ALBANY HERALD ALL-AREA FOOTBALL TEAM: Albany Herald’s 2014 All-Area Football Team

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

• Garet Morrell, Lee County, Jr., QB

WHY HE’S HERE: Guided Lee County into the state playoffs in the state’s largest classification. Passed for 2,602 yards and 26 touchdowns to help Lee to a 9-3 record with two of their losses coming to the state champion and state runner-up.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP

• Trenton Thompson, Westover, Sr., DL

WHY HE’S HERE: The U.S. Army All-American had another strong season, finishing with 84 tackles, including 36 for loss. He added four sacks, one interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He also played on the offensive line.

ALL-AREA FIRST TEAM

OFFENSE

• Willie Jones, Monroe, Sr., QB

WHY HE’S HERE: Jones took over at quarterback and didn’t disappoint. He passed for 1,944 yards and 18 touchdowns, while rushing for 448 yards and six touchdowns.

• Zytavious Anderson, Worth County, Jr., RB

WHY HE’S HERE: Anderson spear-headed a brutal ground attack for Worth County. He rushed for 870 yards, averaging 8 yards per carry and helped the Rams finish as the Region 1-AAAA runner-up.

• Dontavious Buford, Worth County, Jr., RB

WHY HE’S HERE: The other member of Worth County’s ground attack that chewed up opposing defenses. Buford averaged 8.2 yards per carry, scored eight touchdowns and finished with more than 600 yards rushing.

• Wesley Fields, Americus-Sumter, Sr., RB

WHY HE’S HERE: Perhaps no player was as valuable to his team as Fields was. He played multiple positions on offense, finishing with 1,125 yards rushing, caught 22 passes for 375 yards and passed for more than 500 yards. He finished with 16 touchdowns.

• JQ Quimbly, Lee County, Sr., WR

WHY HE’S HERE: An explosive three-year starter, Quimbly caught 56 passes for 782 yards and nine touchdowns. Quimbly always played his best in big games.

• Tray Eafford, Lee County, Jr., WR

WHY HE’S HERE: This track speedster was Lee’s homerun threat. He finished the season catching 34 passes for 790 yards and seven touchdowns.

• Malik Dungee, Albany, Sr., WR/ATH

WHY HE’S HERE: Dungee played everywhere for the Indians and excelled each time he touched the ball. Dungee played wide receiver, running back, defensive back and also handled the punting and kicking duties.

• Chris Barnes, Lee County, Jr., OL

WHY HE’S HERE: One of the state’s top offensive line prospects, Barnes was a leader on the offensive front that helped quarterback Garet Morrell throw for nearly 3,000 yards.

• Quenten Sanders, Mitchell County, Jr., OL

WHY HE’S HERE: Sanders will be one of the top prospects in the area next season. His junior season wasn’t a shabby one either. He registered 38 pancake blocks on offense, then recorded 55 tackles on defense, including five and half tackles for loss and two sacks.

• Jessie Tyson, Westover, Sr., OL

WHY HE’S HERE: Westover’s most consistent lineman on the offensive front. Did an admirable job protecting quarterback Emory McKenzie and running back Qundez Carter.

• Benjamin Walters, Americus-Sumter, Jr., OL

WHY HE’S HERE: A first-team all-region selection who played very consistent on the offensive front. Walters could dominate.

• Josh West, Lee County, Sr., OL

WHY HE’S HERE: An offensive standout that played guard, tackle, center and fullback. His versatility helped Lee win nine games.

• Eric Burrows, Worth County, Jr., KR/PR

WHY HE’S HERE: A dangerous returner who was also a versatile defensive back. He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. He also recorded four interceptions and more than 100 tackles.

• Emorie McKenzie, Westover, Jr., Athlete

WHY HE’S HERE: McKenzie played quarterback but could have played many positions. He rushed for 988 yards and nine touchdowns and threw for 978 yards and five touchdowns.

• Michael Langston, Lee County, Sr., K

WHY HE’S HERE: Langston was near automatic this season. He was 53 of 55 on extra point attempts, and 8 of 11 on field goals with a long of 45.

DEFENSE

• Montre Hartage, Crisp County, Sr., DB

WHY HE’S HERE: A two-way standout who did a little of everything for the Cougars. He was a strong defender who finished with 63 tackles, 10 pass break-ups and two interceptions.

• Chris Melton, Lee County, Sr., DB

WHY HE’S HERE: The three-year starter picked up from where he left off as a junior. A strong cover guy, Melton was a player the Trojans relied heavily upon.

• Nui Misjon, Lee County, Jr., DB

WHY HE’S HERE: A pure athlete who also hits hard. The three-year starter finished with 70 tackles, three tackles for loss, four pass break-ups and an interception.

• Jysanti Richardson, Westover, Sr., DB

WHY HE’S HERE: Perhaps the best one-on-cover defender in the city. Richardson also played at wide receiver. He intercepted a pass and returned it for a score, returned a kick for a score and scored six touchdowns on offense to give him eight on the season.

• Curtis Williams, Lee County, Sr., DB

WHY HE’S HERE: Always drew the opponents’ best wide receiver every game. He finished with 50 tackles, nine pass break-ups and four interceptions.

• Brentavious Glanton, Monroe, Sr., DL

WHY HE’S HERE: The Georgia Tech commitment anchored a strong defensive front. He recorded 58 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and two sacks.

• Kendrick Pollard, Mitchell County, Sr., DL

WHY HE’S HERE: Pollard had an all-star season in 2014. He finished with 77 tackles, 24 1/2 tackles for loss, three sacks, an interception, three forced fumbles and blocked a punt. He was Mitchell’s defensive leader.

• Collins Tensley, Lee County, Sr., DL

WHY HE’S HERE: A relentless pass-rusher who led Lee County in sacks this season. He anchored a strong defensive front.

• Deonte Young, Monroe, Sr., DL

WHY HE’S HERE: The football and basketball standout was part of a strong defensive line. He finished with 47 tackles, three tackles for loss and 12 sacks.

• Austin Cain, Deerfield-Windsor, Sr., LB

WHY HE’S HERE: A standout who could have played anywhere. The all-state performer finished with 117 tackles, including 68 solos. He also intercepted a pass, forced two fumbles and recorded a sack.

• Dextric Green, Lee County, Sr., LB

WHY HE’S HERE: The four-year starter will leave as one of the best to ever play at Lee County. He led team in tackles all four years and dominated.

• Gary McCrae, Randolph-Clay, Sr., LB

WHY HE’S HERE: The Georgia commit wrecked havoc on the opposition. He finished with 68 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks, recovered four fumbles and returned two for touchdowns.

• Antonio Leroy, Monroe, Jr., LB

WHY HE’S HERE: Leroy didn’t disappoint after a strong sophomore season in 2013. He recorded 110 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery. two interceptions and three sacks.

• Clark Wiggins, Bainbridge, So., P

WHY HE’S HERE: Wiggins was a punt returner’s worst nightmare. Only six of his punts were returned for 22 yards. He averaged 34.8 yards per punt with a long of 53. Seven of his kicks were downed inside the opponents’ 10-yard line.

ALL-AREA SECOND TEAM

OFFENSE

• DaJohn Williams, Calhoun County, Sr., QB

WHY HE’S HERE: Williams helped Calhoun County to its best season since 1993. He passed for 1,358 yards and 10 touchdowns, helping the Cougars make the second round of the GHSA Class A public school playoffs.

• Qundez Carter, Westover, Jr., RB

WHY HE’S HERE: Came into his own this season and became a 1,000-yard rusher for the Patriots. Carter finished with 1,088 yards rushing on 116 carries and nine touchdowns.

• Jamal Gardner, Lee County, Sr., RB

WHY HE’S HERE: A bruiser who earned every yard he got. Gardner often was the power back at the goal line. He finished with 10 touchdowns and more than 500 yards rushing.

• Desmond Parker, Pelham, Sr., RB

WHY HE’S HERE: Parker was the heart of Pelham’s offense. The Region 1-AA offensive player of the year made things happen for the Hornets.

• Devontavius Campbell, Monroe, Sr., WR

WHY HE’S HERE: Speedster was one of quarterback Willie Jones’ top targets. He hauled in 43 passes for 608 yards and four touchdowns this season.

• Austin Fallaw, Deerfield-Windsor, Sr., WR

WHY HE’S HERE: A big target who always seemed to catch the tough passes, the GISA all-star caught 43 passes for 687 yards and six touchdowns.

• Dwight Harris, Americus-Sumter, Sr., WR

WHY HE’S HERE: Harris was a big-time threat for the Panthers. He caught 42 passes for 528 yards to lead Americus-Sumter.

• Detravious Greene, Westover, Sr., OL

WHY HE’S HERE: A very consistent lineman on the offensive front for the Patriots. Earned an offensive grade of 96 percent.

• Davon Hicks, Mitchell County, Sr., OL

WHY HE’S HERE: At 6-foot-3, 345-pounds, Hicks often wreaked a defensive lineman’s night. He finished with more than 31 pancake blocks on the offensive front.

• Alex Hines, Worth County, Sr., OL

WHY HE’S HERE: A talented offensive lineman who also played some at tight end. He only caught one pass, but he made his mark up front.

• Proctor Johnston, Lee County, Sr., OL

WHY HE’S HERE: Played center and often dominated defensive linemen. He also was the snapper in Lee County’s read-option offense.

• Calvin Warren, Worth County, Sr., OL

WHY HE’S HERE: A dominant protector up front who was a key reason for Worth County’s success on the ground.

• Victor Bodison, Bainbridge, Sr., KR/PR

WHY HE’S HERE: Bodison made things happen on kickoffs and punt returns. He had 16 kickoff returns, averaging 24 yards a return. He returned three for touchdowns, including an 85-yarder.

• Troy Chester, Mitchell County, Sr., ATH

WHY HE’S HERE: Chester made the offense go at Mitchell County. As a dual-threat quarterback, Chester passed for 1,096 yards and 16 touchdowns, while rushing for 602 yards and four touchdowns.

• Harry Vildibill, Deerfield-Windsor, Sr., K

WHY HE’S HERE: A strong-legged kicker who was nearly automatic for the Knights. When DWS didn’t score a touchdown, Vildibill always delivered.

DEFENSE

• Jamill Curry, Worth County, Jr., DL

WHY HE’S HERE: Curry anchored a strong defensive front for the Rams. He finished with 55 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks and recovered a fumble.

• Demetrious Kennedy, Lee County, Sr., DL

WHY HE’S HERE: Dominant player and anchored the defensive front. He finished with 60 tackles and seven sacks.

• Elester Shedrick, Calhoun County, Sr., DL

WHY HE’S HERE: A head-hunter on defense, Shedrick dominated. He finished with 94 tackles including a whopping 17 sacks.

• Randy Wade, Early County, Jr., DL

WHY HE’S HERE: Wade was a standout on the Bobcats’ stout defense. He will be a player to keep an eye on next season.

• Otis Glen, Westover, Jr., LB

WHY HE’S HERE: Glen was one of many defensive leaders for the Patriots. He finished with 96 tackles, including 16 for loss and forced a fumble.

• Akileis Leroy, Monroe, So., LB

WHY HE’S HERE: The younger brother of Antonio Leroy also put together a strong season. He finished with 91 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, one interception and two sacks.

• Brenton Truitt, Monroe, Sr., LB

WHY HE’S HERE: Truitt was the third member of an all-star linebacking corps at Monroe. He finished with 81 tackles, five tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, two interceptions and five sacks.

• Malik Williams, Lee County, Sr., LB

WHY HE’S HERE: The three-year starter was a force at linebacker. He finished with 73 tackles, six tackles for loss, six sacks, 10 quarterback hurries and blocked two kicks.

• Traviontae Brown, Westover, Jr., DB

WHY HE’S HERE: A strong cover guy who made big plays on the defensive side. Brown finished the season with three interceptions.

• Robert Hicks, Dougherty, Sr., DB

WHY HE’S HERE: A strong defensive leader in the secondary for the Trojans. Hicks made countless tackles and lead by example.

• Cornelius Jenkins, Monroe, Sr., DB

WHY HE’S HERE: Jenkins showed his athleticism in the secondary. He finished with 60 tackles, five tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and four interceptions.

• Josh King, Mitchell County, Sr., DB

WHY HE’S HERE: A two-way standout who play both offense and defense. King caught 30 passes for 408 yards and four touchdowns, then made 33 tackles and intercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown.

• Quenten Taylor, Calhoun County, Sr., DB

WHY HE’S HERE: A two-sport standout who showed his versatility in the secondary. Taylor, who also played some at quarterback and wide receiver, had 11 interceptions, returning two of them for touchdowns.

• John Samuel Shenker, Deerfield-Windsor, So., P

WHY HE’S HERE: Shenker could boom kicks or pooch punts. The sophomore averaged 39.4 yards on 39 punts this season.

ALL-METRO TEAM

OFFENSE

• Garet Morrell, Lee County, Jr., QB

• Qundez Carter, Westover, Jr., RB

• Jamal Gardner, Lee County, Sr., RB

• Demetrius Reed, Sherwood Christian, Sr., RB

• Tray Eafford, Lee County, Jr., WR

• J.Q. Quimbley, Lee County, Sr., WR

• Malik Dungee, Albany, Sr., WR/ATH

• Chris Barnes, Lee County, Sr., OL

• Detravious Greene, Westover, Sr., OL

• Proctor Johnston, Lee County, Sr., OL

• Josh West, Lee County, Sr., OL

• Jessie Tyson, Westover, Sr., OL

• Michael Langston, Lee County, Sr., K

• Emorie McKenzie, Westover, Jr., Athlete

• Chaz Griffin, Sherwood Christian, Jr., KR/PR

DEFENSE

• Brentavious Glanton, Monroe, Sr., DL

• Collins Tensley, Lee County, Sr., DL

• Deonte Young, Monroe, Sr., DL

• Demetrious Kennedy, Lee County, Sr., DL

• Austin Cain, Deerfield-Windsor, Sr., LB

• Dextric Green, Lee County, Sr., LB

• Antonio Leroy, Monroe, Jr., LB

• Malik Williams, Lee County, Sr., LB

• Chris Melton, Lee County, Sr., DB

• Nui Misjon, Lee County, Jr., DB

• Jysanti Richardson, Westover, Sr., DB

• Curtis Williams, Lee County, Sr., DB

• John Samuel Shenker, Deerfield-Windsor, So., P

HONORABLE MENTION: Albany — Caleb Arnold, Johnathan Jefferson; Americus-Sumter — Tyler Clark, Isaiah Ingram, David Tyson; Baconton Charter — Jonathan Beck, Garrison Dykes, Donovan Hurst; Keyain Mobley, Zack Watkins, Tre’ Williams, Justin Youmes; Bainbridge — Demetrius Edwards, Calvin Isom, Dalin Mack, Hudson Reynolds; Calhoun County — Anthony Johnson, Shamir Sheddrick, Jerek Solite, Josh Turner, Sherrod Williams; Marquez Willis; Crisp County — Witt Campbell; Deerfield-Windsor — Chris Boswell, Dakari Cutts, Howell Logan, Tyler Lowe, Steven Williams; Dougherty — Sewonjai Henderson, La’Derrien Royal, Michael Whatley; Early County — Dejuan Booker, Chris James; Lee County — Willie Kelley; Miller County — Cody Chapman, Julius Figueroa, J.J. George, Algin Merritt, DeShon Patterson, Luke Sheffield, Rod Williams; Mitchell County — Terry Burley, Darius Hicks, Kezian Jackson, Vernon Johnson, Demetrius Jones, Milik Rhodes, McKinley West; Jordan Williams; Quondarius Williams, Justin Wynn; Monroe — Raymond Thomas; Pelham — Clarence Almond, Eric Aviles, Willie Clayton, Jimmy Fackler, Demonte Franklin, Clifford Russell, Killian Seymour, Justin Smith, Austin Waters, Kendrick Williams; Randolph-Clay — Kevin Brown, Takorey Coleman, Jakobee Gadson, Cameron Granger, Chris Jackson, Artie Lee, Jacoby Thomas, Terrence Smith, Miracle Williams; Seminole County — Aaron Baskerville, Phillip Croom, Brendan Kimble; Sherwood Christian — Kenney Brown, Dylan Evans, Steven Tosky; Southland — Caulden Smith, Colt Stephens, Ryan Weaver, Hunter Weldon; Southwest Georgia — Perry Bridges; Tanner Powell; Taft Logan; Westover — Leonardo Meira; Terrell Academy — Raleigh Carlson; Terrell County — Detravion Bishop, Shavoyae Brown, Dae Quan Harvey, Rodriquez Hudson, Keshawn Jones, Jazzmond Kendrick, Keontae Terry, Malik Toomer; Westwood — Jacques Irvin, Chason Worsham; Worth County — Justin Crosby, Cameron Farley, Trey Lucas, Avery Parker, Jacard Parker