For California senior Jaden Barr, however, it was something of a "conflict of interest" to be named as both the First Team quarterback and First Team punter. Not in a bad way, but more a comical irony.
As the starting quarterback, Barr's focus was to lead his offense on successful drives down the field, preferably resulting in touchdowns or field goals. When those drives were unsuccessful, Barr had to punt the ball away to the opposing team's offense.
Again, something of a conflict of interest.
"You don't like to punt because that means you're not moving the ball," Barr said. "It's cool (to be First Team punter), but as an offense, you don't want to punt. You want to be scoring touchdowns. Hopefully, you don't have too many punts."
All joking aside, Barr felt honored to be recognized as a quarterback and punter. He was a main component in California's 13-1 season, which included Tri-County Conference and District 6 titles. The Pintos lost to eventual state champion Oak Grove in the Class 3 semifinals.
"We play in a competitive district and conference, so anytime you're recognized, it's special," Barr said. "You think back to all the hard work you put in. The weight lifting, the practicing, the summer workouts. It feels great."
Barr was joined on the All-District First Team by fellow Pintos Drew Norton (receiver), Zach Cummings (offensive line), Nathan Squires (offensive line, defensive line), Allan Burger (linebacker) and Landon Mouse (defensive back). Running back Walker Borghardt and defensive lineman Ramiro Garcia were Second Team selections.
"Throughout high school, every year, Jaden and a few receivers came to run routes every day," Norton said. "In the summer, we were always running routes. We worked all summer. It would've been great to make the (state finals), but after the season, it's nice to be recognized for your hard work."
California head coach Marty Albertson wasn't left out, receiving All-District Coach of the Year.
"We preach the team concept and how to represent this team," he said. "Every kid is important and every kid contributed to that 13-1 record. We couldn't do it without the entire team. Hopefully, the juniors and seniors get most of the awards and those freshmen and sophomores will know their time is coming."