They’re back.

For the second straight year, Lawrence County senior linebackerMarcus Brown and Franklin County senior lineman Bobby O’Quinn havebeen named The DAILY LEADER’S Co-Defensive Players of the Year onthe 2009 All-Area Football Team.

Brown was voted Defensive Player on the Region 7-4A team. Hehelped Lawrence County to win its second straight regionchampionship and advance to the third round of the stateplayoffs.

O’Quinn was named Class 3A Defensive Player of the Year for thethird straight year on the Mississippi Association of CoachesFootball Team. He was instrumental in Franklin County making it tothe third round of the playoffs.

The Dream Team was selected by members of the DL sports staff,with input provided by area high school and college coaches. Itincludes players outside Lincoln County.

Joining O’Quinn on the defensive line are Shelby Johnson ofParklane, Josh Bingham of Jefferson County, Byron Hammond ofLawrence County, A.J. Jefferson of North Pike and Ben Kavanay ofParklane.

Making up the linebacking corps are Brown, Tevin Thomas,LaDarious Hunt and Frank Hunt of Franklin County, Leviticus Cain ofHazlehurst and Bryce Guess of Copiah Academy.

The defensive backs are Milton Griffin of Franklin County, DavinDobbs of Jefferson County, Matthews Wells, Brandon Allen of Wessonand Dontez Daggins of Lawrence County.

The punter is Kevin Monzon of Crystal Springs.

Marcus Brown (6-0, 190, sr.) helped Lawrence County to an 8-5record, its second straight district title and a trip to the thirdround of the Class 4A state playoffs. He finished the season with120 total tackles, including 69 solo stops.

“I thank my coaches for making me a better player,” said Brown.”I worked hard on defense. My best game was against GreenCounty.”

Brown had battles with injures during the season but came thoughfor the Cougars.

“Marcus had to play though different types of injuries,” saidLawrence County head coach Mike Davis. “He played a lot ofhard-nosed football. He’s a naturally strong kid and he worked hardin the weight room. His strength was exceptional.”

Bobby O’Quinn (5-11, 265) collected 80 tackles and 5 quarterbacksacks for the Bulldogs this year. Franklin County finished theseason 10-4 after falling to eventual 3A state champ Tylertown inthe third round.

Franklin County coach Trent Hammond said O’Quinn was anexceptional player. Named to the South All-Star Team, O’Quinn hadsustained an ankle injury during practice but was listed asdoubtful for the game at Gulfport.

“Bobby wanted me to take care of his ankle, so I drove downthere on the Friday before the game and treated it,” said Hammond.”He really showed out in the game.

“Bobby was the smallest player on the defensive line, saidHammond. “The North ran three straight running plays at him tostart the game and got nothing. He stuffed it”.

O’Quinn said it was a blessing to win and thanked his defense,teammates and coaches.

Shelby Johnson (6-4, 220, sr.) was a 3-year starters for theParklane Pioneers on the line.

Josh Bingham (6-3, 265, jr.) helped Jefferson County with 59tackles, 2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries.

Byron Hammond (6-5, 230, sr.) was one of the biggest linemen forLawrence County

A.J. Jefferson (6-1, 215, soph.) provided a lot of tackles forthe North Pike Jaguars.

Ben Kavanay (5-8, 160, sr.) helped the Parklane Pioneers with 69tackles and 2 pass interceptions.

Tevin Thomas (6-2, 200, sr.) helped Franklin County with 106tackles, 4 fumbles recoveries and 3 quarterback sacks.

LaDarious Hunt (5-11, 205, sr.) collected 111 tackles andrecovered 5 fumble for Franklin County.

Frank Hunt (5-10, 215, sr.) was a workhorse on defense forFranklin County. Hunt finished the season with 83 tackles and 6quarterbacks sacks.

Brandon Allen (6-1, 190, sr.) of Wesson finished with 68 tacklesas the Cobras advanced to the Class 2A state playoffs.

Leviticus Cain (6-2, 225, jr.) helped the Hazlehurst Indianswith 73 tackles, including 51 solo stops, as they made the stateplayoffs.

Bryce Guess (6-0, 200, sr.) of Copiah Academy was named to theDistrict AAA South Division 1 Team as Most Valuable DefensivePlayer. Guess led the Colonels with 107 tackles, 7 pass breakups, 8forced fumbles and 5 fumble recoveries.

Milton Griffin (5-9, 160, jr.) of Franklin County led the statein the 3A with 9 pass interceptions.

Davin Dobbs (5-1, 180, sr.) contributed to Jefferson County’ssuccess with 50 tackles and 5 interceptions, 2 returned fortouchdowns.

Matthews Wells (6-2, 200, sr.) of Lawrence County was votedAll-Region 7-4A , MAC First Team Free Safety and played in theMississippi-Alabama All-Star Classic. Wells missed a portion of theseason due to a groin injury. He made 36 tackles and intercepted 4passes.

Dontez Daggins (6-0, 185, sr.) helped Lawrence County to itssuccessful 9-5 campaign.

Kevin Monzon (5-10, 190, jr.) of Crystal Springs was namedRegion 7-4A kicker. He punted 38 times for 1,358 yards and a38.8-yard average.