Franklin County cousins Bo and Josh Tillman were outstandingfootball players on the Bulldog football team. They helped takeFranklin County to the state title in 2006 and brought the Bulldogsback in 2007 but came up short to Louisville in the statechampionship game.

For their accomplishments, Josh and Bo Tillman have been namedthe DAILY LEADER’S Co-Defensive Players of the Year on the 2007All-Area Team which is composed of players outside LincolnCounty.

The Dream Team was selected by members of the DL sport staffwith input provided by area high school and college coaches.

Joining the Tillmans on the defensive line are teammate BobbyO’Quinn, LaDarius Stallings of South Pike and Keith Sibley ofMcComb.

The linebackers are Alex Guess of Copiah Academy, Beau Wilson ofWesson, Alex Smith of Franklin County and Julius Magee of LawrenceCounty.

Working at defensive back are Hunter Greer of Copiah Academy,John Craft of Wesson, Bobby Fielder of McComb, Marcus Norwood ofCrystal Springs and Dontray Collins of Lawrence County.

The punter is Richard Henley of Copiah Academy.

Josh Tillman, who played defensive end, was recently named Class3A Defensive Player of the Year by the Mississippi Association ofCoaches. Tillman registered a school-record 20 sacks this season.He also gathered 101 tackles and recovered five fumbles. He plansto play football at Ole Miss.

“Josh had a good senior year,” said Franklin County headfootball coach Grady McCluskey who is the 2007 All-Area Coach ofthe Year. “He did a good job on both sides of the ball. He had areal productive year.”

Bo Tillman was named Region 7-3A Defensive Player of the Year.He made 85 tackles and had 10 sacks on the season..

“Bo was the key to our defensive scheme,” praised McCluskey. “Hewas double and triple teamed.

“It’s an honor for our program to receive such rewards,” addedMcCluskey. “Our guys really worked hard this season and made someoutstanding plays. I’m proud of them.”

Bobby O’Quinn (6-0, 245, soph.) brought youthand power to the veteran Franklin County defensive line.

LaDarius Stallings (6-1, 250, sr.) was adominant force on South Pike’s defensive line.

Keith Sibley (6-1, 287, sr.) made 55 tackles,caused 12 fumbles and made 2 sacks for McComb.

Alex Guess (6-0, 190, sr.) finished up atCopiah Academy with 116 tackles (19 for losses) and 4 sacks. Guessforced 5 fumbles and intercepted 5 passes (retuning 1 for atouchdown).

Beau Wilson (5-9, 190, sr.) led Wesson with 118tackles and recovered 2 fumbles. Wilson was named to the District6-2A First Team.

Alex Smith (6-0, 180, jr.) intercepted 7 passesat linebacker for Franklin County.

Julius Magee (6-1, 240, sr.) provided LawrenceCounty with leadership this year. Magee led the Cougars with 77total tackles, including 58 solos and recovered 2 fumbles.

“Julius was our team leader,” said Lawrence County head footballcoach Mike Davis. “Defensively, he got us lined up. He kneweveryone’s position. He was a coach on the field.”

Hunter Greer (6-1, 185, sr.) played cornerbackfor Copiah Academy and made 33 tackles, had 5 pass breakups,intercepted 8 passes and recovered a fumble.

John Craft (5-10, 175, jr.) contributed on theWesson defense with 56 tackles and 6 pass interceptions.

Bobby Fielder (6-0, 190, sr.) was a standoutfor McComb with 4 pass interceptions for a total of 9 over the pasttwo seasons.

Marcus Norwood (5-10 ,175, sr.) picked off 5passes for Crystal Springs.

Dontray Collins (5-10, 180, sr.) made 68tackles for Lawrence County.

Richard Henley (6-0, 190, sr.) served as punterand kicker for Copiah Academy. Henley made 35 of 40 extra pointsand was 3 of 5 from 40-45 yard range. His 11 kickoffs average 50.3yards per kick.