2023 Football Defense Finalists

Tony Terry Jr.

The Kansas commit anchored the Indians’ defense in 2022 as he amassed over 60 tackles, 5 fumble recoveries and 4 sacks as Jackson finished the season 6-4. Terry now goes on to play D-1 football at the University of Kansas.

Logan Hite

A junior, Hite earned first team All-SEMO North Conference as a linebacker for the Mules. Hite racked up 135 tackles (88 solo) and 14 tackles for loss, in addition to three sacks and one interception. He was a key member of a Mules squad that made it to the Round of 16 for the first time since 2009 and played for a district title for the first time since 2000.

BJ Williamson

Williamson made a huge impact for the Eagles on both sides of the ball this past season.Most of Williamson's post-season accolades came on the offensive side of the ball where he finished with 39 catches for 934 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also rushed 47 times for 642 yards and 12 touchdowns and threw for 173 yards and two touchdowns. Williamson earned all-conference, all-district, all-region and all-state honors.

Rommie Turner

Turner was a game-changer in the defensive backfield for the Bluejays this past season. He helped lead the team's 8-3 overall record this past season while also being the team’s top running back. He finished the season with 52 total tackles, seven tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, six pass deflections and returned three interceptions for touchdowns.

Trent Lathum

Lathum was a key member of the Rams’ defense in 2022 as he had over 100 tackles, 4 fumble recoveries and 2 sacks. Scott City finished the season 9-2 and Lathum was a big contributor in all 9 wins for the Rams.

Marshall Rodgers

Kennett senior linebacker Marshall Rodgers earned first team All-Conference, All-Region and All-District honors at the conclusion of Kennett's 7-4 football season. Rodgers attained 72 tackles, including 23 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, two forced turnovers, a defensive touchdown, two fumble recoveries and an interception.

Mason Adams

Adams was the field general of the Bulldog’s stingy defense this past season. He helped lead Portageville to a 10-3 overall record and the school’s first district championship (C1D1) since 2002 while also playing quarterback on offense. Adams finished with 108 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, four pass deflections, there forced fumbles and three defensive touchdowns. He also had seven interceptions which were the most by any linebacker in Class 1. Adams earned all-conference, all-district, all-region and all-state honors this past season.

Gavin Price

Price finished with 112 tackles, two tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble and a safety. Price earned all-district, all-conference and all-region honors this past season.

Drake Robinson

Robinson was among the leaders in tackles with 119 in the 2022 season. Robinson was all over the field for the Indians as they finished the season 7-3. The junior is sure to be a key member of the Indians once they hit the field for the 2023 campaign.

Clayton McClard

McClard played a big role in the Cape Central Tigers’ success in 2022 as they finished the season 10-4. McClard had over 70 tackles and brought grit to the Tigers defense. The Tigers advanced to the Class 5 state semifinal game before falling to Fort Osage.