With the high school football playoffs right on our doorstep, there is no better time than now to explore the best performers from the regular season. Below is Score Prep Fulton’s 2008 All-County team.
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Brendan Cross, Chattahoochee – Over a five-game stretch this year, Cross had 82 completions on 130 attempts for 1,014 yards. Cross showed his ability to punish defenses when he threw for 273 yards in Chattahoochee’s opening game against Milton.
Running back: Toney Williams, Milton – Williams started the season averaging over 200 yards per game. Throughout the year, he demonstrated that he is a “do-it-all” runner, showcasing an ability to run North-South for big-yardage plays and power his way to short third-down conversions.
Running back: Demond Dennis, Carver – Dennis displayed excellent downfield vision. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield make him a dual threat. He can burn defenses with his ability to reach top speed in a hurry.
Wide receiver: Max Williams, Lovett – Williams, a junior, was an electric force for the Lions’ offense all year long, catching, passing, rushing and returning the football. In a memorable Oct. 3 game against Westminster, Williams caught four passes for 142 yards, including the game-winning score from 59 yards out, and finished with an impressive 229 yards of total offense in the 24-21 Lovett victory.
Wide receiver: Chuka Okakpu, Roswell – The little brother of Ebele (now at North Carolina) has the tools and size to become a well-known name throughout the state next season. The Hornets missed the playoffs this year, but Okakpu should have enough time to showcase his talents.
Tight end: Brock Sanders, Northview – Sanders ran routes exceptionally well at the tight end position. He showed good speed and proved to be a reliable target all year.
Offensive lineman: Chance Warmack, Westlake – Warmack displayed three qualities that make him a very successful and a highly-recruited offensive lineman. He has impressive footwork, outstanding size, and is a great leader.
Offensive lineman: Randall Fowler, Banneker – Fowler used speed and strength to disrupt defensive lines and create openings for Banneker running back Alfred Moreland. He is also an excellent pass blocker with quick feet.
Offensive lineman: Matt Crisafi, Blessed Trinity – Crisafi used his size to punish defenders all year. Priding himself on finishing blocks, he helped propel Blessed Trinity to a very successful season.
Offensive lineman: Yellstine Ford, Therrell – Therell High School did not have a very good year. That, however, did not stop people from noticing Yellstine Ford’s play on the offensive line. Though undersized, he has gotten scholarship offers from many Division I programs.
Offensive lineman: Brian Holland, Woodward Academy – Holland’s skills on the line are a bit raw. He, however, had a very successful season providing strong blocking support for Woodward.
DEFENSE
Defensive end: Euclid Cummings, Centennial – Cummings has an amazing combination of body control and speed. He is a high-energy player and generated a lot of attention playing in a very competitive region.
Defensive end: Brandon Bryant, Washington – Bryant had a solid year on a very talented team. He used his physically imposing size to make key plays on defense. In addition to solid play, he served as an emotional leader for the team.
Defensive tackle: Jeremy Adams, Douglass – Adams anchored the line for Douglass this year. Using his strength and footwork, he powered through offensive lines and disrupted many backfields.
Defensive tackle: Denzel McCoy, Northview – McCoy is the only junior on the list, but is worthy of the recognition. Speed and size played a key role in his success against the opposition. His skills did not go unnoticed. He received several scholarship offers from top Division 1 schools.
Linebacker: Jonathan Atchison, Douglass – Atchison created havoc for quarterbacks and running backs. He is an excellent pass rusher, who has a knack for making tackles for losses. He is also very good at dropping back into coverage.
Linebacker: Milton Patterson, Banneker – Patterson had a real nose for the football this year. He was excellent at stopping the run. He is very quick and difficult to block. One of his best qualities is his ability to shed blockers and make tackles.
Linebacker: Chris Brown, Carver – Chris Brown showed that he is a blitzing linebacker who can get in the backfield and create problems for the quarterback. He is also an excellent pass defender.
Cornerback: Branden Smith, Washington – Smith is as dynamic as they come. He dazzled opponents with his ability to change directions and use his blazing speed to get into the open field.
Cornerback: Caleb Lester, Douglass – After Washington receiver Branden Smith torched Douglass’ secondary for a 64-yard touchdown reception, Lester shut down Smith for most of the remaining game (despite a late touchdown by Smith). That speaks volumes for his skill at cornerback.
Safety: Darren Myles, Carver – Myles was a nightmare for opposing offenses. Throughout the year, he demonstrated his understanding of the game by consistently defending the pass and the run. He would make the all-state team at safety.
Safety: Mark Williams, Carver – Myles’s fellow safety in one of the best secondaries in the state, Williams excels in coverage and can also come up to stop the run. He also plays a little running back for the playoff-bound Tigers.
KICKERS/SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker: Andrew Lord, Centennial – Despite losing to Alpharetta this year, Lord showed why he is one of the best kicker/punters in the state by punting three straight balls inside the opponent’s 2-yard line
Kick returner: Branden Smith, Washington – Smith’s sheer speed and instinct to exploit the opposing teams’ weaknesses make him the perfect kick returner. Dazzling returns helped him rack up more accolades to top off his lofty achievements at receiver and defensive back.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Branden Smith, Washington – Deemed one of the fastest high school seniors in the country, Branden Smith proved that he possesses the intangibles of a great a football player. A truly outstanding talent on the defensive side of the ball, he attacked interceptions and showed an array of creative instincts on returns.
Gupta can be reached at jgupta@scoreatl.com.
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