Several talented athletes compiled impressive numbers in 2012. They highlight The DAILY LEADER’s All-Area Football Team this year.

     Quarterback Kenneth Coleman and running back Demetrius Cain were the catalysts who directed the Hazlehurst Indians to an undefeated 16-0 season. The Indians advanced to their second straight MSHAA Class 3A State Championship game and defeated the Charleston Tigers in a rematch to clinch their second title in seven years.

     Coleman passed for 2,267 yards and 20 touchdowns. Cain rushed 136 times for 1,629 and 18 touchdowns. For this accomplishment they have been selected The DAILY LEADER’s Co-Most Valuable Players.  The Dream Team is made up of players outside of Lincoln County and is selected by members of the DL sports staff with input provided by area high school and college coaches.

     Joining Coleman at quarterback are Alex Woodall of McComb and Brady Lea of Parklane Academy.

     In the backfield with Cain are Offensive Most Valuable Player Chris Robinson of Franklin County and Aaron Larry of Hazlehurst.

     The aerial attack features wide receivers Quatavious Smith of McComb, Dedric Reese of Hazlehurst and Otis Smith of Wesson.

     The offensive line includes Spencer Touchstone of Franklin County, Ryan Spears of Wesson, Jeremy Chester of North Pike, Tyler Stutzman of Parklane Academy and Corey McPherson of Wesson.

     Nicholas McDonald of Lawrence County, Aquindus Henson of McComb, Jadarrius Davis of Franklin County, Bryce Berry of Copiah Academy and Antonio Miller of Wesson are the all-purpose players.

     Wanner Piaz of Crystal Springs was selected as the team place kicker.

     Kenneth Coleman (6-1, 151, sr.) filled the air with footballs in Coach Randal Montgomery’s high-octane offense. He completed 117 passes out of 201 attempts for 2,267 yards and rushed for 408 yards on 43 carries.

     Coleman, 17, is the son of Kenneth and Angelia Coleman. He enjoys playing video games when he is not participating in other high school activities.

     In the weight room, Coleman works hard to increase to his strength by squatting 295 pounds and bench pressing 165 pounds.

     Coleman shared his thoughts on winning the Most Valuable Player with Cain. “It is an honor to win this with my classmate/friend/teammate Cain. We both worked really hard and accomplished many goals.”

     Coleman showed his excitement on Hazlehurst’s special season. “We had a great season. We went undefeated and it was a great pleasure playing for a wonderful coaching staff.”

     Coach Randal Montgomery commented on Coleman “Kenny Coleman really became a great quarterback with his willingness to accept coaching and hard work. His ability to lead our offense was pivotal in our success.”

     Demetrius Cain (6-0, 205, sr.) entered the 2012 campaign with high expectations and he didn’t disappoint. He rushed for 1,629 yards on 136 carries for 18 touchdowns and caught 25 passes for 507 yards. Defensively, he had 81 tackles at linebacker.

     Cain, 18, is the son of Robert and Wanda Cain. In the weight room, he maxed out his strength by squatting 495 pounds and benching 305 pounds.

     During his personal time, Cain enjoys playing video games and hanging out with his friends.

     Cain answered a question on how he became a good player. “I started in the ninth grade and from there I continued to work hard and listen to my coaches to get better in each practice and game.”

     Cain shared his thoughts on the Indians special season. “This was a very special season for my senior year. We finished the season 16-0 and won the state championship. We started the season with one goal in mind to win it all and we did that.”

     Coach Montgomery talked about Cain. “Demetrius is one of the best football players that I’ve had the privilege to coach. In my opinion, he is the best all-around player in the state.”

     Chris Robinson (5-9, 174, jr.) used his breakaway speed to dazzle opponents. The speedy junior put up solid numbers on offense. He rushed for 1,572 yards on 190 carries to lead the Franklin County Bulldogs. He also caught 14 passes for 261 yards this season.

     Robinson, 17, is the son of Rachel L. Harris and Tyrone Robinson. He enjoys playing video games and watching Everybody Hates Chris.

     Robinson works hard in the weight room to get ready for the season. He squats 405 pounds and bench press 265 pounds.

     Robinson’s goal for his senior year is break his own record. In his sophomore year, he rushed for 1,242 yards, 14 touchdowns and made 26 tackles. In his junior year, he led the team with 1,574, 32 touchdowns and had 58 tackles.

     Franklin County Coach Ricky O’Quinn shared his thoughts on Robinson. “Not only is Chris (Robinson) a great player, he is a even better kid. He is very humble and soft spoken. Chris brings a lot to the game with his speed and power. I really look for him to have a record-breaking year next year.”

     Alex Woodall (6-4, 230, jr.) ran McComb’s offense. He completed 120 of 249 passes for 1,721 yards and 20 touchdowns, helping the Tigers reach the Class 5A state playoffs.

     Brady Lea (5-11, 175, jr.) brought plenty of excitement to the gridiron for the Pioneers. He led the passing attack by completing 60 of 130 passes for 1,115 yards and 7 touchdowns.

     Aaron Larry (5-9, 195, sr.) was an impact player for the Indians, rushing for 911 yards on 129 carries and 18 touchdowns.

     Quatavious Smith (6-1, 170, sr.) was McComb’s leading receiver with 60 receptions for 1,000 yards and 11 TDs.

     Dedric Reese (5-9, 170, jr.) was one of the primary targets for the Indians’ aerial attack. He caught 40 passes for 768 yards and scored 5 touchdowns.

     Otis Smith (5-9, 190, jr.) had a great year for the Cobras. He posted 412 yards rushing on 93 carries.

     Spencer Touchstone (6-0, 250, sr.) played a huge role in Franklin County’s offensive success.

     Ryan Spears (6-3, 265, sr.) anchored the Wesson offensive line.

     Joseph Nelson (6-4, 350, sr.) played a huge role in protecting the Indian quarterback’s blind side.

     Jeremy Chester (6-4, 265, sr.) is a 4-year starter for the North Pike Jaguars.

     Tyler Stutzman (6-5, 220, sr.) played a big role in the Pioneers’ offensive line as he provided key blocks.

     Corey McPherson (6-1, 250, sr.) used his skills to help the Cobras on offense.

     Toriaun Samuels (6-3, 315, jr.) showcased his talents at center for the Indians.

     Nicholas McDonald (5-11, 185, sr.) was instrumental in sparking the Lawrence County Cougars. He collected 815 rushing yards and scored 10 touchdowns.

     Aquindus Henson (5-7, 215, jr.) played a key role in McComb’s offense as he rushed for 580 yards on 116 carries.

     Jadarrius Davis (6-1, 190, sr.) was instrumental in helping Franklin County’s Bulldogs. He completed 49 of 117 passes for 857 yards, scoring 9 touchdowns.

     Bryce Berry (6-3, 190, sr.) stepped up huge for the Colonels at receiver. He caught 56 passes for 1,008 yards and was recognized as an MAIS All-Star.

     Antonio Miller (5-10, 185, sr.) accounted for 891 rushing yards and 12 TDs for the Cobras.

     Wanner Piaz (5-7, 150, so.) used his strong leg for the Crystal Springs Tigers, to pin their opponents deep with his booming kicks that averaged 48 yards on kickoffs.