NATCHEZ — A pair of Cathedral High School wide receivers received state-wide recognition when they were selected to the MHSAA Class 1A All-State team last week.

Sophomore Jardarius Anderson was named to the first team, while senior Ishmael Blackmon was selected to the second team. Anderson finished the season with 85 catches for 1,477 yards, and Blackmon tallied 58 catches for 1,167 yards.

Anderson said he was shocked he made All-State as a sophomore but thrilled he was recognized for his season.

“It felt great when I found out,” Anderson said. “It’s very special. Everyone is trying to make a name for themselves, so it’s good to know I’m starting off great as a sophomore.”

Blackmon also said it was an honor to be named All-State. Even though it was his final season to play high school ball, Blackmon said making All-State wasn’t a focal point for him.

“I was just going into my senior year trying to win district and make it far in the playoffs,” Blackmon said. “I didn’t really have (All-State) on my mind.”

Blackmon said credit goes to his coaches for calling good plays, senior quarterback Thomas Garrity for making the throws and the offensive line for giving Garrity time to throw.

“If it wasn’t for them, I couldn’t do well,” Blackmon said.

Anderson said Garrity played a critical role in helping him accumulate big numbers.

“He just needed to throw the ball, really, because I knew I was going to get it,” Anderson said. “He has good accuracy and touch on the ball — he wasn’t just floating it in the air. It was a good ball when he threw it.”

Having a teammate make All-State was also special, Anderson added.

“We both wanted to do the same things, and it was nice competing against your own teammate,” Anderson said. “We pushed each other to go hard.”

Blackmon said having so many weapons on offense was comforting, since teams couldn’t zero in on one person.

“Our whole receiving corps is great and can catch the ball,” Blackmon said. “I figured (Anderson) would make (All-State). He put up great numbers game after game, and he was very consistent.”