Lincoln’s Kyan Phillips is Bay Area News Group’s Santa Clara County player of year
SAN JOSE — It’s possible no one in the Bay Area had a more legendary playoff run than Kyan Phillips this season.
There are plenty of impressive candidates, to be sure. But it would be hard to find a player that meant more to his team and was more integral to its success down the stretch.
Phillips was outstanding all season long, but he took it to another level in the postseason. It peaked in the CCS Division IV championship game, when he scored six touchdowns as the Lions routed Branham 49-21.
Philips continued his exploits in the CIF NorCal 6-AA championship game, where he overcame a badly bruised knee to score two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner, and get back on the field for the crucial defensive stop that won Lincoln the regional title.
In the Lions’ state championship matchup against Valley Center, Phillips returned a kickoff for a touchdown, caught a long receiving score and ran in two TDs while once again battling through knee issues and a noticeable limp as Lincoln lost a 36-35 last-minute heartbreaker.
The outcome wasn’t what Lincoln wanted. But Phillips had proved beyond a shadow of a doubt what type of player he was.
Lions coach Kevin Collins said it best.
“We got Kyan Phillips and a bunch of dudes that are playing ball,” Lincoln’s head man said after the Valley Center game.
Phillips consistently deflected credit to his teammates and offensive line in interviews. But there’s no doubt that without him, the Lions would not have sniffed anywhere near the historic success they had this season.
Lincoln found something down the stretch, and Phillips was at the center of all of it. He finished his senior year with 47 touchdowns, 1,758 rushing yards, 571 receiving yards, 20 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
“It’s tiring, for sure,” Phillips said of playing through injury after the state championship game. “We had a lot of injuries and sicknesses, but everyone fought through it and played to the end. We played well as a team. We’ve competed all the way to the end of every game. One point away from winning this game, just like all the other games. That’s all I can say.”
All-BANG football online publication schedule
Monday, Jan. 5
Coach of the year
Alameda County player of the year
Contra Costa County player of the year
Tuesday, Jan. 6
Peninsula player of the year
Santa Clara County player of the year
Bay Area News Group player of the year
Wednesday, Jan. 7
Kickers/punters
Offensive line
Defensive line
Athletes
Thursday, Jan. 8
Linebackers
Running backs
Utility
Friday, Jan. 9
Defensive backs
Wide receivers/tight ends
Quarterbacks
Sunday, Jan. 11
Entire team in one article
Those eligible for all-BANG honors come from leagues based predominantly in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The news organization’s high school sports staff chooses the players and coaches.