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Sebring’s Williams selected All-Highlands Defensive Player of the Year

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Allen Moody | Highlands Today
Published: December 26, 2012

Opposing quarterbacks learned that if you were going to pass against the Sebring Blue Streaks, you would be wise to look away from Arthur Williams. Williams had five interceptions in Sebring's first five games before teams decided to throw elsewhere.

"He started off really well," said Sebring coach LaVaar Scott.

Williams finished with six interceptions, one fumble recovery and also blocked a punt. He had 30 solo tackles and 45 tackles overall.

Williams' play didn't go unnoticed by opposing coaches, who voted him Florida Athletic Coaches Association Most Valuable Player in District 17. He earned berths in both the South-Central Football All-Star Classic and the prestigious FACA North-South Football All-Star Classic.

"It went pretty well," Williams said of his senior season. "I really enjoyed my time at Sebring."

Williams won't be hanging up his football cleats anytime in the near future, as he has offers from several Division I schools and is looking forward to making a decision where to play.

"He worked hard and paid off for him," Scott said.

For his efforts, Williams has been selected as the 2012 All-Highlands Defensive Player of the Year.

The team

DL Lacy Turner, senior, Avon Park Turner had a strong season for the Red Devils, recording 35 tackles and making six sacks. He was injured in the team's final game of the year, but was still named to the South-Central Football All-Star Classic roster.

"He probably had the most remarkable year of any senior," said Avon Park coach Lee Brown. "He went through three position changes and played well."

DL Conner Wrenn, senior, Lake Placid Wrenn was solid up front for the Green Dragons, giving the team some senior leadership. Wrenn is a man of few words, preferring to lead by example.

"He's quiet, but fierce," said Lake Placid coach Jason Holden. "You might spend six months around him and not know what his voice sounds like, but nothing can stop him."

DL Ezell Gammage, senior, Sebring Gammage had 37 solo tackles on the season and finished with 64 tackles overall on the season. He had a memorable season finale against Avon Park, scoring a pair of defensive touchdowns on returns.

"One thing I can say for him is that every opponent said the biggest thing they had to do was to figure out how to get No. 75 (Gammage) blocked," Scott said.

DL Estevenson Louis, senior, Avon Park Louis had 46 total tackles on the season to go along with a pair of sacks and a fumble recovery. He was invited to the South-Central Football All-Star Classic, but didn't play.

"He was the anchor up front," Brown said. "We looked to him to hold down the fort."

DL Malachai McLean, junior, Lake Placid McLean was a strong presence up front for the Green Dragons and had 25 solo tackles.

"He's just a great person, a great student and a great athlete," Holden said. "He's extremely coachable. I've never seen him get upset."

DL Mark Miranda, senior, Sebring Miranda missed the majority of the season due to injuries, but was a force for the Blue Streaks when he was healthy. He was invited to play in the South-Central Football All-Star Classic where he was a one-man wrecking crew, earning defensive MVP honors for the Central team.

"He showed what he could do in the all-star game," Scott said. "You could see what we missed all season. There aren't too many linemen who can block him."

LB Dylan Brown, senior, Avon Park Brown made the move from defensive line to linebacker without a hitch and was a dominant force for the Red Devils once again, making a team-leading 55 tackles.

"Dylan is another guy who made a position change," Coach Brown said. "He went from having his hands on ground to going to a 2-point stance, which isn't easy. "It's a real credit to his versatility."

LB Jacquae Peart, junior, Sebring Peart was all over the field for the Blue Streaks, making an impressive 118 tackles and recording five sacks.

"He was co-defensive player of the team," Scott said. "He's tough-nosed, always there at practice and he always goes 110 percent."

LB Chase Griffin, junior, Lake Placid Griffin led the Green Dragons with 63 tackles and three forced fumbles. He recovered a pair of fumbles and blocked a potential game-winning field goal in Lake Placid's 16-14 win over LaBelle.

"Chase plays full speed consistently and has great football instincts," Holden said. "He never stops until the whistle is blown."

LB Davaris Faulk, senior, Sebring Faulk did a little bit of everything for the Blue Streaks the past few years, but was at his best when he could concentrate on playing linebacker, earning a spot in the South-Central game. He had 51 tackles and recovered three fumbles on the season.

"He was a man of many positions," Scott said. "With the emergence of A.J. Gayle at running back, that limited his offense, which was good so he could focus on defense."

LB Larry Scott, senior, Sebring Scott was another player who did a bit of everything for the Blue Streaks, which earned him a spot on the South-Central roster. He had 67 tackles and a pair of sacks.

"Larry was Mr. All-Everything," Coach Scott said. "He was team MVP. He was vital for us on offense, defense and special teams and was one of our captains."

DB Jarviel Hart, junior, Avon Park Hart is a gifted athlete who has the potential for great things. He had 53 tackles and a pair of interceptions on the season.

"Jarviel is receiving interest from SEC schools," Coach Brown said. "If he continues to make strides he could have a promising future."

DB Decaris Jones, senior, Sebring Jones battled through some injuries and had a strong season in the Blue Streaks secondary, finishing with three interceptions and 11 passes defended.

"He's a great kid and he worked hard in the summer," Coach Scott said. "He played hurt the last seven games. He's probably one of the most explosive players on the team."

DB Tyler Johnson, senior, Avon Park Johnson was a solid shutdown cornerback for the Red Devils and played some offense when the situation called for it. He had 22 tackles on the season.

"Tyler was probably the healthiest he's ever been," Coach Brown said. "He played a very solid corner for us."

P Larry Gilchrist, freshman, Sebring Gilchrist has an extremely strong leg and the Blue Streaks are expecting some big things from him over the next three seasons.

"He was a surprise kid," Coach Scott said. "He has a lot of untapped potential. Over the spring he didn't know where he was kicking it, but he could kick it. He'll get to some kicking camps."

Honorable mention

DL Christian Miller, senior, Lake Placid Miller had a solid season for the Green Dragons, earning a spot in the South-Central Football All-Star Classic.

DL Cam Hicks, freshman, Avon Park Hicks was one of a number of freshmen forced into duty for the Red Devils and enjoyed a solid year when in the line-up.

LB Eldon McKenzie, junior, Lake Placid McKenzie was second on the Green Dragons with 36 solo tackles and forced a pair of fumbles.

LB Mason Jahna, junior, Avon Park Jahna finished third on the Red Devils with 47 tackles and enjoyed another solid, steady season.

DB Jerry Fields, sophomore, Lake Placid Fields had a solid sophomore season for the Green Dragons with 42 tackles and three fumble recoveries.

Coach of the Year While it was tough season for the three county football teams, nobody had to overcome as much as the Lake Placid Green Dragons. Injuries and low turnout had the Green Dragons routinely dressing fewer than 28 players, but they were competitive all season long. For leading the team to three wins, Jason Holden is the 2012 All-Highlands Football Coach of the Year.

amoody@highlandstoday.com (863) 386-5841