 10 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, and a pick-six.

The District 2-5A Defensive MVP, Hill put up 23 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 pass break-ups in Ruston’s playoff run to the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

“I’m proud of the heart that each of my teammates brought to this team,” Hill said. “As seniors, we had the privilege of guiding a group of young men who worked hard to grow, learn, and compete. Watching everyone give their all on the field, whether at practice or under the bright lights, was inspiring.”

After Ruston’s loss in the state championship game to Central, Hill said he was proud to be a Bearcat and wouldn’t trade his experience in the program for anything.

With the season in the books and enough time for proper reflection, Hill continued that sentiment as he begins the process of playing at the next level in 2025.

“I feel that way based on what I wake up to everyday: the community, the school, the athletics,” Hill said. “It’s just surrounded by great, genuine people. Ruston is one of a kind. It’s true support from everyone.”

Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh didn’t sugarcoat the expectation placed on Hill before the season began, knowing his veteran linebacker would have to not only lead a strong defensive unit but pick up the slack missing from a graduated Jadon Mayfield. But like he’s proven time and time again, Hill answered the call.

“It’s one of things where we put a high expectation on him, and our football team needed him to be consistent every week and he did what we needed him to,” Baugh said. “For me, Zheric is always in a good mood. I’ll remember that most and of course him being a really good player and all those things.

“But just his attitude about coming into work every day was pretty remarkable for a kid his age. He looked at things the right way and always was ready to work and try to be better. His work ethic and his good attitude was always really good, and it really made him who he is,” Baugh continued.

Fellow Ruston teammates of Hill on the All- RDL Defense include defensive linemen Payton Bell and Ka’Varion Key, along with linebacker Zander Hayes, and defensive backs Aidan Anding, Jayden Anding, and Fabian Stringfellow.

Bell, a four-year starter on Ruston’s defensive front, had a careerhigh 53 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 6 sacks this season as he wrapped up a varsity career of 55 starts.

The Anding brothers made football look like a video game at times this season with a combined 10 interceptions, 8 pass breakups, and 72 tackles between them. For good measure, Aidan also made the team at kick returner after scoring on two punt returns and a kickoff return this fall.

Cedar Creek is represented by junior defensive lineman Blake Robinson, who put up 69 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks this season – tying the school record of career sacks at 14.5 – along with senior linebacker Mason Wooden (67 tackles, 4 tackles for loss) and senior defensive back James Myers (7.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries).

Lincoln Prep seniors Tyler Wimberley ( LB) and Cenario Wilson (DB) also earned a spot on the team after strong seasons on the Panther defense. Wilson especially stood out with 6 interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and 23 tackles at cornerback.