All-BHC Dream Team: Defense

Defensive Line
Roy Christian, Sr., Richlands
Christian was a three-year starter for the Blue Tornado. He was a first-team All-Southwest District and All-Region IV performer this season after racking up 35 tackles, five of which were for a loss.

Defensive Line
Daniel McClanahan, Sr., Lebanon
McClanahan was a star for a team that relied heavily on its defense. He was the Clinch Mountain District defensive player of the year and finished with 70 tackles.

Defensive Line
Michael Briscoe, Sr., Marion
A standout on both the offensive line and defensive line, Briscoe was hard to stop. On defense, he routinely pushed around O-Linemen on other teams and constantly found his way into the backfield.

Defensive Line
Jayson Arnold, Sr., Tennessee High
Arnold worked his way up from a non-factor during his early high-school career into a major defensive force for the Vikings this season. “A great success story in our program,” Stubbs said. Arnold set goals, went to work, reached his goals and then reached higher: He set the Tennessee High single-season sack record this year.

Linebacker
Alex Russell, Sr., Chilhowie
The relentless and intense Russell racked up 156 tackles, 115 of which were of the solo variety. He also had three sacks and two fumble recoveries and punished several running backs from opposing teams. Oh yeah, he also rushed for 1,211 yards on the other side of the ball.

Linebacker
Alec Osborne, Sr., Clintwood
One of the smallest linebackers in the LPD produced perhaps the biggest season of any Southwest Virginia defender. Not just a prolific tackler (103), Osborne’s blinding speed and ball-hawking instincts netted him 29 tackles for loss, nine quarterback sacks and two defensive touchdowns, on his way to Region D Defensive Player of the Year honors. “He’s the best defensive football player we played against all year,” said Burton coach Jim Adams.

Linebacker
Will Godsey, Sr., John I. Burton
The 2007 All-State selection was the Raiders leading tackler in a system designed to funnel every ball carrier directly toward him. Godsey shared with Osborne the LPD Defensive Player of the Year award, and was also selected to the All-Region D first team. “Next year I’m not going to mind looking over there and not seeing him,” Clintwood coach Rick Mullins said.

Linebacker
Matt McClellan, Sr., Tennessee High
In the locker room, at practice, on the field, it doesn’t matter: McClellan is ready to burn and smash. “He’s got a great motor,” Stubbs said. “He goes with reckless abandon every play.” McClellan mixed strength with speed, tearing through blockers and sinking opposing offenses. The Vikings preach defense, and McClellan spread the good word.

Defensive Back
Jaycob Coleman, Sr., John I. Burton
Coleman could’ve made this team as a running back, after the senior finished the regular season with 1,348 yards at a clip of 16 yards per carry. But Coleman shined even brighter, if possible, at defensive back in 2007, earning All-Region D first team status at safety. “Probably better on defense than he was on offense, and he was really good on offense,” Mullins said.

Defensive Back
Jordan Bates, Sr., J.J. Kelly
The first running back to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in Indians coach B.I. Salyer’s tenure at Kelly (1,201), Bates’ defense was one of the main reasons the Tribe appeared in the playoffs for the first time since 1992. Selected to the Region D second team at defensive back, Bates finished the season with 36 tackles. “I thought Jordan was [Kelly’s] best football player,” Adams said. “He’s one of these kids who gets it done.”

Defensive Back
Jonathan Corner, Jr., Tazewell
With 84 tackles and three interceptions, few teams through to Corner’s side of the field. He also had three sacks and helped Tazewell’s turnaround become one of Southwest Virginia’s biggest success stories in 2008.

Defensive Back
Eric Mefford, Sr., Holston
Mefford was more known for his role on offense, where he rushed for 1,566 yards and notched 20 rushing touchdowns. However, he was solid on defense as well. His interception return for a score played a key role in Holston’s win over rival Patrick Henry.

Punter
Curtis “Tuff” Williams, Sr., Chilhowie
Williams did it all for the Warriors, whether it be rushing (505 yards, 11 touchdowns), receiving (24 catches, 671 yards, 7 touchdowns), returning kicks and defense. He also did a solid job punting and burned several teams with a perfectly-executed fake.