Scott senior defensive end Ryan Price has been tabbed as Boone County’s top defensive player following a senior season that saw him finish with 119 total tackles, including six sacks and eight other tackles for loss.
Racking up numbers (52 solo tackles and 67 assists) generally attained by linebackers who play in the middle of the field and who operate behind blocker-erasing linemen, Price was simply the highest impact defensive player on the county’s most successful team.
"Ryan used an unusual mix of size, strength and speed to become a very dangerous, very disruptive force on the edge of our defensive line," Scott head coach Shane Griffith said. "Opposing offenses regularly had their chief focus on him. He often drew double-team blocking, which gave some of our other defenders opportunities to make plays.”
Added Sherman head coach Shann Elkins: “Our coaching staff felt like Ryan Price was an anchor for Scott’s senior-dominated line play on both sides of the ball. In preparing to face Scott, he was certainly a player that attracted our attention.”
Joining Price on the All-County defensive line is fellow Scott senior Brandon Booth, who was in on 89 total tackles, including two sacks and four other tackles for loss. A consistent line performer on both sides of the ball for the Skyhawks, Booth manned the nose guard spot, often plugging a run gap in the middle of the line and fighting through traffic to make plays.
Two Sherman linemen, sophomore David Chapman and junior Jonathan Bowman, round out the defensive line honorees. Chapman, who also handled the placekicking chores for the Tide, improved steadily throughout the season in the center of the Tide's defensive line and finished the season with 35 tackles, seven stops for loss and an 18-yard fumble return. Bowman, a 220-pound junior, relied on quickness and intensity to post totals of 64 tackles, nine tackles for loss and one fumble recovery.
Van junior inside linebacker Loren Harshbarger was a consistent bright spot for Van's defense during a disappointing campaign. Harshbarger led the Bulldogs in tackles and regularly roamed sideline to sideline stalking and stopping opposing ball carriers.
A duo of Tide defenders also man linebackers spots. Senior Jeff Elian served as a senior captain and anchor for Sherman's defense while contributing 74 tackles, six tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and one interception. Junior Johnny Johnson, who saw action at outside linebacker and inside linebacker, had 76 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries.
Scott sophomore middle linebacker Jacob Blosser turned in an All-County season with 67 tackles, 88 assists and four tackles for loss from the heart of the Skyhawks' defense.
Scott senior Jordan Green epitomized unselfish team play and versatility throughout the 2008 season, accepting a variety of roles on both sides of the ball to help the Skyhawks overcome injuries. As a result, Green lands an All-County slot as a linebacker-cornerback.
Sherman junior cornerback Tyler Boulet lands an All-County spot after intercepting four passes, including two clutch swipes during Sherman’s 47-46 win at Liberty-Raleigh.
Scott senior safety Drew Runyan also earned All-County honors in the secondary. Runyan, another Skyhawk who defined versatility by unselfishly accepting various roles, was a major contributor for his team on both sides of the ball. Playing either linebacker or free safety on defense, Runyan was an aggressive tackler with a nose for the football and an overall grasp of the Skyhawks' defensive scheme.
Despite an injury that cut into his playing time, Van sophomore cornerback-linebacker Chris Halley earns a utility spot on the All-County defensive unit following an impressive season. The 155-pound Halley, who had a 200-yard rushing game for Bulldogs' offense, also was a consistent performer on defense.
A trio of promising underclassmen earned Special Mention honors. Scott sophomore quarterback Nevin Honeycutt developed into a confident passer and playmaker as the season progressed. Sherman sophomore running back Jacob Halstead spearheaded the Tide's running game. Brushing off his ninth-grader status, Van freshman running back Tyler Gunnoe provided the Bulldogs with a ground-game threat.
Four Boone County gridders complete the team by landing Honorable Mention plaudits. Scott senior kicker Matt Berry accepted his role and gave the Skyhawks a dependable extra-point kicker and some accurate kickoffs. Scott senior linebacker Brett Lambert provided solid play on defense and special teams. Van senior offensive lineman Nick Green unselfishly moved from the backfield to the offensive line, while Van freshman fullback-linebacker Matt White contributed solid play on both sides of the ball.
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