2019 All-Area Defensive teams
First team
Holden Fretz
SCHOOL: E.C. Glass
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive line
ALL-STAR STUFF: Earned Region 4D defender of the year honors for the second year in a row and led a Glass defense that held opposing teams to 13.6 points per game. … Finished the season with 100 total tackles (77 solo), 23 tackles for a loss, six sacks, seven QB hurries, four forced fumbles and a whopping 78 yards off tackles for a loss. … Took home second-team all-state honors in Class 4.
Jamal Wheeler
SCHOOL: Appomattox
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive line
ALL-STAR STUFF: An all-Region 2C and all-Dogwood first-team selection. … Secured 64 total tackles (29 solo), had eight tackles for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble, a team-high three fumble recoveries, one pass breakup and four QB hurries.
Corlyn Witcher
SCHOOL: Gretna
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive line
ALL-STAR STUFF: Received first-team all-Region 2C honors on offense and defense. … Led a Hawks defense that allowed just 16.9 points per game by posting 17 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks. … Added 66 tackles (43 solo), one interception returned 64 yards for a touchdown, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. … Also received first-team all-Dogwood honors on both sides of the ball.
Jaylen Lewis
SCHOOL: Appomattox
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive line
ALL-STAR STUFF: Second on team with 11 tackles for a loss and had 77 tackles (30 solo) to go along with three sacks and one fumble recovery. … Also broke up three passes and had four QB hurries. … An all-region and all-Dogwood honoree.
Krystian Rivera
AJ McDougall
SCHOOL: Brookville
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive end
ALL-STAR STUFF: First-team all-Region 3C DE who recently committed to VMI. … Made 76 total tackles (35 solo), 16 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and eight QB hurries. … First-team all-Seminole District honoree.
Zekeya Townes
SCHOOL: William Campbell
YEAR: Junior
POSITION: Defensive end
ALL-STAR STUFF: The 6-foot-3, 255-pound junior was named the Region 1B defender of the year and earned first team all-state honors in Class 1. … Finished the season with 71 tackles, six sacks, 14 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and a 60-yard fumble return.
Spencer Goolsby
SCHOOL: Heritage
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Linebacker
ALL-STAR STUFF: Heritage’s leader in tackles with 84 (25 assists). … Tied teammate Krystian Rivera for most tackles for a loss on the team with 22. … Was named first team all-state, all-Region 3C and all-Seminole District.
Tevin Hurt
SCHOOL: Appomattox
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Linebacker
ALL-STAR STUFF: Raiders’ second leading tackler with 119 total (63 solo) and a team-best 12 tackles for a loss. … Also had three sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, four pass breakups and six QB hurries. … Received all-Region 2C and Dogwood District accolades.
Keyshawn Baker
SCHOOL: Appomattox
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Linebacker
ALL-STAR STUFF: Had 104 total tackles (66 solo) to go along with nine tackles for a loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles, two recoveries, one interception and four hurries. … Received all-region and all-Dogwood honors.
Xavius Hager
SCHOOL: E.C. Glass
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Linebacker
ALL-STAR STUFF: Led E.C. Glass, which showcased one of the strongest defenses in Class 4, with 114 total tackles (70 solo) and also added three tackles for a loss, two sacks, five QB hurries and two pass breakups to go along with second-team all-Region 4D honors.
Brian Trent
SCHOOL: Heritage
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive back
ALL-STAR STUFF: Stalked in the backfield to break up a team-high 11 passes and also had three interceptions to go along with 25 tackles (five assists). … Was a first-team all-state DB, all-Region 3C and all-Seminole selection.
Tez Booker
SCHOOL: Appomattox
YEAR: Junior
POSITION: Defensive back
ALL-STAR STUFF: Led the Raiders with 120 total tackles (team-high 68 solo). … Added eight tackles for a loss, 11 pass breakups, two QB hurries and three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. … Made eight tackles in the Class 2 state championship game.
Daelyn Miller
SCHOOL: Gretna
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive back
ALL-STAR STUFF: Sped away for 85 return yards on two interceptions. … Also had 50 tackles and a 25-yard fumble recovery. … A first-team all-Dogwood and all-Region 2C selection.
Keyshawn Colbert
SCHOOL: Heritage
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Punter
ALL-STAR STUFF: Put opposing defenses in tough spots by consistently getting plenty of air under his punts, pushing the ball back inside the 20-yard line and the 10-yard line. … Was a first-team all-Region 3C selection and a second team all-state punter.
Tyler Gilliam
SCHOOL: Appomattox
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Punt Returner
ALL-STAR STUFF: Averaged 40 yards per return on 10 chances. … Returned two punts for touchdowns; his longest return was a 55-yarder. … In the Class 2 state championship, he returned a punt 44 yards that led to an Appomattox score and helped the Raiders find breathing room against Stuarts Draft.
Jacob VanRemortel
SCHOOL: Jefferson Forest
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: All-Purpose
ALL-STAR STUFF: Was a first-team all-purpose selection in Region 4D, occupying spots at middle linebacker and punter, for which he received a second-team all-region nod. … Also served as tight end on offense.
Second team
DL — Trae’Sean Hall (Heritage, Sr.): First-team Region 3C selection at defensive tackle and second team all-Seminole. … Posted 21 solo tackles, 22 assists (six for a loss), 25 QB hurries and three sacks.
DL — Lance Blankenship (Brookville, Jr.): Tallied 45 total tackles (16 solo) and 9.5 tackles for a loss to go with three sacks. … First team all-Region 3C.
DL — Andrew Dunlop (E.C. Glass, Sr.): Used his 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame to make 61 tackles (31 solo) and had four tackles for a loss and two fumble recoveries.
DL — Gavin Womack (Heritage, Soph.): Developed into a tough underclassman lineman with 24 tackles, 20 assists and eight QB hurries.
DE — Jorden Berger (Gretna, Sr.): The co-captain and Morgan State recruit earned second team all-Region 2C and honorable mention all-Dogwood nods. … 32 tackles (22 solo) and three tackles for a loss.
DE — Jadan Merriman (E.C. Glass, Sr.): Amassed 73 yards off 13 tackles for a loss, had six sacks, one fumble recovery and 10 QB hurries to go along with 57 total tackles (47 solo). … A first team all-Region 4D selection, second team all-Seminole.
LB — Cristian Ferguson (Appomattox, Sr.): Finished with 82 total tackles (45 solo) and eight tackles for a loss to go with four tackles in the state championship game.
LB — Bobby Moran (Brookville, Sr.): Led the Bees with 123 tackles (50 solo) and also had 13.5 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
LB — Jaylin Jones (Rustburg, Sr.): One of the most complete linebackers in the area who made tackles all over the field for an improved Rustburg defense. … Was a first-team all-Seminole and second-team all-Region 3C selection.
LB — Junior Solorio (William Campbell, Jr.): Made 101 tackles, 11 for a loss, and had two sacks while receiving second-team all-state honors in Class 1. … Also had three interceptions, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
DB — JaQuan Walker (Appomattox, Soph.): Tallied 93 total tackles (46 solo), seven tackles for a loss, five QB hurries, two blocks and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown. … First team all-Dogwood.
DB — Taelyn Miller (Gretna, Sr.): Became such a respected DB that most opponents steered clear of him in 2019. … Received first-team all-region and all-Dogwood honors and finished with 50 tackles (27 solo).
DB — Daniel Garrett (Brookville, Sr.): Second on team with 17 tackles for a loss and 82 total tackles (40 solo). … Defended four passes, had two sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, including one that led to a touchdown. .. Was a second-team all-Region 3C and first-team all-Seminole selection.
DB — Jared Glinski (Brookville, Sr.): Finished with 10.5 tackles for a loss. … Also had 79 total tackles (37 solo), two sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles while splitting time between quarterback (416 passing yards) and running back (800 rushing yards) throughout the season.
P — Tyler Gilliam (Appomattox, Sr.): Averaged 37 yards off 27 total punts, with his longest being a 55-yarder. … Placed three punts inside the 10-yard line. … Punted for 137 yards (45.7 average) during the Class 2 state title game, and got off a 53-yarder in that game.
PR — Jaylin Belford (LCA, Soph.): Picked up numerous accolades, including first-team all-Seminole and second-team all-Region 3C punt returner and second-team all-Seminole and all-3C honors as a defensive back.
AP — Jaheim Scruggs (Appomattox, Sr.): Finished the season with 96 total tackles (42 solo), three tackles for a loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups and was a second-team all-Dogwood selection.
Honorable Mention
Colton Smith (Appomattox), JJ Morris (Heritage), Jonathan Pennix (Appomattox), Keenan Cupit (Jefferson Forest), Jaleel Carthorne (Heritage), Bre’Andre Horsley (Heritage), Zach Rice (LCA), Kyron Thomas (Heritage), JT Brown (Brookville), Kyle Durham (Gretna), Jonathan Hicks (William Campbell), Nate Caldwell (Rustburg), Cam Robinson (E.C. Glass).
First team
Holden Fretz
SCHOOL: E.C. Glass
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive line
ALL-STAR STUFF: Earned Region 4D defender of the year honors for the second year in a row and led a Glass defense that held opposing teams to 13.6 points per game. … Finished the season with 100 total tackles (77 solo), 23 tackles for a loss, six sacks, seven QB hurries, four forced fumbles and a whopping 78 yards off tackles for a loss. … Took home second-team all-state honors in Class 4.
Jamal Wheeler
SCHOOL: Appomattox
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive line
ALL-STAR STUFF: An all-Region 2C and all-Dogwood first-team selection. … Secured 64 total tackles (29 solo), had eight tackles for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble, a team-high three fumble recoveries, one pass breakup and four QB hurries.
Corlyn Witcher
SCHOOL: Gretna
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive line
ALL-STAR STUFF: Received first-team all-Region 2C honors on offense and defense. … Led a Hawks defense that allowed just 16.9 points per game by posting 17 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks. … Added 66 tackles (43 solo), one interception returned 64 yards for a touchdown, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. … Also received first-team all-Dogwood honors on both sides of the ball.
Jaylen Lewis
SCHOOL: Appomattox
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive line
ALL-STAR STUFF: Second on team with 11 tackles for a loss and had 77 tackles (30 solo) to go along with three sacks and one fumble recovery. … Also broke up three passes and had four QB hurries. … An all-region and all-Dogwood honoree.
Krystian Rivera
AJ McDougall
SCHOOL: Brookville
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive end
ALL-STAR STUFF: First-team all-Region 3C DE who recently committed to VMI. … Made 76 total tackles (35 solo), 16 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and eight QB hurries. … First-team all-Seminole District honoree.
Zekeya Townes
SCHOOL: William Campbell
YEAR: Junior
POSITION: Defensive end
ALL-STAR STUFF: The 6-foot-3, 255-pound junior was named the Region 1B defender of the year and earned first team all-state honors in Class 1. … Finished the season with 71 tackles, six sacks, 14 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and a 60-yard fumble return.
Spencer Goolsby
SCHOOL: Heritage
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Linebacker
ALL-STAR STUFF: Heritage’s leader in tackles with 84 (25 assists). … Tied teammate Krystian Rivera for most tackles for a loss on the team with 22. … Was named first team all-state, all-Region 3C and all-Seminole District.
Tevin Hurt
SCHOOL: Appomattox
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Linebacker
ALL-STAR STUFF: Raiders’ second leading tackler with 119 total (63 solo) and a team-best 12 tackles for a loss. … Also had three sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, four pass breakups and six QB hurries. … Received all-Region 2C and Dogwood District accolades.
Keyshawn Baker
SCHOOL: Appomattox
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Linebacker
ALL-STAR STUFF: Had 104 total tackles (66 solo) to go along with nine tackles for a loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles, two recoveries, one interception and four hurries. … Received all-region and all-Dogwood honors.
Xavius Hager
SCHOOL: E.C. Glass
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Linebacker
ALL-STAR STUFF: Led E.C. Glass, which showcased one of the strongest defenses in Class 4, with 114 total tackles (70 solo) and also added three tackles for a loss, two sacks, five QB hurries and two pass breakups to go along with second-team all-Region 4D honors.
Brian Trent
SCHOOL: Heritage
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive back
ALL-STAR STUFF: Stalked in the backfield to break up a team-high 11 passes and also had three interceptions to go along with 25 tackles (five assists). … Was a first-team all-state DB, all-Region 3C and all-Seminole selection.
Tez Booker
SCHOOL: Appomattox
YEAR: Junior
POSITION: Defensive back
ALL-STAR STUFF: Led the Raiders with 120 total tackles (team-high 68 solo). … Added eight tackles for a loss, 11 pass breakups, two QB hurries and three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. … Made eight tackles in the Class 2 state championship game.
Daelyn Miller
SCHOOL: Gretna
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive back
ALL-STAR STUFF: Sped away for 85 return yards on two interceptions. … Also had 50 tackles and a 25-yard fumble recovery. … A first-team all-Dogwood and all-Region 2C selection.
Keyshawn Colbert
SCHOOL: Heritage
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Punter
ALL-STAR STUFF: Put opposing defenses in tough spots by consistently getting plenty of air under his punts, pushing the ball back inside the 20-yard line and the 10-yard line. … Was a first-team all-Region 3C selection and a second team all-state punter.
Tyler Gilliam
SCHOOL: Appomattox
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Punt Returner
ALL-STAR STUFF: Averaged 40 yards per return on 10 chances. … Returned two punts for touchdowns; his longest return was a 55-yarder. … In the Class 2 state championship, he returned a punt 44 yards that led to an Appomattox score and helped the Raiders find breathing room against Stuarts Draft.
Jacob VanRemortel
SCHOOL: Jefferson Forest
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: All-Purpose
ALL-STAR STUFF: Was a first-team all-purpose selection in Region 4D, occupying spots at middle linebacker and punter, for which he received a second-team all-region nod. … Also served as tight end on offense.
Second team
DL — Trae’Sean Hall (Heritage, Sr.): First-team Region 3C selection at defensive tackle and second team all-Seminole. … Posted 21 solo tackles, 22 assists (six for a loss), 25 QB hurries and three sacks.
DL — Lance Blankenship (Brookville, Jr.): Tallied 45 total tackles (16 solo) and 9.5 tackles for a loss to go with three sacks. … First team all-Region 3C.
DL — Andrew Dunlop (E.C. Glass, Sr.): Used his 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame to make 61 tackles (31 solo) and had four tackles for a loss and two fumble recoveries.
DL — Gavin Womack (Heritage, Soph.): Developed into a tough underclassman lineman with 24 tackles, 20 assists and eight QB hurries.
DE — Jorden Berger (Gretna, Sr.): The co-captain and Morgan State recruit earned second team all-Region 2C and honorable mention all-Dogwood nods. … 32 tackles (22 solo) and three tackles for a loss.
DE — Jadan Merriman (E.C. Glass, Sr.): Amassed 73 yards off 13 tackles for a loss, had six sacks, one fumble recovery and 10 QB hurries to go along with 57 total tackles (47 solo). … A first team all-Region 4D selection, second team all-Seminole.
LB — Cristian Ferguson (Appomattox, Sr.): Finished with 82 total tackles (45 solo) and eight tackles for a loss to go with four tackles in the state championship game.
LB — Bobby Moran (Brookville, Sr.): Led the Bees with 123 tackles (50 solo) and also had 13.5 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
LB — Jaylin Jones (Rustburg, Sr.): One of the most complete linebackers in the area who made tackles all over the field for an improved Rustburg defense. … Was a first-team all-Seminole and second-team all-Region 3C selection.
LB — Junior Solorio (William Campbell, Jr.): Made 101 tackles, 11 for a loss, and had two sacks while receiving second-team all-state honors in Class 1. … Also had three interceptions, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
DB — JaQuan Walker (Appomattox, Soph.): Tallied 93 total tackles (46 solo), seven tackles for a loss, five QB hurries, two blocks and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown. … First team all-Dogwood.
DB — Taelyn Miller (Gretna, Sr.): Became such a respected DB that most opponents steered clear of him in 2019. … Received first-team all-region and all-Dogwood honors and finished with 50 tackles (27 solo).
DB — Daniel Garrett (Brookville, Sr.): Second on team with 17 tackles for a loss and 82 total tackles (40 solo). … Defended four passes, had two sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, including one that led to a touchdown. .. Was a second-team all-Region 3C and first-team all-Seminole selection.
DB — Jared Glinski (Brookville, Sr.): Finished with 10.5 tackles for a loss. … Also had 79 total tackles (37 solo), two sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles while splitting time between quarterback (416 passing yards) and running back (800 rushing yards) throughout the season.
P — Tyler Gilliam (Appomattox, Sr.): Averaged 37 yards off 27 total punts, with his longest being a 55-yarder. … Placed three punts inside the 10-yard line. … Punted for 137 yards (45.7 average) during the Class 2 state title game, and got off a 53-yarder in that game.
PR — Jaylin Belford (LCA, Soph.): Picked up numerous accolades, including first-team all-Seminole and second-team all-Region 3C punt returner and second-team all-Seminole and all-3C honors as a defensive back.
AP — Jaheim Scruggs (Appomattox, Sr.): Finished the season with 96 total tackles (42 solo), three tackles for a loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups and was a second-team all-Dogwood selection.
Honorable Mention
Colton Smith (Appomattox), JJ Morris (Heritage), Jonathan Pennix (Appomattox), Keenan Cupit (Jefferson Forest), Jaleel Carthorne (Heritage), Bre’Andre Horsley (Heritage), Zach Rice (LCA), Kyron Thomas (Heritage), JT Brown (Brookville), Kyle Durham (Gretna), Jonathan Hicks (William Campbell), Nate Caldwell (Rustburg), Cam Robinson (E.C. Glass).
