N. Pike’s Butler tops All-Area
Published 6:00 am Tuesday, January 5, 2010
North Pike’s Revis Butler had an exceptional year in football.Butler, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound junior, started at quarterback forthe North Pike Jaguars and helped them to an 8-5 record in therevamped Region 7-4A as the Jaguars made a record-setting trip tothe second round of the playoffs.
Butler, who amassed 3,000 yards total offense, has been namedThe DAILY LEADER’S Most Valuable Player and Mr. Football on the2009 All-Area Football Team.
Selected as the Co-Most Valuable Offensive Players were JoshCameron of Lawrence County and LaDerrick Turner of North Pike.
The Dream Team was selected by members of the DL sports staffwith input provided by area high school and college coaches.
Joining Cameron and Turner at running back are Jeromy Smith ofWesson and Darnell Ford of Franklin County. Steven Swindle ofParklane, Matt Smith of Wesson and Ben Boone join Butler atquarterback.
At wide receiver are Micah Moore of Parklane and Eric Boutte ofLawrence County. The tight end is Jamie McCardle of LawrenceCounty.
The offensive line includes Josh Cunningham of Parklane, KevinBryant and Justin Barnes of Lawrence County, Chase Murray of AmiteCounty and Tevin Thomas of Franklin County. The all-purpose playersare Josh Armstreet of Parklane and Elbert Ford of JeffersonCounty.
The placekicker is Travor Havis of Lawrence County.
Revis Butler (5-11, 205, jr.) powered North Pike. He collected1,355 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns. In the air, he completed 77of 164 passes for 1,672 yards.
“I thank God,” said Butler. “I worked very hard. My dad anduncle told me my work would pay off. We have a great coachingstaff. They prepared us every week. I’d like to thank my offensiveline.”
North Pike head coach Chris Smith is looking forward to havingButler back another season.
“Revis is a great leader,” said Smith. “He’s versatile. CoachBrinson Wall has done a great job with him. He knows our offense inand out. He throws the ball with quickness and runs the ball realwell. He has heart and leadership.”
Josh Cameron (5-11, 190, sr.) was named Co-Offensive Player ofthe Year on the Region 7-4A team.
“It feels great,” said Cameron of the honor. “I’d like to thankthe offensive line for playing through the hard times. The coachesgot us up for the big games. When I had a sprain (ankle), CoachMike (Davis) talked me into staying in the game. I worked throughit.”
LCHS coach Mike Davis said Cameron fought thought his injurieshis senior year.
“Josh is one of the kids that stays out of trouble,” praisedDavis. “He always works hard. He played through injuries. Hepersevered. He has a good instinct and feel for the ball.”
LaDerrick Turner (5-8, 180, sr.) was named as the Region 7-4ACo-Player of the Year. Turner finished the season with 177 rushesfor 1,650 yards and 28 touchdowns.
“I feel real good,” said Turner. “I am very thankful. I steppedit up and had a standout year.”
North Pike head coach Chris Smith said Turner excelled as asenior, going both ways.
“LaDerrick did a great job for us. He improved hisballhandling,” said Smith.
“He is an all-around player this year and also played defensiveback. He could have been our top defensive player. He’s wonderful.He was our scout team offensive quarterback during practice.”
Jeromy Smith (6-1, 200, sr.) of Wesson was the leading rusherfor the Cobras with 214 carries for 1,148 yards and 19 TDs.
Darnell Ford (5-10, 180, sr.) used his superior speed andexperience to power Franklin County. Ford rushed for 1,100 yardsand scored 13 touchdowns.
Steven Swindle (6-0, 175, soph.) took the responsibility ofdirecting the Parklane Pioneers. Swindle completed 95 of 185 passesfor 1,825 yards and 16 TDs.
Matt Smith (6-2, 185, jr.) sparked Wesson until he sustained apair injures the final four games of the season. Smith completed 26of 48 passes for 586 yards and 8 touchdowns. He rushed the football78 times for 512 yards.
Ben Boone (5-11, 180, sr.) of Copiah Academy finished the seasonwith 600 yards rushing and 600 yards passing for a 1,200 yardtotal.
Micah Moore (6-0, 180, sr.) was a top receiver for Parklane with23 receptions for 517 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Eric Boutte (6-1, 2-05, sr.) of Lawrence County was voted to theRegion 7-4A First Team and Mississippi Association of Coaches FirstTeam. Boutte, who worked both ways, had 10 catches for 138 yardsand a touchdown.
Jamie McCardle (6-3, 210, sr.) of Lawrence County went bothways. On offense, McCardle had 9 receptions for 98 yards and aTD.
Josh Cunningham (6-3, 3-5, sr.) of Parklane was a starter on theline for the Pioneers for four years.
Kevin Bryant (5-10, 255, sr.) of Lawrence County was graded 78percent for the year with 78 pancake blocks.
Justin Barnes (6-0, 195, jr.) of Lawrence County made majorcontributions this season.
Chase Murray (6-1, 190, sr.) of Amite County was instrumentalwith 75 tackles, including 49 solos.
Josh Armstreet (5-9, 195, sr.) was an instrumental force forParklane’s offense. Armstreet collected 1,055 yards rushing anscored 12 TDs.
Elbert Ford (5-11, 180, sr.) of Jefferson County rushed thefootball 36 times for 339 yards and scored 4 touchdowns. He had 15catches for 230 yards and a pair of TDs,
Trevor Havis (5-11, 165, jr.) of Lawrence County was votedRegion 7-4A plackicker. Havis kicked 39 of 42 extra-points and was3-for-3 in field goal attempts.