From staff reports

The U.S. Army Montgomery Recruiting Battalion is proud to announce that Demopolis High School’s Jeremy Wallace is the 2nd Annual Army Iron Man of the Year as the best two-way high school football player in Alabama.

“I think that’s big for our school and our community,” Demopolis head coach Tom Causey said of the individual accolade. “It not only is big for Jeremy, it recognizes all of us. Jeremy is a very deserving young man.”

Fans from across the state voted for the Army Iron Man of the Year. Wallace received 6,738 votes to best Alabama Christian Academy’s Jordan Creel, who finished with 6,307 votes.

Wallace previously trailed Creel by nearly 1,000 votes before a surge late last week catapulted him into the lead. The Demopolis senior said he followed the voting numbers throughout the competition.

“Everyday,” Wallace, whose Tigers are headed to the semi-finals of the state playoffs Friday to play Spanish Fort, said. “I wanted to win it bad, but I want to win that state championship ring more. I got all my support from all my fans and friends. They were there for me.”

Wallace earned the week nine Army Iron Man of the Week honor after scoring on an 83-yard kick-off return for a touchdown and returning a fumble for a 16-yard touchdown in Demopolis’ 79-6 win over Wilcox Central. Wallace also found the end zone on offense and on a punt return in the game before having both called back on penalties.

Playing and excelling on both offense and defense, the Army Iron Man must demonstrate physical and emotional strength, as well as strength of character.

“As athletic as Jeremy is, God’s blessed him to be able to do those things,” Causey said. “It makes him an asset on both sides of the ball and special teams.”

Wallace returned to action this year after sitting out his junior season. Wallace said that he missed the game of football while watching his friends on the team make a run to the third round of the playoffs.

“I love it,” he said of his return to the field, which has since been validated by earning the Iron Man of the Year Award. “And I’m doing it with the people that I love too; my teammates.”

The Army Iron Man embodies the qualities of Army STRONG. High school football fans voted on the weekly winner of the U.S. Army Iron Man Award at www.TheSportsFlash.com. Fans, coaches, athletic directors, and the media have until noon each Monday during the regular season to nominate a player for the Army Iron Man of the Week Award.The United States Army is charged with protecting America’s freedom and preserving peace. The Army trains and equips its soldiers to be the best, especially when it comes to their job, leadership, and soldiering skills.

With more than 150 jobs available in many exciting fields, the U.S. Army provides many job training and leadership training opportunities. From working with computer to assisting doctors to fixing helicopters, there’s an Army job that’s right for you. For more information, go online to www.GoArmy.com.