Grant, a defensive lineman, helped the Ironmen to second-place in the Class 6A state playoffs with a 12-2 record and a share of the league title.

The 6-foot, 235-pound Grant also was among three NCHS players to earn all-conference honors as a unanimous selection. The other first-team honorees were Darren Dierkes, a unanimous selection on the offensive line, and Shannon Cobb, a unanimous pick as a defensive back.

Cobb was a repeat selection from last year, while Dierkes was a second-team choice on the defensive line.

Normal West had three repeat selections on the first team in running back Josh Lacombe, ofensive lineman Danny Hafley and linebacker Jeff Hevrin. Hafley was a unanimous choice.

Also, making the first-team from West was defensive lineman Jake McCowan.

Bloomington landed six spots on the first team. Making the grade on offense were lineman Tyler Cain, tight end Ryan Kernes and running back Valshun Powe.

Defensively, the Purple Raiders had Rich Kwitkowski as a lineman, Chris Jameson at linebacker and Justin Hale in the backfield.

Alex Mullins of West was a member of the second-team offensive line for a second straight year. Other Wildcats making the second team were Nick Schulke (offensive line) and Cody White (tight end).

Second-team choices from NCHS included Mike Cross and Clifford Ford (offensive line), Craig Lutes (quarterback), Devin Lindsay and Anthony Hamer (defensive linemen), Sam Smith (linebacker) and Nate Rapp (kicker).

BHS' Josh Mitchell and Brent Holtz were second-team picks as defensive backs. Holtz moved up from honorable mention a year ago.

The Illinois Coaches Association Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Year award went to running back Marques Wilkins of Decatur MacArthur.