All-Area Football: First Team Defense
Carson Chinn
Clarke County — Junior
Linebacker
Led the area with 146 tackles, topping the 100 mark for his third straight season. Selected First Team All-Region 2B and All-Bull Run District.
Jamaal Nowlin
Sherando — Senior
Defensive lineman
Tied for the area lead with 9.5 sacks and recorded 65.5 tackles. Named Class 4 Northwestern District Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Region 4D.
Jaishaun Offutt
Handley — Junior
Defensive lineman
Excellent run stopper also led Handley with 3.5 sacks. Selected First Team All-Region 4D and All-Class 4 Northwestern District.
Cole Purdy
Millbrook — Senior
Defensive lineman
Recorded 51 tackles and was second for the Pioneers with 3.0 sacks. Selected Second Team All-Region 4D and All-Class 4 Northwestern District.
Alofi Sake
Clarke County — Senior
Defensive lineman
Seventh in the area with 70 tackles and tied for third with 4.0 sacks. Selected First Team All-Bull Run District and Second Team All-Region 2B.
Kaleb Nowlin
Sherando — Junior
Defensive lineman
Tied for the area sack lead with 9.5 and also registered 59 tackles for the Warriors. Selected First Team All-Class 4 Northwestern District and Honorable Mention All-Region 4D.
Manno Lusca
Handley — Senior
Linebacker
Played a hybrid position for the Judges, recording 67 tackles. Selected First Team All-Region 4D and All-Class 4 Northwestern District.
Zach Smith
James Wood — Senior
Linebacker
Despite missing a full game and part of another, was second in the area with 113 tackles and picked off two passes. Selected First Team All-Class 4 Northwestern District and Second Team All-Region 4D.
Cohen Creswell
Millbrook — Senior
Linebacker
Led the Pioneers and was fourth in the area with 108 tackles and led his team with 3.5 sacks. Selected Second Team All-Class 4 Northwestern District and Honorable Mention All-Region 4D.
Will Booker
Clarke County — Senior
Defensive back
Lockdown corner also contributed 52 tackles. Selected First Team Class 2 All-State, All-Region 2B and All-Bull Run District.
Hayden LaFever
Sherando — Junior
Defensive back
Tied for second in the area with five interceptions, recorded 45.5 tackles and scored three defensive touchdowns. Selected First Team All-Class 4 Northwestern District and Second Team All-Region 4D.
Tanner Sipe
Clarke County — Junior
Defensive back
Helped the Eagles hold opponents to 40.5 receiving yards per game. Had 30 tackles and one interception. Selected First Team All-Region 2B and All-Bull Run District.
Justin Gwinner
James Wood — Junior
Defensive back
Led the area with six interceptions. Selected Second Team All-Class 4 Northwestern District and Honorable Mention All-Region 4D.
Micah Carlson
Sherando — Junior
Punter
Led the area with a 40.4 average. Selected First Team All-Class 4 Northwestern District and Second Team All-Region 4D.
Wyatt Palmer
Clarke County — Junior
Punt returner
Led the area with a 17.0 average. Selected Second Team All-Region 2B and All-Bull Run District.