Marion County's football elite includes all-star worthy performers

First let me start by saying that I was entertained and enjoyed every game on the sidelines during the prep football season.
I was proud of the effort Creek Bridge showed every week in a very tough region. The squad scored a ton of points and played in some very close games.

Pee Dee Academy lost a group of experienced players but returned to the playoffs on the strength of team defense and explosive plays from their offensive weapons.

Marion’s football program is in great shape for the future and will remain contenders in Class 2A football.

Standing ovation goes out to Mullins for ending the postseason drought with a monumental victory in their final regular season game.

I’m very disappointed in those that selected the North-South all-stars this year. You can’t tell me Brian Gillard, Deonte Johnson, Carroll Norman, Timmy Johnson and George Page didn’t put up impressive numbers and they are more than talented enough for consideration.

All the area teams proved to be winners simply by maintaining the determination to not quit but face all challenges. It was so good this year that I maybe able to steal players for one of my best Elite football teams ever assembled.

I present to you my future All-Americans.

Defense:
Defensive linemen Kendel Nance (Aucs), Matthew Snipes (Eagles), Hubert Davis (Aucs), Adonis Butler (Foxes), Darius Anderson (Warriors).

Linebackers Brian Leggette (Warriors), Cole McClam (Eagles), Zach Smalls (Eagles), DeEric Richardson (Warriors), Carroll Norman (Foxes), Marquise Johnson (Foxes), Timmy Johnson (Aucs), Antonio Anderson (Aucs).

Defensive backs Jeremy Curry (Foxes), Cey’quwan Ritter (Aucs), Marquise Gore (Aucs), Matthew Woodberry (Warriors), Chris Washington (Foxes)

Offense:
Offensive linemen Avery Grant (Aucs), Lester Smith Jr. (Aucs), Devante Shannon (Warriors), Will Richardson (Eagles), Keon Johnson (Foxes), Jonathan Elliott (Foxes), Wayne Barron (Aucs), Derek Surrency (Warriors), Ed Pittman (Eagles), Dylan Whaley (Eagles).
Receivers Devonte Gilbert (Foxes), Cedric Timmons (Aucs), Jawuan McClellan (Warriors), Deonte Johnson (Foxes), Kevin Driggers (Eagles), Josh Vandroff (Aucs)

Running Backs Brian Gillard (Foxes), George Page (Aucs), JimDonovan Reaves (Aucs), Bradley George (Eagles), Storm Page (Eagles), Lue Clemmons (Foxes), Josh James (Aucs), Timothy Grant (Warriors), Jevon Evans (Warriors), Justin Gause (Foxes).

Quarterbacks B.J. Crawford (Aucs), Ross White (Foxes), Rakeem Williams (Warriors), Will Daniels (Eagles).

Special team: punter Kenny Jackson (Aucs), kickers Cody Buffkin (Aucs) and John Williams (Foxes).

Scouting Report:

On defense the massive Kendel Nance anchors the front line with the size and strength to stuff the run. Butler has a quick first step and balance to attack from all angles, while Snipes is an aggressive defender with a nose for the football.

The core of linebackers would make Steelers coach Mike Tomlin drool. Leggette is a tackling machine. Norman brought on punishing hits, registering over 70 tackles. Auctioneers Timmy Johnson and Antonio Anderson formed an awesome combination of run stopping and pass rushing ability. Johnson finished with over 80 tackles, while Anderson forced several fumbles and applied constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Johnson continues the Foxes’ tradition on defense, while the athletic Smalls remains one of my favorite players to watch.

The secondary is loaded with playmakers and Curry always dazzles. Ritter is a physical safety with a very bright future.
On the offensive end, the security is on point with hot prospect Avery Grant anchoring the line on both sides of the ball. Devante Shannon is experienced and a great leader. Smith could be a force next season, while Richardson was a key factor for the Golden Eagles.

The talent at wide receiver is undeniable. Gilbert is one of the best in business with great hands and timing, while Timmons finished strong with an amazing senior year, proving to be a sure-handed and dangerous burner. Johnson is a complete player with dynamic ability on the field. Driggers had a season to remember, making plays as rushing, catching and as a returner. McClellan was the go-to-guy for the Warriors passing game and didn’t disappoint as a big target with great hands.

Of course the running back position is deep with Gillard leading the charge. The Foxes star rushed for over 700 yards and 1,000 yards total with 14 touchdowns. Teammate Clemmons is a powerful back with over 500 yards on the ground. George is a bruising runner between the tackles with the ability to kick it in high gear and leave defenders in the dust. Speaking of high gear, George Page maybe the fastest player on turf, rushing for over 12 touchdowns for the Aucs, while Reaves added to the scoring punch with his elusive running style. Gause remains one of the best at the position as an all-around back. He also has the speed to score from anywhere on the field. James is poised for breakout year next season. The kid knows how to evade defenders and is an athlete the make plays at multiple positions.

As for the field generals, Crawford’s strong arm and even stronger physical frame makes him a dual threat. White has a great arm and is a solid quarterback that spreads the ball to his various targets. Williams is another good young quarterback, while Daniel works extremely hard to lead his Golden Eagle team.

Job well done to all the players that participated in another great season.