Times-Journal names 28 talented players to all-county football team

Published 11:01 am Wednesday, December 24, 2014

The Times-Journal’s all-county football team includes 28 players and includes at least two players from all seven high schools within Dallas County.

Ellwood Christian’s Jalen Furlow, who was named the Times-Journal’s player of the year in early December, headlines the team. Furlow’s top receivers, Marqueith Gullett and J’Miere Solomon join him on the offensive side of the ball. The running backs behind Furlow — Selma’s Kendarious Merchant and Keith’s Domonique Jones — bring a mix of power and finesse to the team. Dallas County’s Xaver Knight, who makes the team as an athlete, lined up all over the field this year.

The offensive line is dominated by three Selma Saints, who had one of the county’s strongest rushing attacks. Twins Ryan and Bryan Hurt are joined by Jeremiah Walker for Selma on the line. Morgan Academy’s John Tyler Fisher and Keith’s Micheal Irby are also on the line. Dallas County’s Paul Daniels is the starting tight end.

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Unlike the offensive team, the defensive all-county unit encompasses players from all seven county high schools. Selma’s La’Chavious Simmons, Meadowview Christian’s Alan Stockman and Ellwood Christian’s Quashun Thigpen make up the defensive line. Selma’s Aderick Moore, Morgan’s J.R. Wood, Dallas County’s Delando Atchison, and Ellwood’s Rayford Mitchell complete a strong line backing corps.

Southside’s Scott Cole, Dallas County’s Quincy Parker and Morgan’s Stanhope Frasier are in the secondary. Keith’s DeAnthony Griffin makes it as an athlete that could line up many different positions.

Four players also made the team for special teams. Morgan Academy’s John Ross Bone’s field goal in overtime helped the Senators defeat Hooper Academy for the team’s only win this year.

Meadowview’s Dakota Sanders made the Alabama Christian Education Association’s all-conference team as a punter and Selma’s Rashawn Reeves and Southside’s Jhalandius Sullivan were threats to score any time they touched the ball on kickoffs and punts.

With seven players, Selma had the most players of any high school on the team. Ellwood Christian finished second with five players.

Morgan Academy and Dallas County each had four. Meadowview Christian and Keith had three, while Southside had two.