Mark Ellis Named First-Team All-State

It's tough to imagine that Garden City Trojans running back Mark Ellis wouldn't make first-team All-State for his offense, but the impressive two-way back let his defense pave the way for an impressive end to his season.

The New York State Sportswriters Association announced Wednesday that Ellis has been named first-team All-State as a defensive back, showing the speedster's knack for two-way play. He finished the season with two fumble recoveries and four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, including a 75-yard return in the Trojans' Nassau County championship win.

Ellis was the cornerstone — and cornerback — of a Trojan defense which allowed a measly 68 points in 12 games, which translates to an average of less than six points per game.

Defensive numbers aside, Ellis' offensive numbers were monstrous. The senior back rushed for 997 yards on just 115 carries to go along with 18 touchdowns. Add those 18 rushing touchdowns to his two defensive touchdowns and one more via a punt return, and you've got a school-record 21 touchdowns.

The touchdown record wasn't the only record Ellis broke this season. In a 29-14 win over a pesky Long Beach squad, and with multiple running back injured, Ellis rushed for a school-record 293 yards on 23 carries. He also scored three times in that game.

Ellis ran his way into the Thorp Award discussion as Nassau County's top overall player. He was nominated alongside Plainedge two-way back Ralph Caccavale and eventual Thorp winner Robbie Healy of East Meadow.