MPSSAA All-State Honorable Mention Defense & Special Teams

Honorable Mention Defense 

DL Jaylen Harvey (Quince Orchard) 6’2 250 SR – Harvey was a physical force for the Cougars for three seasons, winning two state championships and going 35-1 as a starter. Harvey was a highly sought recruit before committing to Penn State, choosing the Nittany Lions over offers from Ohio State, Michigan, and Florida State, among others. Harvey was selected as Montgomery County’s Defensive Lineman of the Year, and earned All-Met second team honors by the Washington Post. 

Harvey played in just eight of the Cougars ten games, but he played big in the big ones. Harvey produced seven tackles for loss, four sacks, and seven quarterback hurries in eight games, and added a safety. The Cougars allowed only 32.1 rushing yards per game this season, while yielding just 1.33 yards per attempt. The Cougars shut out 9-2 Gaithersburg and 11-2 Churchill, and allowed Sherwood just one score in a 64-6 rout. Harvey leaves for Happy Valley as one of the best defensive players in Cougars history.  

DL Obinna Onwuka (Flowers) 6’3 236 SR – Onwuka was a force for the Jaguars defense, one that led the program to a 22-2 record over the last two seasons. Onwuka was one of the handful of premier edge rushers in the MPSSAA, for a Jaguars defense that was arguably the best in the MPSSAA this season, and one of the top three over the last two seasons. Onwuka was named to the Prince Georges 4A All-County first team, and also named to the Washington Post’s All-Met honorable mention team. 

Like Quince Orchard’s Harvey, Onwuka made his presence known in the Jags biggest moments, and like Harvey, missed some time and missed out on several post-season games that were anticipated. Still, in seven games, Onwuka finished second on the Jaguars in solo tackles and total tackles, and registered nine tackles for loss and a sack. Onwuka was a MPSSAA All-State second team selection as a junior, and a shortened season is what all but kept Onwuka out of a first time selection this season. 

DL Brian Collins (Dunbar) 6’2 205 JR – Collins had a breakout season for the undefeated state champion Poets, serving as their top pass rushing defender, while also formidable against the run. The Poets junior lived in opposing backfields, slinging around both quarterbacks and running backs. Collins emergence helped the two-time defending champions survive the loss of nine starters on defense from the ‘22 team. Not only did Collins hold down the fort, he made a name for himself. 

Collins was just one of three public school players to be named to the Baltimore Sun’s All-Met first team on defense, and the only junior of the three. Collins produced 28 tackles for loss and an MPSSAA-best 22 sacks for the Poets, with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. The Poets held nine of their eleven opponents to six points or less, including Calvert in the state title game.  

Collins produced six tackles for loss and four sacks in the Poets 60-0 shutout win over City College, with their high-powered passing game. The Poets junior totaled three tackles for loss and three sacks in the Poets 20-18 win over state champion Mervo. 

DL Sultan Badmas (Bowie) 6’5 240 SR – Badmus was another one of the terrorizing forces at the defensive end position in Prince Georges County this season, with numbers that prove it. Badmus was equally effective against both the run and pass for the Bulldogs, with his 6’5 240 frame imposing pain on ball carriers. Badmus was selected to the Prince Georges County 4A All-County first team.  

The Bulldogs senior produced 44 solo tackles and 14 assisted tackles for the Dawgs this season, including 16 tackles for loss. Badmus led the county with 14 sacks, and added a fumble recovery. Badmus added a 32 yard touchdown reception on his only offensive touch of the season. Badmus also made eight of ten extra point attempts.  

In the Bulldogs 26-20 opening week loss to eventual 4/3A state champ Mervo, Badmus produced six solo tackles, four assisted tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, and returned a fumble recovery 45 yards. In a 30-14 loss to Suitland, Badmus totaled four solo tackles, three assisted tackles, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hurry. Badmus totaled eight tackles and a sack in a loss to Wise, then, a week later, produced four solo tackles, two tackles for a loss, and a sack in a 24-14 loss to Eleanor Roosevelt.  

DL Denis Tebo (Blake) 6’0 215 SR – Tebo played a huge role in the Bengals emergence over the last two seasons, leading his team to the best season in their program’s history, finishing with a program-best record of 11-1, and advancing to the state semifinals for the first time in their program’s history. The Bengals held eight of their twelve opponents to seven points or less, and Tebo was the best player on the unit. 

Tebo was named Montgomery County’s All-Small-School (non 4A) Defensive Player of the Year. Tebo registered 17 tackles for loss and six sacks. Tebo led a Bengals defense that allowed only 9.8 points per game, and was named to the Washington Post’s All-Met honorable mention team, as well as the Montgomery County All-County first team (all divisions).  

Tebo made two tackles for loss and a sack in the Bengals 34-13 win over Paint Branch. In the Bengals 35-7 win over Whitman in the second round of the post-season, Tebo totaled eight tackles, including four for loss, and forced a fumble. In the Bengals 28-7 loss to North Point, Tebo registered five solo tackles, three assisted tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack.  

DL Dashawn Fields (Milford Mill) 6’4 260 SR – Fields was a force on the ‘D-line’ for the Millers this season, and was the only starter to return on the defensive line for the defending 2A state champions. The Millers lost All-State linemen Emmanuel Gee and Rashard Herring, but Fields built upon a great junior campaign and earns All-State honors in his senior season, following his teammates. With Fields in the trenches, the Millers allowed only 8.6 points per game, just above the 7.9 average the 14-0 state champion Millers did.  

Fields made 28 solo tackles, assisted on 21 tackles, and recorded 11 tackles for loss. Fields produced five sacks, two fumble recoveries and a blocked kick. In two seasons for the Millers, Fields supplied 30.5 tackles for loss, and went 23-3 as a starter. Two of those losses came to undefeated state champions – Oakdale and Decatur, both by a point.  

Fields registered two tackles for loss and a sack in the 22-21 loss to Oakdale. Fields made five solo tackles, two tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries in the Millers 26-0 shutout win over league rival Franklin. The Millers senior produced two tackles for loss and a blocked kick in their 14-7 win over Dundalk.  

DL Moises Bailey (Reservoir) 6’3 235 JR – Bailey was dominant on the defensive line for the Gators this season, helping lead his team to the first county championship in their program’s history. Bailey, a 6’3 235 three-sport star, was named Howard County’s Defensive Player of the Year. Bailey, a junior, is a two-time All-County first team selection. 

Bailey totaled 82 tackles, including 37 solo tackles, and ranked among the top ten in the MPSSAA in tackles for loss, with 25. Bailey added seven sacks in eleven games, two pass deflections, and five quarterback hurries. Bailey also ranked among the top ten in the MPSSAA in both forced fumbles and fumble recoveries, totaling four apiece in those two categories. 

The Gators held seven of their eleven opponents to two touchdowns or less. Two of the three Gators losses came with the Gators allowing 13 points or less.  

Bailey totaled seven tackles, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, a fumble recovery and a sack in the Gators 13-5 win over Glenelg. Bailey produced five tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble in the Gators 28-27 win over Long Reach. Bailey supplied nine tackles, including two for loss, in the Gators week nine 28-24 win over Mt Hebron, clinching the program’s first county title. In the Gators season-ending playoff loss to Leonardtown, Bailey totaled 11 tackles, including three for loss.  

DL Kam’ron Bryant (Patuxent) 5’8 215 SR – Bryant was a key component to the Panthers success over the last two seasons, back-to-back 11-win seasons, providing disruption on the defensive line and often taking down ball carriers in the backfield. Bryant and the Panthers held seven of twelve opponents to seven points or less, including Douglass PG in the second round of the playoffs, and Middletown in the quarterfinals.  

Bryant totaled 65 tackles, including 52 solo tackles and 19 tackles for loss. Bryant added four sacks and two forced fumbles. Bryant produced nine solo tackles, including three for loss in the Panthers 41-31 win over Huntingtown. Bryant committed seven solo tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble in the Panthers 53-39 win over Northern. Over the last two seasons, as a state finalist in ‘22, and a state semifinalist in ‘23, Bryant produced 37 tackles for loss.  

DL Owen Piavis (North Caroline) 6’1 210 JR – Piavis had a monster season at the edge position for the Bulldogs, who finished 9-2 and second in the Bayside Conference 2A Division. Piavis lived in opposing backfields, taking down running backs and quarterbacks, and ranking among the top ten in the MPSSAA in both sacks and tackles for loss.  

Piavis produced a team-best 103 tackles this season, including 72 solo tackles and 31 assisted tackles. Piavis boasted 33 tackles for loss and 16 sacks. Piavis also totaled two pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Piavis was named to the All-Bayside Conference first team.  

Piavis finished with five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in the Bulldogs 14-7 win over Wicomico. The Bulldogs junior totaled six tackles for loss and three sacks in the Dawgs 28-16 win over Queen Anne’s County. In the Dawgs 21-14 win over Kent Island, Piavis totaled nine tackles, two tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.  

DL Joseph Reed (Linganore) 6’5 220 SR – Reed was dominant at the defensive end position for the state finalist Lancers. Reed constantly fought off double-teams to drop the ball carrier or quarterback in the backfield. The Lancers held eight of their 14 opponents to one touchdown or less, and held Oakdale to a season-low 21 points in their 21-14 week four loss to the Bears. 

Reed finished second to only Oakdale’s Dominic Nichols in the county in both sacks and tackles for loss, with 12 and 16, respectively.  

LB Coby Jones (Milford Mill) 5’11 160 SR – Jones was a tackling machine and playmaker for the Millers in each of the last two seasons, registering back-to-back 100+ tackle campaigns and helping lead his team to a 23-3 record over the last two seasons and a state title in ‘22. An undersized hybrid who led the Millers in solo tackles and total tackles in both ‘22 and ‘23.  

A year after registering 90 solo tackles and 41 assisted tackles in 14 games in ‘22, Jones recorded 81 solo tackles and 46 assisted tackles this season. Jones added 11 tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.  

Jones produced eight solo tackles and four assisted tackles in the Millers 26-0 shutout win over league rival Franklin, while also adding a forced fumble. Jones boasted 13 solo tackles, including three tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a sack in the Millers 33-0 shutout win over Dundalk. In the Millers 24-20 loss to Perry Hall, Jones totaled 11 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. In the Millers season-ending one-point loss to Decatur in the state semifinals. Jones registered seven solo tackles and six assisted tackles.  

LB Dylan Minnick (Walter Johnson) 6’2 210 SR – Minnick was instrumental in the Wildcats this season, leading Cats to their best season in their program’s history, and first 9-win season. Minnick was the leader of the Wildcats defense at middle linebacker, and led Montgomery County in tackles.  

Minnick registered 109 tackles this season, including 18 tackles for loss, ranking second in the county to Northwest’s Xavier Rivers in that category. Minnick also added three sacks. The Bulldogs limited Paint Branch to one score in a 22-7 win over the Panthers, and limited Sherwood to just two touchdowns in a 14-10 loss to the Warriors.  

Minnick was selected to the Montgomery County All-County first team, and was named to the Washington Post’s All-Met honorable mention team.  

LB Braden McCassie (Broadneck) 6’3 200 SR – McCassie was a leader of the Bruins defense for two back-to-back 11-win seasons, the first ending to eventual state champion Quince Orchard in the state semifinals, and the second ending in the Bruins with a loss to Wise in the 4A title game. McCassie was a sure tackling presence for the Bruins defense, a unit that held seven opponents to seven points or less, including Churchill, who featured the MPSSAA’s leading rusher David Avit, in the state semifinals. 

McCassie was named to the Baltimore Sun’s All-Met first team, just one of three public school players among the 14 players named on the first team defense. McCassie registered 76 tackles this season, 11 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. McCassie also added an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.  

In the state title game loss to Wise, McCassie produced a game-high six solo tackles, a game-high (share) six assisted assisted tackles, and a tackle for loss. McCassie was named to the Anne Arundel All-County first team for a second year in a row.  

LB Daniel Atsou (Suitland) 6’1 200 SR – Atsou was the leader of a Rams defense that was one of the best in the MPSSAA, a unit that posted six shutouts in eleven games, and limited opponents to 7.2 points per game. At linebacker and tight end, Atsou led the Rams to their first 9-win season since they lost in the 4A state final to Northwest in 2013. 

In ten games, Atsou produced 50 solo tackles and 55 assisted tackles, including 12 tackles for loss. Atsou added two forced fumbles, an interception, and a sack for the Rams, who held eight of their eleven opponents to eight points or less, and nine of eleven to 14 points or less. At tight end, Atsou caught seven passes for 104 yards and a touchdown. Atsou was named to the Washington Post All-Met honorable mention team.  

Atsou totaled seven solo tackles, three assisted tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack in the Rams 20-6 opening game win over Coolidge (DC). Atsou supplied 13 tackles and a forced fumble in the Rams 27-8 win over Oxon Hill. Atsou recorded ten tackles in the Rams 24-2 loss to Eleanor Roosevelt, and produced six solo tackles and six assisted tackles in the Rams season-ending playoff loss to Mervo.  

LB Malachi Barnes (Milford Mill) 6’1 215 SR – Barnes manned the middle for the Millers defensive unit for the last two seasons, and with Coby Jones, formed one of the best linebacking tandems in the MPSSAA in ‘22 and ‘23. Barnes was in the middle of a defense that went 23-3 over the last two seasons, allowing only 8.65 points per game over 26 games.  

Barnes finished second to Jones on the Millers in tackles in each of the last two seasons. Barnes registered 95 tackles this season, including 63 solo tackles. Barnes also provided four tackles for loss, one sack, and a fumble recovery. The Millers held nine of their twelve opponents to ten points or less this season, and 20 of 26 opponents over the last two seasons to ten points or less.  

Barnes produced a team-best eight solo tackles in the Millers 22-21 season opening loss to Oakdale, adding an assisted tackle. Barnes totaled six solo tackles, three assisted tackles, and a fumble recovery in the Millers 26-0 shutout win over league rival Franklin. Barnes made ten tackles in their 33-0 win over Dundalk, nine tackles in their 24-20 loss to Perry Hall, and eight tackles in the Millers season-ending one point loss to eventual state champion Decatur.  

LB Ray Chapman (Arundel) 5’11 215 SR – Chapman was the leader of the defending state finalist Wildcats defense at middle linebacker, earning Anne Arundel All-County first team honors for a second year in a row.  

Chapman led the Wildcats in tackles, with 74, and tackles for loss with 14. The Wildcats held undefeated county champion to only two touchdowns in their 14-9 loss to the Patriots. Chapman made eight tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack in the Wildcats 27-26 win over Glen Burnie. Chapman totaled nine tackles, including two for loss, in the Cats 27-14 win over Chesapeake.  

LB Kris Paul (Churchill) 5’11 170 SR – Paul was a hard-hitting undersized linebacker who was the 4A semifinalist Bulldogs leading tackler, a playmaker at linebacker who also could read out the underneath passing games of his opponents. Paul teamed with fellow senior Danziel Duckett to give the Dawgs an outstanding linebacker tandem. With their leadership and production, and the running prowess of David Avit, the Bulldogs finished 11-2 and posted their best season in 28 years. 

Paul totaled 86 tackles, including a team-best 40 tackles and four tackles for loss. Paul produced two sacks, two interceptions, four pass break ups, two fumble recoveries, and forced a county-best five fumbles. Paul totaled six solo tackles and seven assisted tackles in the Dawgs 18-15 win over Urbana. The Bulldogs senior totaled five solo tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in the Bulldogs 15-7 win over Northwest. In the Bulldogs season-ending loss to Broadneck in the semifinals, Paul posted five solo tackles, five assisted tackles, and forced a fumble. 

LB Jacob Wilson (Parkdale) 6’0 205 JR – Wilson was a do-it-all performer for the Panthers, emerging as a breakout star in Prince Georges County. Wilson was a standout in both sides of the ball. At linebacker, Wilson proved to be a hard-hitting playmaker, while on offense he served as the Panthers top threat at running back, and a more than capable receiver.  

Wilson was a shining star for the 3-7 Panthers, who faced the likes of Wise, Flowers, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Suitland, who registered a combined 33-2 record versus MPSSAA opponents outside of themselves on the gridiron this season. Wilson registered a team-best 48 solo tackles and a team-best 82 total tackles. Wilson added 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, two interceptions, and six pass break ups. On offense, Wilson accounted for more than 800 yards, and scored a team-best 12 touchdowns.  

In a 33-26 loss to Bowie, Wilson accounted for 154 yards from scrimmage, scored three touchdowns, totaled 12 tackles, had two pass break-ups, and blocked an extra point. Wilson was named to the Prince Georges County 4A All-County first team, one of only three juniors to earn first team honors on defense.  

LB Brandon Fauntleroy (Forest Park) 5’10 185 SR – Fauntleroy was the leader of the Foresters defensive unit that helped propel the team to their best season in their program’s history, finishing 11-2 and advancing to their first state semifinal berth. The Foresters held 10 of their 13 opponents to single-digits this season. The Foresters held Mervo to six points through three quarters – in a slugfest – before the Mustangs finished with a 20-0 win.  

Fauntleroy produced a team-high 112 tackles, including 58 solo tackles and 16 tackles for loss. The Foresters junior added eight sacks, four forced fumbles, four pass deflections, and three fumble recoveries. The Foresters held Winters Mill to nine points in their quarterfinal win, with Fauntleroy totaling 12 tackles, including five tackles for loss. Fauntleroy totaled six solo tackles, one tackle for loss, and a forced fumble in the loss to Mervo. 

DB Davian Pryor (Frederick) 6’2 170 SR – Pryor used his athletic prowess on both sides of the ball, as a hard-hitting, playmaking cornerback, and a legitimate downfield threat at receiver for the Cadets. Pryor led Frederick County in interceptions, and finished third in receiving yards. Pryor was a key two-way asset over the last two seasons for the Cadets, who posted a 12-3 record versus county competition over the last two campaigns. 

Pryor boasted seven interceptions at cornerback, taking two back for touchdowns. Pryor totaled 30 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, recorded four pass break ups and a fumble recovery. On offense, Pryor nabbed 45 receptions for 653 yards and five touchdowns. Pryor has committed to Morgan State.  

In the Cadets 34-26 win over Westminster in week two, Pryor caught five passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns, while adding two interceptions, four solo tackles, and two pass break ups in the win. Pryor caught seven passes for 100 yards in the Cadets 49-35 loss to Linganore, and added an interception. Pryor totaled five tackles and caught four passes for 90 yards and a score in the Cadets season-ending quarterfinal loss to North Point.  

DB Ayden West (Quince Orchard) 6’0 170 JR – West was one of the best complete cornerbacks in the MPSSAA, and if not for missing three games, would be higher on this list. Nonetheless, West displayed his skills as one of the best ‘cover corners’ in the MPSSAA, as well as a hard-hitting, sure tackler in the run game for the Cougars, who registered five shutouts in ten games, and held seven of ten opponents to seven points or less. 

West was third on the team in solo tackles per game, and picked off three interceptions, including a 79 yard ‘pick 6’. West added five pass break ups, despite getting few thrown his way because of the junior staying step-by-step with the receiver. The Cougars limited their opponents to a 25.3% success rate on third down, and allowed just six passing touchdowns all season. 

DB Seth Gathers (North Point) 6’0 185 JR – Gathers was one of a number of talents on the defensive side of the ball for the defending champion Eagles, delivering blanket coverage and heavy blows, lining up at safety and on the corner. The Eagles registered nine shutouts this season, and allowed only 4.1 points per game. Gathers was named to the All-SMAC first team. 

Gathers supplied 35 tackles this season, and forced a fumble. Gathers picked off three interceptions and totaled 11 pass break ups. The Eagles allowed only four passing touchdowns in 14 games. On offense, Gathers caught seven passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns.  

DB Keyon Washington (St Charles) 6’1 175 SR – Washington was one of the best all-around athletes in the MPSSAA over the last two seasons, excelling in all three phases. Washington was an excellent cover cornerback, and a great open field tackler, while also a threat to score at any time while at receiver. To add, Washington was one of the more adept kick returners in the MPSSAA.  

Washington scored four different ways this season, on offense, defense, and special teams. Versus state finalist Calvert, Washington caught four passes for 140 yards and a touchdown, while adding five solo tackles, an assisted tackle, and two pass break-ups. Washington was selected to the All-SMAC first team on offense, defense, and as the top return man in the league. Washington was a two-time All-SMAC first team selection.  

DB Kasir Hicks (Mervo) 5’8 160 JR – Hicks and senior Kamari Williams formed one of the top three cornerback tandems in the MPSSAA this season, headlining a defensive unit that forced opponents into 18 interceptions. The Mustangs junior was outstanding in coverage, and had his best game of the season versus the top passing attack in the MPSSAA.  

Hicks was a great tackler, producing 21 solo tackles, including six for loss, and 12 assisted tackles. Hicks produced 12 pass break ups, including four versus City College in their 44-12 win over the Black Knights. Hicks was a key part in a Mustangs defense that held 11 of their last 13 opponents to seven points or less, including their 14-7 victory over North Point in the 4/3A title game. Hicks was selected to the Baltimore Sun All-Met second team.  

DB Taj Kontosis (Blake) 5’9 155 SR – Kontosis was a big-play cornerback for the Bengals, contributing equally well against the pass and run, and helping lead his team to the state semifinals for the first time in their program’s history. The Bengals held eight of their twelve opponents to seven points or less, and allowed only 9.8 points per game. 

Kontosis led Montgomery County in interceptions, with seven, including a ‘pick 6’, and led the county with pass break ups, with 11. Kontosis added 31 tackles. Kontosis was named to the Montgomery County All-County first team.  

DB Jaden Sasu (Walkersville) 6’1 170 SR – Sasu was one of the most consistent all-around cornerbacks in the MPSSAA over the last two seasons, offering great coverage skills, along with sure tackling. To add, Sasu was a menace on special teams. Sasu was part of a Lions defensive unit that posted back-to-back-to-back shutouts versus Poolesville, at Damascus, and at Owings Mills in the playoffs.  

Sasu totaled 35 tackles, including three for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble. Sasu produced a county-best 12 pass break ups, and an interception. On special teams, Sasu blocked three field goals for the Lions. Sasu lined up in ‘man coverage’ on the opponents top receiver on 80% of the snaps.  

DB Jamal Drummond (Wise) 6’0 180 SR – Drummond was a key asset on the backside of the defense for the 4A state champion Pumas, cleaning up anything that got past the ‘front seven’, and administering devastating blows to ball carriers and receivers who came across the middle. Together with senior cornerback Raevon Johnson, and senior safety Teon Lavender, the Pumas boasted one of the best secondaries in the MPSSAA. 

Drummond finished second behind MPSSAA Athlete of the Year DeCarlos Young on the team in total tackles, with 76, including 45 solo tackles and three tackles for loss. The Pumas senior manufactured three interceptions, a ‘scoop 6’, and eight pass break ups, for a defensive unit that shutout eight of their twelve MPSSAA opponents this season, including Broadneck in the 4A title game. 

Drummond played his best game in the Pumas 17-14 overtime win over Flowers, registering a season-high 16 tackles, including nine solo tackles, and returned an interception 61 yards, foiling a potential scoring drive for the Jaguars. Drummond recorded an interception and a tackle for loss in the Pumas title game victory.  

DB Kyran Harry (Franklin) 6’0 155 SR – Harry was one of the top tackling safeties in the MPSSAA this season, with the Indians senior delivering devastating blows in both the run game and in pass coverage. Harry was a three year starter for the Tribe, and a leader of the defensive unit.  

In twelve games, Harry produced 43 solo tackles, 17 assisted tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. Harry totaled nine pass break ups, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Harry finished his three year Indians career with 107 solo tackles, ten interceptions, and 19 pass break ups.  

DB Teon Lavender (Wise) 5’10 195 SR – Lavender was a two year starter at safety for the 4A state champion Pumas, after contributing in the backfield as a sophomore. The Pumas senior joined fellow senior Jamal Drummond to form arguably the best pair of safeties in the MPSSAA, capable of making plays against both the run and pass. The Pumas defense allowed only five passing touchdowns versus their 12 MPSSAA opponents this season. 

Lavender finished second on the team in solo tackles, and third in total tackles, for a unit that shutout eight of their twelve opponents this season. Lavender registered 47 solo tackles, 28 assisted tackles, five tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, an interception, and a blocked punt. Lavender posted nine tackles, including six solo tackles, in the Pumas 22-16 week two win over Eleanor Roosevelt. In the overtime win over Flowers, Lavender registered four solo tackles, three assisted tackles, a tackle for loss, and a sack. The Pumas senior made six solo tackles and picked off a pass in the Pumas 42-14 quarterfinal victory over Walter Johnson.  

Honorable Mention Special Teams 

K Brogan Eastlack (Decatur) 5’10 165 – Eastlack was a key ingredient to the state champion Seahawks success, both as a place-kicker and a kickoff specialist. Eastlack’s booming kickoffs played a huge role in the Seahawks huge field possession advantage this season, allowing the defense to ‘tee off’ even more. 

Eastlack produced 45 touchbacks on 90 kickoffs this season, leading the MPSSAA in touch-backs. Eastlack converted 64 of 68 extra point attempts, and five of seven field goal attempts. Eastlack totaled five touchbacks on seven kickoffs in the Seahawks 33-15 win over Kent Island, while adding two field goals. Eastlack made all 15 of his extra point attempts in the final three playoff rounds (and also his only field goal attempt), including five in the Seahawks 35-34 win over Milford Mill in the semifinal. 

K Sachin Bijlani (Wootton) 5’10 175 SR – Bijlani was nearly perfect for the Patriots this season, a bright light in a 5-6 season. Whether kickoffs or placekicking, Bijlani was outstanding. 

Bijlani delivered 18 touchbacks on 28 kickoffs, producing the best touchback percentage in the MPSSAA, at 64.3%. Three of the four misses by Bijlani this season came on blocked kicks. Bijlani converted 16 of his 18 extra point attempts, with two blocked, and nailed four of six field goal attempts, with a miss from 52 yards, and one blocked.  

K Tyler Potts (Northern – Cal.) 5’10 155 SR – Potts was a key ingredient to the Patriots success the last three seasons,