To say 2016 was a banner year for high school football, is an understatement. A record four area teams made it to Orlando and two brought home state titles.
Trinity Christian won its fourth state title in a row and University Christian won its second in a row (9th overall), while Bolles finished as state runner-up again.
But it was blue collar lunch pail team from Ponte Vedra that shocked many by winning 14 in a row before stumbling in the Class 5A state title game.
Lee brought alumni back and had the whole city supporting its run to the state semi-finals and sent a message to everyone too, “WERE BACK”.
These are just some of the stories of the past football season along with the stories comes great players too.
Here is the inaugural Duval Sports All-Area football team.
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB – Cole Northrup (Sr., St. Augustine)
Stats: 159 of 260 for 2,355 yards, 21 TD, 5 INT
QB – Steven Anderson (Sr., Suwannee)
Stats: 32 of 89 for 707 yards, 9 TD, 1 INT, 31 carries for 906 yards, 11 TD
RB – Keshawn King (So., Oakleaf)
Stats: 136 carries for 1,351 yards, 16 TD
RB – Seth Paige (Jr., Baker County)
Stats: 120 carries for 1,159 yards, 19 TD
RB – Jahquise Russell (Sr., St. Augustine)
Stats: 1,230 yards, 14 TD in 9 games
WR – Mahlon Hutchinson (Sr., Parker)
Stats: 40 catches for 732 yards, 6 TD, 18.3
WR – JD Pirris (Sr., Ponte Vedra)
Stats: 49 catches for 612 yards, 7 TD 12.4 YPC
WR – Rontrez Morgan (Sr., Oakleaf)
Stats: 40 catches for 695 yards, 8 TD, 17
OL – Ian Seguii (Sr., St. Augustine)
Stats: Guard responsible for both Northrup and Russell huge seasons.
OL – Travion Clayton (Sr., Baker County)
Stats: Guard/tackle who paved holes for Green, Paige and Haywood
OL – Zach Lowers (Sr., Ponte Vedra)
Stats: Consistent lineman that paved way for Nick Tronti and Hall Swan
OL – Henry Brooks (Sr., Sandalwood)
Stats: A 330 pound tackle who bullied opposing defensive lineman
OL – Jalen Rivers (Fr., Oakleaf)
Stats: Despite being a freshman, at 6-5/320 he played like a senior
ATH – Joe Green (Sr., Baker County)
Stats: 47 of 83 for 745 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INT, 64 carries for 450 yards, 6 TD
ATH – Hal Swan (Sr., Ponte Vedra)
Stats: 212 carries for 1,299 yards, 16 TD, 37 catches for 563 yards, 5 TD, 15.2 YPC
ATH – Devin Ellison (So., Bartram Trail)
Stats: 124 carries for 904 yards, 16 TD, 9 catches for 121 yards, 13.4 ypc, 2 TD
K – Elijah Ryan (So., St. Augustine)
Stats: 7 of 9 FG, 45 long
