Several young and talented athletes boastedimpressive numbers in 2011. They highlight The DAILY LEADER’sAll-Area Football Team this year.

 

    Running back Demetrius Cain had a career season in his junior year.He was the catalyst that helped guide the Hazlehurst Indians to amagical 13-2 season. Hazlehurst marched to the state championshipgame for the second time in school history after winning the prizein 2005. but the Indians fell short of achieving their goal with aloss to the Charleston Tigers.

    Cain rushed for over 1,740 yards and had more than 400 yardsreceiving. He was also a beast on defense for the Indians as heracked up 112 tackles at linebacker. For this accomplishment he hasbeen selected The DAILY LEADER’s Overall Most ValuablePlayer.  The dream team ismade up of players outside of Lincoln County and is selected bymembers of the DL sports staff with, input provided by area highschool and college coaches.

    Representing the quarterback position is The DAILY LEADER’s MostValuable Offensive Player Kenneth Coleman of Hazlehurst. Also atquarterback are Jadarius Davis of Franklin County and NicholasMcDonald of Lawrence County.

    Joining Cain in the backfield are Kelton Smith of Copiah Academy,Dewayne Pounds of South Pike, Travez Taylor of North Pike and ChrisRobinson of Franklin County.

    The aerial attack features wide receivers Dedric Reese ofHazlehurst and Taylor Smith of Parklane.

    The offensive line includes Spencer Touchstone and Edward Robinsonof Franklin County, Wesley Lambert of Lawrence County, Cullen Greerof Wesson and Tyler Stutzman of Parklane.

    Steve Jones and Austin Graham of Wesson, Bull Toler of Amite SchoolCenter, Barron Miller of Copiah Academy, and Jerome Brown of NorthPike are the all-purpose players.

    Fred Coleman of Franklin County has been selected the Most ValuableReturn Specialist. Kecarderious Wells was selected as the teamplace kicker.

    Demetrius Cain (6-0, 205,jr.)  recognized as Mr. Football, rushed the ball 191times for 1,744 yards and a 9.13-yard average, scoring 22touchdowns. As a receiver, he caught 35 passes for 404 yards toaverage 11.5 yards per catch. Defensively, he was a headhunter thatprovided 8 tackles per game.

    Cain shared his thoughts on Hazlehurst’s season. “This was a greatyear and I have enjoyed it. I believe this was the best season thatI had so far in my high school career.”

    Kenneth Coleman (6-1, 151,jr.)  used his talents in both passing and rushing to helporchestrate a successful year for the Indians. Coleman completed 82of 140 passing attempts for 1,215 yards and 8 touchdowns, with 4interceptions. On the ground, he carried the ball 68 times for 267yards, scoring 4 touchdowns. 

    Coleman described what he did during the off-season to succeed atquarterback. “I worked really hard during the spring and summerworkouts to get myself physically and mentally prepared for theseason.”

    Fred Coleman (5-9, 155, sr.)  used hisbreakaway speed to dazzle opponents. The speedy senior put up solidnumbers on special teams. He returned 4 punt/kickoff fortouchdowns. He also returned an interception for a touchdown.Coleman was a big impact at wide receiver with 40 catches for 560yards and five touchdowns.

    Coleman said, “I worked really hard in the spring and summerworkouts to get myself ready for football season. During theseason, I concentrated on improving my speed and worked onperfecting my mechanics.”

    Jadarius Davis (6-1, 190, jr.)  wasinstrumental in helping Franklin County’s Bulldogs to a 9-4 recordat quarterback. Davis completed 52 of 137 passes for 995 yards,scoring 10 touchdowns. He threw 5 interceptions.

    Nicholas McDonald (5-10, 180, jr.)  wasinstrumental in sparking the Lawrence County Cougars. He collected556 rushing yards and scored 7 touchdowns.

    Kelton Smith (6-1, 205,sr.) was the top running back for the Copiah AcademyColonels as he racked up 2,596 all-purpose yards. Smith rushed 184times for 1,656 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also returned 6kickoffs for touchdowns.

    Chris Robinson (5-10, 175, so.) was animpact player for the Bulldogs, rushing for 1,242 yards on 141carries and 12 touchdowns.

    Travez Taylor (6-1, 175, sr.) was the go toplayer for the Jaguar’s ground attack as rushed for 1,252 yards onthe season with 117 carries.

    Dewayne Pounds (6-0, 175, sr.)  had a tremendousseason for the South Pike Eagles. He rushed for 1,189 yards on 140carries.

    Dedric Reese (5-9, 170, so.)  was one ofthe primary targets for the Indians’ aerial attack. He caught 35passes for 540 yards and scored 7 touchdowns.

    Taylor Smith (6-3, 195, sr.) showcasedhis talents for the Parklane Pioneers’ aerial attack, catching 43passes for 502 yards and 5 touchdowns.

    Spencer Touchstone (6-0, 250, jr.) played a huge role in Franklin County’s offensive success.

    Edward Robinson (6-3, 265, sr.) anchoredthe Bulldogs offensive line.

    Cullen Greer (5-11, 260, jr.)  is a3-year starter for the Cobras and worked on defense, too.

    Wesley Lambert (6-1, 220, sr.) used hisskills to help the Cougars on offense.

    Tyler Stutzman (6-5, 220, jr.)  played abig role in the Pioneers’ offensive line as he provided keyblocks.

     Steve Jones (5-7, 170,sr.) was part of the runningback duo that helped theCobras ground attack. He rushed 159 times for 1,080 yards and 11touchdowns.

     Austin Graham (5-10, 150,sr.) played a key role in Wesson’s offense as he rushedfor 975 yards on 116 carries.

     Barron Miller (5-11, 165,sr.) stepped up huge for the Colonels at quarterback. Hepassed for 9 touchdowns with one interception. He also provided 577yard rushing on 97 carries. He had 112 tackles on defense.

    Bull Toler (5-10, 200, jr.) had a great year forthe Rebels. He posted 1,444 yards rushing. He also helped ondefense with 109 tackles.

    Jerome Brown (5-11, 185, jr.) helped the Region7-4A North Pike Jaguars in a rebuilding season to an 6-5 record. Hecompleted 19 of 36 passes for 464 yards. Brown had 5 touchdowns and3 interceptions.

    Kecarderious Wells (5-9, 150,jr.) used his strong leg for the McComb Tigers, to pintheir opponents deep with his booming kicks that averaged 35 yardson kickoffs.