All-Area: Jatavis Brown, small schools defensive player of the year

Saturday, December 18, 2010
by Jeff Greer

Jatavis Brown speaks softly but carries a big hit.

The Glades Central junior linebacker is one of the hardest-hitting players in the area - "like a freight train," fellow linebacker Dominique Gibson said - and he just doesn't say a whole lot.

He's also the centerpiece of Glades Central's dynamic front seven. The Raiders' defensive statistics are staggering, and Brown is a big reason why they dominated opponents throughout the season.

"He watches film a lot," said sophomore cornerback William Likley, a defensive star in his own right. "We motivate him, and he motivates us, too."

As Likley can attest, it always seems like Brown knows exactly what the offense is doing. But Brown executes, too.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder plows through blocks with reckless abandon. He's regularly the first Raider in the backfield, with 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks in the regular season to show for it.

Playing on a defense that has a standout at nearly every position keeps Brown hungry. He did a good job of that, leading his team with 104 tackles through the regular season.

"It's real competitive," he said. "Everybody wants to make plays and get tackles. I just try to be aggressive.

"Real aggressive."

~jeff_greer@pbpost.com

Robert Way, Glades Central, Senior, DL

As fast - if not faster - than the Raiders' secondary. A nightmare to block, led the Raiders with nine sacks.

Delbert Clarke, Glades Central, Senior, DL

Disruptive against pass and rush. Recovered five fumbles and had 14 tackles for loss.

Johnathan Harris, Boynton Beach, Senior, DL

Mississippi State commit commanded double and triple teams all season and still got 14.5 sacks.

Shane Osborn, Cardinal Newman, Senior, DL

Versatile senior played multiple positions for an underrated Newman defense.

Dominique Gibson, Glades Central, Junior, LB

Led the Raiders' defense in scoring with three TDs. The heart and soul of a talented trio of LBs.

Ryan Powers, Jupiter Christian, Senior, LB

Coach's son had 120 tackles - 14 for loss - and four sacks. Also had eight pass breakups and two INTs.

Gage Batten, King's Academy, Junior, LB

Averaged 15 tackles a game and forced three fumbles. One of the top linebackers in the area.

William Likley, Glades Central, Sophomore, DB

Shutdown corner led the Raiders with eight interceptions. Also had 152 rushing yards.

Crevon LeBlanc, Glades Central, Junior, DB

Terrific hands, made the top defensive play with one-handed interception vs. Gibbons.

Josh Talbott, Jupiter Christian, Senior, DB

Superb athlete had four interceptions on defense and 457 receiving yards and eight TDs on offense.

J.T. Thornton, Glades Day, Senior, DB

Illinois-bound corner was the Gators' best cover player until he broke his leg.

SECOND TEAM

DL - Purvis Nixon, 6-2, 225, Glades Central, Sr.

DL - Timotheus Granger, 6-2, 200, Suncoast, Sr.

DL - Alain Deltor, 6-1, 195, King's Academy, Sr.

DL - James Berger, 5-9, 170, Jupiter Christian, Jr.

LB - Don'Kevious Johnson, 6-0, 210, Glades Cent., Jr.

LB - Reggie Napier, 5-10, 180, Suncoast, Sr.

LB/DB - Rontavious Atkins, 6-1, 190, Pahokee, Sr.

DB - Eaton Spence, 6-0, 175, Glades Day, Sr.

DB - Jhavon Williams, 5-10, 175, Am. Heritage, Jr.

DB - Xavier Swinton, 6-0, 170, Cardinal Newman, Fr.

DB - Isaiah Nelson, 5-11, 165, Jupiter Christian, Jr.

K/P - Jon Dinzik, 6-3, 175, Jupiter Christian, Jr.

HONORABLE MENTION

DL: Arthur Crouse, American Heritage; Zach Fraya, King's; John Hardin, Benjamin; Anthony Hicks, King's Academy; Kyle Knopp, Jupiter Christian; Blake Mulligan, St. Andrew's; Kelly Parfit, American Heritage; Kenny Stephens, Boynton Beach.

LB: Vincent Biase, St. Andrew's; Logan Burnett, St. Andrews; Brandon Davis, Benjamin; Audrey Diejuste, Boynton Beach; Corey Garcia, Glades Day; Roberto Kelly, King's Academy; Justin Magaw, King's Academy; Shane Swanson, Summit Christian.

DB: David Bailey, Glades Cent.; John Brockman, Glades Cent.; Shamori Butler, Glades Day; Miles Campbell, King's; J.C. Charles, King's; Davison Colimon, Suncoast; Johnathan Durant, Boynton; Jamorris Everett, Glades Cent.; Abiade Granger, Suncoast; Zach Lowe, King's; Joey Raso, Benjamin; Steven Williams, Glades Day

K/P: Ryan Hullihan, Cardinal Newman; Joseph Langmeyer, Glades Day; Alan Oetzman, St. Andrew's.