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Gilmer High senior linebacker Aspen Hataway was selected to the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association’s all-state team in Class 3A.
The leader of Gilmer High’s defense has been recognized for his efforts on the gridiron.
Senior linebacker Aspen Hataway was selected to the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association’s Class 3A all-state football squad. The GACA splits its all-state teams between north and south. Hataway was one of six linebackers named to the all-state north team, which is comprised of 25 schools from Class 3A’s Regions 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Hataway was a three-year defensive starter for the Bobcats and a two-time all-region performer. Prior to his all-state distinction, Hataway earned second-team all-region honors as a junior, and he was voted to the first team at the conclusion of his senior season.
“Aspen is one of the finest young men I’ve had the opportunity to coach at any school,” said Paul Standard, who has been a football coach for 39 seasons and a head coach for 23, including the last three at Gilmer. “He does great work in the classroom and is the definition of a ‘student athlete.’ Aspen has been a cornerstone of this program the three years we’ve been here as a staff.
“The characteristics that come to mind are mental and physical toughness and leadership. He was even one of our leaders as a 10th grader. He was a leader his junior year, and his senior year he obviously took over the defense. What makes him special is he’s so humble about the accolades he’s received and really humble about his role on the team.”
Hataway led the Bobcat defense in 2023 with 152 total tackles and seven for a loss. He was second on the team with three quarterback sacks and also broke up three passes.
Hataway proved to be a valuable runner when called upon. Injuries led to depth issues at fullback, and Hataway averaged 9.23 yards per carry and scored four touchdowns. He totaled 203 rushing yards, and broke a 71-yard touchdown run on fourth down and short in the fourth quarter versus Dawson County.
“If he wasn’t so valuable on defense, he probably would have started both ways, but that would have been really tough to do,” said Standard. “He gave our offense a spark in critical games down the stretch against Pickens, White County and our playoff win over Adairsville. Of course, everyone will remember him forever for his run against Dawson.”
Hataway is the second Bobcat selected to the GACA’s all-state team in as many seasons. Will Kiker made the team at defensive back last year, and he is currently a member of the football team at Georgia Tech.