SHEFFIELD TWP. — Anyone who has seen Anthony Hitchens play football understands what a special athlete he is.

Wednesday night, Hitchens was awarded for his excellence on and off the field as he became the recipient of the Coca Cola Golden Helmet, which is awarded to the top senior football player in Lorain County.

During his four years at Clearview Hitchens set a new standard for excellence at the running back position. Hitchens capped off his career with an outstanding senior season. He was named Division IV offensive co-player of the year as he rushed for 1,428 yards and scored 21 touchdowns. He also had three receiving touchdowns and a kickoff return for a score.

He broke Clearview’s 35-year old rushing record of 3,265 yards held by his cousin Don Hitchens on Oct. 2 against Columbia. Hitchens also set the school record for rushing yards in a game that same night with 354.

Hitchens, who also led the team in tackles, was excited to win the award.

“Very surprised to win this award,” Hitchens said. “There were a lot of good players in the county this year and I’m very privileged to win.

“I wouldn’t be able to win this award without the help of my teammates. I’m going to enjoy this as long as I can.”

Even though he had a stellar junior campaign, Hitchens was more worried about getting his team back to the playoffs than whether or not he had a chance to win the Golden Helmet.

“This was more an individual thing, but I never set out to win it,” Hitchens said. “You win individual awards from the hard work your team puts in. I read about how I had a shot, but all I can do is work hard and try to make my team better.”

Hitchens said his most memorable moment of the season came on senior night.

“Crying with my brothers, then smiling right after we won. We had some great memories here and this senior class at Clearview will be remembered forever,” Hitchens said.

Clearview head coach Mike Collier couldn’t be more proud of his senior standout.

“I’m honored to have one of my players win such a prestigious award,” Collier said. “It’s definitely a well-deserving award to a kid like Anthony, because of his athletic ability and his character.

“I can’t say enough about him. I’m glad I got to coach him for four years.”

As a freshman, Collier knew Hitchens could become a great player.

“He was a great athlete back then, he’s always been a great athlete,” Collier said. “He had the intangibles to want to be better. He also wanted more and he worked his tail off in the offseason every year.

“As he got older he became more of a vocal leader, and his peers really look up to him.”

Hitchens also received the Scholar Athlete award, the Captain’s award and the Offensive Player of the Year for Clearview.