To the victors go the spoils, and Class 4 state football champion Salem took a bunch of honors when the Virginia High School League All-State football team was announced this week.

Salem High coach Stephen Magenbauer has been named the VHSL Class 4 state Coach of the Year, and six Spartans were named to the first or second team. First selections were seniors Viante Tucker at receiver, De’Angelo Ramsey at runningback and two defensive backs, Nick Wade and Joseph Quinn. Second team selections were Thomas Farrell on the offensive line and Nate Craft at placekicker.

All the spoils didn’t go to the victors, as Louisa County took two of the top honors after falling to Salem, 43-22, in the state championship game. Louisa County senior all-purpose back Malik Bell was selected Class 4 Offensive Player of the Year and Louisa County teammate senior defensive lineman Tony Thurston was chosen Defensive Player of the Year after leading the Lions to a 14-1 record.

Thirty-two players were chosen to each all-state team. On Offense: one quarterback; four linemen; one center; three running backs; three wide receivers; one tight end; one kicker; one kick returner and one offensive all-purpose player. On the Defense: three defensive tackles; two defensive ends; four linebackers; four defensive backs; one punter; one punt returner and one defensive all-purpose player.

Each all-state selection committee is composed of eight football coaches, with two from each Region.