Junior defensive linemen Jarvarius Tanner and Johnkil Skipper of Hazlehurst were huge contributors in the Indians’ historic march to perfection in 2012.

     Skipper, who was named Defensive Player of the Year in the Region 7-3A, helped Coach Randal Montgomery and the Indians win their Region title, the South 3A Championship and State 3A Championship.

     Likewise, Tanner was instrumental in Hazlehurst’s march to a special season and received All-Region First Team honors on defense.

     For their achievements, Skipper and Tanner have been named The DAILY LEADER’S Co-Defensive Players of the Year on the 2012 All-Area Football Team. The Dream Team is composed of players outside Lincoln County.

     This team was selected by members of the DL sports staff with input provided by area high school and college coaches.

     Joining Skipper and Tanner on the line are Trey Hannon of Franklin County, Robert Brown of Lawrence County, Cullen Greer of Wesson and Jeremiah Thompson of North Pike.

     Providing assistance at linebacker are Lucious Lumpkin of South Pike, Jalen James of Lawrence County, Devonta Cunningham of Crystal Springs, Darrin Wiley of Franklin County and Seth Travis of Parklane Academy.

     Making up the defensive secondary are Dycelious Reese of Hazlehurst, Jakavis Taylor of Crystal Springs, Ricky Wilson of Franklin County, TraDarrius Jones of North Pike, Dayan Simmons of South Pike and Justin Brent of Parklane Academy.    

     Will Jackson of Lawrence County was selected as the team’s punter.

     Johnkil Skipper (5-11, 240, jr.) led Hazlehurst with 93 tackles, including 28 solos and 65 assists. He also averaged about 4 sacks per game.

     Skipper, 16, is the son of Barbara and Johnny Skipper. He enjoys playing sports video games and likes sport related shows like The Game.

     In the weight room, Skipper continues to increase his strength. He averages 345 pounds on squat and bench presses 255 pounds.

     Skipper shared his thought on receiving defensive honor with Tanner. “It is a big honor to receive the recognition. Without my great coaches and teammates, I could not have done it.”

     Skipper commented on the Indians special season. “I feel like I had a great season, but I could have done better. There is always room for improvement.”

     Hazlehurst Coach Randal Montgomery expressed his opinion on Skipper. “Johnkil Skipper missed the last five or six weeks of the season last year with a broken femur. For him to come back and play at the level he played at says a lot about him. He has a bright future ahead of him.”

     Jarvarius Tanner (5-11, 235, jr.) had a productive season. He helped provide the one-two punch at defensive end for the Indians. He collected 88 tackles, averaging 7 tackles per game.

     Tanner, 17, is the son of Cora Tanner and Byram Coleman. His hobbies are playing video games and dating girls. His favorite movie is Avatar and TV show is Burn Notice.

     Just like his teammate, Tanner is continuing to improve his strength for next season. He is averaging 425 pounds in the squat. He bench presses 213 pounds.

     Tanner expressed his thoughts on the season. “I felt like we had an OK season. It could have been so much better if I had been more disciplined and listened to my coaches.”

     “Coach Montgomery committed on Tanner. “Jarvarius (Tanner) has begun to learn the defensive end position. Last year, he was inside at tackle and played well. The move to end was easy for him. He has great potential to dominate every game.”

     Trey Hannon (5-8, 220, sr.) was a big key to the Bulldogs’ defense. He made 67 tackles, and recovered three fumbles.

     Robert Brown (5-9, 240, jr.) was a key player for the LCHS defense with 84 tackles, including 54 solos, plus 4 sacks.

     Cullen Greer (5-11, 260, sr.) was the Defensive MVP for Wesson. He was credited with 72 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 7 sacks and 17 tackles for losses.

     Jeremiah Thompson (5-10, 225, sr.) was instrumental on defense for North Pike with 65 stops.

     Lucious Lumpkin (6-1, 210, sr.) was a key player for South Pike’s defense with 69 tackles and 4 sacks.

     Jalen James (5-11, 185, sr.) made 125 tackles, with 74 solos, for Lawrence County.

     Devonta Cunningham (6-1, 190, sr.) was an impact player for Crystal Springs with 200 tackles.

     Darrin Wiley (6-0, 200, jr.) was named to the Class 3A All-State Second Team. He made 68 tackles and three sacks for the Bulldogs.

     Seth Travis (6-0, 200, sr.) anchored the Parklane defense and had a team-high 78 tackles, featuring 41 solo stops.

     Dycelious Reese (5-9, 175, so.) had 30 tackles and 7 pass thefts for the Indians.

     Jakavis Taylor (5-11, 180, sr.) made 146 tackles, including 107 solos for the Tigers.

     Ricky Wilson (6-1, 210, jr.) was a key player for the FCHS defense with 53 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 sack and 2 fumble recoveries.

     TraDarrius Jones (5-7, 165, so.) made 44 tackles, with 15 solos, for North Pike.

     Dayan Simmons (5-6, 180, sr.) was a catalyst on defense for South Pike with 75 tackles.

     Justin Brent (5-9, 160, sr.) collected 48 tackles for the Pioneers.

     Will Jackson (5-6, 190, jr.) was a key factor for Lawrence County. He helped pin opposing offenses deep in their territory with an average of 36 yards per punt.