The Newton County Appeal has announced its 2019All-Area Football Team. The following players were selected to the first-team defense:
DL — Kemp Alderman
6-3, 225, Sr., Newton County Academy
An Ole Miss signee in baseball, Alderman finished the season with 100 tackles for the Generals. Alderman was named the All-MAIS Class 3A team and also played in the MAIS all-star football game. Alderman was also a standout punter and served as the punter in the all-star game.
DL — Cameron McDonald
5-11, 190, Soph., Newton County
The sophomore had a solid season for the Cougars with 50 solo tackles and 55 assistant tackles and was second on the team with 23 tackles for loss. McDonald was named to the Division 5-4A Super 22 team.
DL — Tavius Hardy
5-9, 219, Jr., Newton
Hardy was a solid tackler for the Tigers as he finished the season with 59 tackles. Hardy was also a Division 6-2A first-round selection for the Tigers.
DL — Austin Kyzar
5-9, 240, Sr., Lake
Kyzar was the Hornets best defensive lineman and “one of the hardest working kids” that coach Tate Hanna said he has coached “leaving it all on the field, every day, every play.” Kyzar was a first-team Division 6-2A selection for the Hornets.
LB — Colin Crowder
6-1, 185, Soph., Newton County
Crowder was the Cougars best defensive player with 89 solo tackles and 53 assists, despite missing three games with an injury. Crowder also had 14 tackles for loss and forced three fumbles. Crowder was also named to the Division 5-4A Super 22 Team.
LB — Colby Hollingsworth
5-11, 185, Soph., Newton County Academy
Hollingsworth was forced in double duty for the Generals this season and led the team with 663 yards rushing on 117 carries. On defense, Hollingsworth led the county in tackles with 122 stops. Hollingsworth as a first-team, all-district selection for the Generals.
LB — Miguel Evans
6-1, 202, Jr., Newton County
Evans was a consistent force on defense for the Cougars, registering 65 solo tackles and 57 assistant tackles with 25 tackles for loss. Evans had four sacks and had two fumble recovers. Evans was named the Division 5-4A Most Valuable linebacker for the Cougars.
LB — Johnny Johnson
5-10, 150, Sr., Lake
Johnson was fifth in the county in total tackles with 95 stops. Johnson was also a Division 6-2A first-team selection for the Hornets. Johnson was also Lake’s leading rusher with 624 yards with 143 carries and scored 58 points.
LB — Peyton Posey
6-2, 225, Jr., Union
Posey was an intimidating force for the Yellowjackets. The junior linebacker lead the team with 77.5 tackles.
LB — Anthony Smith
5-11, 190, Sr., Newton
Smith led the Tigers with 98 tackles and was solid on defense. Smith was a Division 6-2A first-team selection for the Tigers this season.
LB — Derrick Alford
6-1, 220 Sr., Newton
Hardy was the Tigers’ second-leading tackler this season with 71 stops. Hardy was a Division 6-2A first-team selection for the Tigers.
DB — Danarrious Hughes
6-1, 198, Sr., Lake
Hughes was a Class 2A all-state player last year with nine interceptions, forcing teams to throw away from him this season. Hughes only had two interceptions on the season as most teams threw away from the talented senior. Hughes, also a starter on the basketball team, has several junior college offers.
DB — Jaheim Gill
5-9, 170, Jr., Union
Gill stood out on both sides of the football for the Yellowjackets. Gill had three interceptions and had 21 tackles on the year. Gill was a Division 6-2A first-team selection for the Yellowjackets.
DB — Koye Hardaway
6-0, 180, Soph., Newton County
Hardaway had a solid season for the Cougars with three interceptions and Sven pass deflections. Hardaway also had 45 solo tackles and 25 assists and was named as a Division 5-4A first-team selection.
DB — Hayden West
6-0, 189, Sr, Newton County Academy
West had a solid season on both sides of the football for the Generals. West had 33 catches for 371 yards and also had 49 tackles on defense. West was named to the MAIS Class 1A-2A-3A All-star game. West is also a standout baseball player for the Generals and has signed to pitch at East Central Community College.
