Terence Dunlap was named the Class 1A Back of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association during the annual Player of the Year Awards luncheon held Wednesday at the Alabama Activity Center in Montgomery.

“It’s great for anybody associated with our athletic program,” Maplesville head coach Brent Hubbert said. “All it does is solidify the importance of teamwork.”

Dunlap was a focal point during Maplesville’s title runs each of the past two seasons.

His dominance on the ground was on display in nearly every game that the Red Devils have played during that two-year span.

“You’ve got to be able to run the football, and he gave us that chance,” Hubbert said.

The Back of the Year award joins a cluttered trophy case for Dunlap, who has been named Most Valuable Player in consecutive state championship games.

This past season, he posted astronomical numbers, as he carried the ball 257 times for 2,514 yards and 36 touchdowns.

“When you have those type of stats, that is leadership by action,” Hubbert said.

With Dunlap lined up in the backfield, production on the ground became an expectation for Maplesville fans no matter who lined up against the Red Devils.

“He’s always had great vision, but the weight room has made him stronger and harder to bring down,” Hubbert said. “That just makes you even more dangerous.”

However, behind every running back is an offensive line helping to pave the way. This was also the case at Maplesville, where a veteran front line made life easier for the rest of the offense.

Devan Wallace was a key cog along the offensive line and was recognized for his tenacious play by finishing third in the voting for the Class 1A Lineman of the Year.

The fact that Dunlap and Wallace were the two players recognized as candidates for awards proves the importance that Maplesville places on maintaining a physical style of play.

With his senior year yet to be played, Dunlap looks to be a leading contributor, as the Red Devils will look to make it three in a row state titles.