Locust Grove’s Mason Fine Named Gatorade Player Of The Year

Locust Grove quarterback Mason Fine has been named Oklahoma Player of the Year by Gatorade. The announcement seems early because the star athlete is not yet done with his season, but Gatorade releases their state winners in early December and their national winner later in the month. The winners are chosen based on athletic production and impact on the season. The athlete must also excel in academics and show community leadership by representing exemplary character.

Fine has already broken two state passing records during his junior season. He has thrown for 4,445 yards and 65 touchdowns. He has also completed 69 percent of his passes, and rushed for 522 yards and ten touchdowns. When talking about his stats, Fine stated, “I look at it as a team achievement.”

Fine serves as his school's junior class president, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, and is amongst the highest ranks within his class. He also serves as a youth football instructor, and has previously volunteered for the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Rival Sequoyah Coach Shane Richardson spoke on Fine's abilities saying, “He is probably the best quarterback I've coached against. He has set records in Oklahoma this year. You can tell he is the leader of his team by watching them feed off of his energy. On our team, we ask our players to play with great effort, attitude, and intensity. Mason Fine embodies that creed. He is an absolute nightmare to prepare for, and at the same time, fun as heck to watch.”

Fine and his team are currently battling a playoff controversy surrounding their win over Douglass. The Locust Grove Pirates were supposed to take on Heritage Hall Friday night, but Judge Bernard Jones ruled that Locust Grove would not advance in the playoffs for now. The game that was scheduled for Friday will not happen, (due to a temporary restraining order). There will be an injunction hearing next Thursday at 1:30 p.m. to decide what further action will occur.