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Leader Of The Pack

Jasmina Meyer/Highlands Today

Sebring senior Kenny Daniels left his mark on Blue Streak football as one of only a handful of players to ever be a four-year starter on defense. He finished 2008 with 52 total tackles 32 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery.

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By CHRIS HOFFMAN

Highlands Today

Published: January 6, 2009

SEBRING - Kenny Daniels stood on Firemen's Field after the FACA North-South All-Star Football Classic and couldn't believe his playing days for Sebring had come to an end.

"I really can't believe its over," Daniels said. "It seems like yesterday I was playing my first game as a freshman on this field, and now I'm playing my last."

Daniels left an indelible mark on Sebring football as one of only a handful of players to ever be a four-year starter on defense, and the co-captain was a sight to see on the football field every Friday.

"Kenny's desire to win was unparalleled," said Sebring head coach Jared Hamlin. "He brought a lot of fire to the team, and even though ankle injuries kept him from having the kind of year he wanted, he never stopped fighting."

Daniels' statistics may have been down from a year ago - 52 total tackles (32 solo tackles), six tackles for loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery in '08 versus 96 solo tackles in '07 - but his leadership on the field and his value to the defense was immeasurable and his reputation made other teams stand up and take notice.

"Kenny is someone you had to account for on the field at all times," said Avon Park head coach Andy Bonjokian. "He is extremely fast to the ball and great instincts and anticipation that forced us to double team him at times."

For his tireless work ethic and passion for the game, Daniels has been named the 2008 Highland Today All-Heartland Defensive Player of the Year.

"I was shocked when I was told I had received this honor," Daniels said. "I never stopped working since I walked through those locker room doors and I feel that all the hard work has paid off."

Daniels could be seen before games rallying his defensive teammates before taking the field much like Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis does on Sundays. He could always be counted on for a few inspiring words after the game - win or lose.

His leadership skills were put to the ultimate test after some medication he was taking for a medical condition made him drop weight and he had to work even harder to maintain his energy level early in the season, not to mention a seven-game losing streak.

"That losing streak really tested my desire to win," Daniels said. "At some point during that stretch, everyone was looking for someone to blame whether it be coaches or other players, but I told my defense that we're in this together. We always thought we could win and I didn't let my defense get down.

"Hold the chain" proved to be a rallying cry for Daniels this season, as he worked through his medical issues and played a solid second half of football for the Streaks.

But it all began for him four years ago.

After moving from Georgia, Daniels walked into the locker room his freshman year and immediately showed that he was ready to contribute to the team.

"I was excited about moving to Florida since it's one of the best football states," Daniels said. "The coaches never gave up on me and I think the reason I won a spot on varsity as a freshman was that I wasn't scared of anyone.

"The older guys couldn't intimidate me and it made me play even harder."

The 5-foot-9, 200-pound linebacker progressed through the ranks on defense and had 100 tackles in '06 and led the team in tackles with 137 in '07, while showing his ability to play the run or the pass effectively.

"Kenny was always around the ball and making plays," Hamlin said. "He has so much heart and desire for the game. It's going to be tough to replace that kind of passion."

When asked how he'd like to be remembered, Daniels paused for a moment and then came back with a smile.

"I want to be remembered as someone who never quit on his team and gave everything he had no matter if it was practice or on game day. The best compliment anyone can give me is that I'm a hard worker, and I think I've proved that during my time at Sebring."

The Team

James Bland, senior, Avon Park Often called "the hardest hitter" on the Red Devil defense, Bland has earned a reputation as deceptively quick and tough as nails when on the football field.

"James is always wanting to be on the field," said Avon Park defensive coordinator Lee Elder. "He called all the signals for the defense this season and was as good a linebacker as there was in the area."

The AP senior finished the season with 62 tackles with 4 tackles for loss and one interception and fumble recovery for the Red Devils.

Caleb Jones, junior, Lake Placid Jones proved he was someone that could be counted on in the clutch through his hard work and will to improve with every practice and every game.

"Caleb came out of his shell this year and gave us his greatest effort in practice and during games," said LP head coach Jason Holden. "He was solid in pass coverage and will only get better."

JC Howard, senior, Sebring This playmaker on both sides of the ball finished his senior season with 52 tackles, caused four fumbles with two fumble recoveries and two interceptions for the Streaks.

"JC is just an all-around great athlete," Hamlin said. "He was a solid cornerback and led the team in passes defended and really helped solidify our secondary with his speed and instincts."

Virgil Cooper, senior, Avon Park One of the most versatile players in the Heartland.

Cooper, who played safety, took his lumps and then some and still came back for more to help lead Avon Park in tackles with 69. He also snagged two interceptions, and was a disruptive force in the secondary.

"Virgil really came into his own during the Braden River game," Elder said. "He had 15 solo tackles and really elevated his play. Even though we didn't win the game, I think his performance really gave our defense the boost it needed."

Bonjokian has been impressed with Cooper's play since middle school, and the AP senior didn't disappoint in his final season.

"He's short in stature but big in heart," said the AP skipper. "He was exciting to watch and I only wish I had another year with him on the team."

Travalier Sholtz, senior, Lake Placid: Sholtz could change the landscape of a defensive series just by his presence on the field.

At 6-foot-2, 320 pounds, the senior defensive lineman, who was the anchor of the Green Dragon defense, would always command double and triple teams. They frustrated him at times, but Holden made Sholtz see the treatment in a different light.

"I told him that it was meaning he was doing his job if they double and triple teamed him," Holden said. "And Scholtz made the schools that didn't use that blocking scheme against him pay dearly for their mistake."

Gus Williams, junior, Sebring This junior defensive end showed a lot versatility on the gridiron by learning the tight end position after a need arose on the offensive side of the ball for the Streaks.

But it was his prowess for reading opposing quarterbacks that won him praise from his head coach.

"Gus was always around the ball and making plays," Hamlin said. "He would read a quarterback and then bat down the balls and he had a disruptive pass rush that helped him lead the team in tackles and sacks."

Williams finished the season with 63 tackles and three sacks for the Streaks.

Dwayne Council, junior, Avon Park This high energy, undersized linebacker showed what dedication and hard work can do.

Council had 50 tackles this season and led the team with 10 ½ tackles for loss for a young Red Devil linebacker corp.

"Dwayne's aggressiveness is really what stood out above anything else for me," Bonjokian said. "He took advantage of the increased playing time by making big plays when we needed them the most.

"He also became a leader on the field and will be looked to next season for that veteran leadership with the departure of Bland."

Zack Reynolds, junior, Lake Placid Reynolds' asset to the Green Dragons was his stamina, as Holden was impressed at his energy level and production throughout the season.

"I don't think I ever saw Zack tired," said the first-year LP head coach. "He was an undersized defensive tackle, but he played way above his stature and proved to be very coachable.

"He's definitely going to be one of my leaders on defense next season."

Stephan Hinson, senior, Avon Park: This quiet man off the field made a huge noise at the recent FACA North/South All-Star Football Classic.

Hinson had by far the best game of the Red Devils on the all-star roster, as the senior blocked two field goals, an extra point attempt, forced a pair of fumbles and made two huge tackles for losses that will definitely be used in his recruitment highlight reel.

"Stephan's performance was a snapshot of his whole attitude and approach to the game," Bonjokian said. "I'm glad the fans got a chance to see how much he enjoys playing the game.

"I'm also glad we got Stephan's game on film because this performance is going to get him into college."

The 5-foot-10, 185 pound strong safety had 48 tackles to go along with a fumble recovery and an interception, not to mention that Hinson was clocked with a 4.5 second 40-yard dash at the University of Florida combine over the summer.

Zach Campbell, senior, Lake Placid: This Green Dragon safety biggest attribute his "no fear" attitude that translated to plenty of big plays on the field.

"Zack just loved to hit people," Holden said. "A lot of opposing defense would forget that he was a safety playing quarterback and that he thrived on pressure. He was extremely quick and had a great head for the game.

"His leadership skills are what I'm going to miss most. He was a player that truly led by example."

Marvin Williams, senior, Avon Park: This 6-foot, 265-pound defensive lineman became the anchor for the Red Devil defense, according to Bonjokian, who praised Williams for his football knowledge and tireless work ethic.

"Marvin was a great student of the game," Bonjokian said. "He could take on anyone and I noticed that opposing offenses avoided running to his side of the field whenever possible."

Williams had 27 tackles and 2 ½ tackles for loss during his senior season.

Kevin Welborn, senior, Sebring: Versatiltiy was this senior's greatest asset to the Streaks in '08, as Welborn played at safety, wide receiver and long snapper on special teams.

"Kevin defended the pass better than anyone on the team," Hamlin said. "His value to the team wasn't measured in the stats, but it was his hustle and doing the little things to help the team."

Welborn had his share of plays during the course of the season. It was his key block that allowed JC Howard to score the game-winning touchdown against archrival Avon Park.

The senior finished the season with 36 tackles, forced two fumbles and had one interception on the season.

Chris Hoffman can be reached at 863-386-5837 or choffman@highlandstoday.com.

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