Lake Wales boasted a dominating defense and featured talented young players, some of whom might contend for player of the year honors in upcoming seasons. However, it was a senior, linebacker Johnqaue Richardson, who led the way.
The Highlanders weren’t the only strong defense. Lakeland, Bartow, Auburndale and Haines City boasted strong defensive lines, and the county again featured a deep crop of defensive backs led by Lakeland’s Carlos Mitchell. Here is The Ledger’s 2023 All-County Defense.
LARGE SCHOOL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Johnqaue Richardson, Lake Wales.
Johnqaue Richardson
Lake Wales, Senior
5-11, 208
Linebacker
Richardson, a leader on and off the field, has been a varsity player since his sophomore season and has been one of the top linebackers in the county the past two seasons. As a senior, he had 118 tackles and six sacks with four caused fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He also made an impact on offense with 336 yards rushing and one touchdowns. He was selected for the FACA North-South game.
Sophomores rule: Meet The Ledger’s 2023 All-County Boys Cross Country Team
Youth is served: Meet The Ledger’s 2023 All-County Girls Cross Country Team
Fast times and high dives: Meet The Ledger’s 2023 All-County Girls Swimming and Diving Team
Swimming: Meet The Ledger’s 2023 All-County Boys Swimming and Diving Team
SMALL SCHOOL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Timothy Jones, Mulberry.
Tim Jones
Mulberry, Senior
5-11, 220
Linebacker
Jones was the leader of the Panthers’ defense and was all over the field. He finished with 127 total tackles, including 25 tackles for loss, 82 solo tackles and four sacks.
FIRST TEAM
Nate Gabriel, Auburndale.
Nate Gabriel
Auburndale, Senior
6-3, 285
Defensive Line
74 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss
Omari Mixon
Lakeland, Senior
6-4, 215
Defensive Line
60 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6 sacks
Ladarrius Davis,…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/tackling-machines-sack-artists-meet-090302889.html
Author : The Ledger
Publish date : 2023-12-28 09:03:02
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