Inside linebacker Donovan Pearson led Scott’s Black Hammer Defense with 161 total tackles (102 solo and 59 assisted) in 2006. It marked the third straight season that Pearson has topped the Skyhawks in tackles, and his third appearance on the CVN All County squad.
An intimidating force who seemed to be everywhere on the field, Pearson also had five fumble recoveries, an interception, and 19 big hits.
Pearson provided big hits so consistently that the Skyhawks seemed to be on the verge of naming their Hammer Award for Pearson, who claimed the weekly honor six times over the last two seasons.
Pearson, also an offensive standout at tackle/fullback, is joined at the All County linebacker spot by Scott senior Josh Belcher, Sherman senior David Henderson, and Tide junior Seth Smith.
It was no coincidence that Henderson’s return to the Tide lineup after an injury occurred at the same time that Sherman started a huge, five-game winning streak. A consistent defender with a nose for the ball, Henderson was a key player for the Tide defense.
Josh Belcher, who doubled as a wide receiver on offense, gave the Scott defense an athletic linebacker with the ability to make big plays. Belcher had a 43-yard interception return for a TD to post Scott’s first touchdown during a win at Shady Spring.
Another athletic linebacker earning All County plaudits is Seth Smith, a solid and consistent performer at linebacker for the Tide. Smith also doubled as a tight end and utility player for the Sherman offense.
Up front along the d-line, Sherman senior Ricky Seaberg and Van senior Jon Simms are joined by Scott junior Dennis Roberts and Skyhawk senior Ryan Esbrandt.
Roberts, a steady big-play defensive lineman is a repeat pick. Esbrandt had a strong late season surge for the Skyhawks, averaging three tackles for loss over the final four games of the season.
Tide veteran lineman Ricky Seaberg has been described as Sherman’s “energizer bunny” and Seaberg earned that tag by playing all out at all times. He was often the first Tide defender to draw praise from Sherman coach Bill Miller as Miller commented after a Tide game.
Van’s Jon Simms combined size, quickness, and athletic skills to be a two-way anchor along the trenches for Bob Mullett’s Bulldogs.
The All County secondary has Sherman senior Justin Treadway, Scott senior Charles Howard, Scott junior Randy Bishop, and Van junior Corey Castle.
Justin Treadway earns his third All County selection in the secondary. It was perfectly fitting that Justin Treadway returned a fumble recovery 54 yards for a TD on Senior Night, this Tide senior has been making big plays for three seasons!
Bishop, Scott’s strong safety-linebacker, is a repeat pick from last season’s All County defensive unit. A big hitter who plays with grit and intensity, Bishop battled a shoulder injury throughout the ‘06 season and still earned an All County spot.
Charles Howard stepped up big as a playmaker for the Skyhawks this season. Howard, who had five interceptions in two weeks at one point during the season, provided an athletic cornerback for Scott’s Black Hammer Defense.
Corey Castle gave Van’s Bulldogs an athletic cornerback who was a steady defender against both the pass and the run.
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