Gilmer’s Ronnie McPherson is the ETSN.fm + Dairy Queen Defensive Player Week

The Gilmer Buckeyes; postseason run has come as a bit of a shock to East Texas football fans.

Although the Buckeyes are typically a perennial power, they had a down year in 2018, entering the playoffs with a 4-6 record. So far, they've gotten past the first couple of rounds, defeating Sunnyvale and Fairfield to set up a district rematch with Pleasant Grove.

Ronnie McPherson, a defensive lineman, played a large part in the Buckeyes' 24-14 victory against Fairefield on Friday. He finished with 13 tackles (3 for loss), 3 sacks, a fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown in the victory.

McPherson is the ETSN.fm + Dairy Queen Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts. He follows Pleasant Grove's Marcus Burris, who won the award in Week 12.

Gilmer's regional semifinal game against the Hawks is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Eagle Stadium in Allen.

2018 ETSN.fm/Dairy Queen Defensive Players of the Week

• Week 13 (Nov. 22-24): Ronnie McPherson, DL, Gilmer
• Week 12 (Nov. 15-17): Marcus Burris, DL, Pleasant Grove
• Week 11 (Nov. 9-11): Tyler Cherry, DL, Jefferson
• Week 10 (Nov. 2-4): Keontae Burns, DB, Pittsburg
• Week 9 (Oct. 25-27): Easton Blackstone, LB, Harmony
• Week 8 (Oct. 18-20): Jayden Jacobs, DL, Van
• Week 7 (Oct. 11-13): Walker Adams, LB, Carlisle
• Week 6 (Oct. 4-6): Eliya Garrett-Enis, LB, Emory Rains
• Week 5 (Sept. 27-29): Camryn Edney, LB, Pittsburg
• Week 4 (Sept. 20-22): Coltan Mills, DE, West Rusk
• Week 3 (Sept. 13-15): Justin Edwards, LB, Wills Point
• Week 2 (Sept. 6-8): Talon Winings, DB, West Rusk
• Week 1 (Aug. 30-Sept. 1): Ty Patterson, LB, Linden-Kildare