GAINESVILLE-North Florida Football Conference wrapped up its seventh year this fall with a first time winner.
After back-to-back losses in the 2015 and 2016 title games, John Paul finally won their first conference title with a 14-12 win over St. Francis.
Here is the 2017 North Florida Football All-Conference teams as selected by all nine conference coaches.
NORTHERN DIVISION ALL-DIVISION TEAM
Kevin Calhoun (John Paul II)
85 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 13 hurries, 2 caused fumbles, 1 INT TD, 1 block punt TD.
Evan Courtney (Aucilla Christian) Junior LB/OL
On defense, player led the team in total tackles with 90, and had 4 TFL, 3 FR. On offense, player played multiple positions on the line throughout the season while starting on all special teams, didn’t come off the field.
David Denbow (Rocky Bayou) Senior QB/CB
521 yards passing, 5 passing TD’s. 534 Yards rushing, 11 TD’s. 393 returning yards. 37 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble 2 fumble recoveries.
Elorm DZ (John Paul II)
68 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6 hurries, 1 caused fumble in 6 games
Joshua Glynn (Munroe) Junior OB/RB/DB
303 yards passing 3 TD’s, 259 yards rushing 1 TD, 16 tackles, 1 INT
Austin Hall (John Paul II) LB
121 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 pass break-ups and 2 fumble recoveries
Julian Harrison (Munroe) Junior RB/WR/DB
612 all-purpose yards, 1 receiving TD, 1 kick return TD, 40 tackles, 2 INT
Taylor Jeniki (John Paul II) WR
37 catches for 798 yards, 9 TD’s, 72 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sac, 3 INT, 2 defensive TD’s & 27 pass break-ups.
Nemo Mitchell (John Paul II) RB
154 rushes, 1291 yards, 8 TD’s, 9 rec 154 yards, 3 TD’s, 135 Defensive tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 1 INT, 6 sacks & 1 blocked punt.
Caleb Preston (Rocky Bayou) RB/LB Senior
1,512 rushing yards, 20 rushing TD’s. 347 receiving yards, 4 TD’s. 2,358 all-purpose yards, 25 total TD’s on the season. 104 total tackles and 2 interceptions. Coaches Note: Caleb has been one of the most dynamic players to come through RBCS. He has amassed over 3,000 yards rushing in his career and has accumulated over 6,000 all-purpose yards and 52 touchdowns in his career. I know that this selection is based on performance for this season, but I did want to add that note to describe how incredible this kid is.
Dylan Rodriguez (Rocky Bayou) Off Guard/LB Junior
58 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries.
Brandon Slaughter (Aucilla Christian) Senior WR/DB
On offense, player had 15 catches for 351 yards and 3 TDs. On defense, player had 5 INTs and 16 tackles. On special teams, returned 1 kick for a TD.
Joe Walton (Aucilla Christian) Senior QB/LB
On offense, player completed 55 of 97 passes for 861 yards with 10 TDs and 9 INTs and rushed for 192 yards in 7 games. On defense, player had 78 total tackles, 3 INTS with 1 returned for a TD, 9 TFL, and 1 sack.
Blake Wirick (Aucilla Christian) Junior RB/DE
Led team in rushing with 1,201 yards on 155 carries with 14 TDs in 8 games. Player averaged 7.7 yards per carry and 150 yards per game. Rushed for over 200 yards in 3 consecutive games. On defense, had 33 total tackles with 5 TFL.
Brian Wooden (John Paul II) QB
109 for 206 for 2030 yards, 28 TD, 6 INT, 41 rushes for 171 yards and 3 TD.
SOUTHERN DIVISION ALL-DIVISION TEAM
Matthew Armstrong (Oak Hall) QB-SR
Only played in 7 games and one of those games was only 20 plays due to ankle injury. 57 of 93 passing 896 yards 12 touchdowns. 537 yards rushing on 84 attempts 6.39 per carry 5 touchdowns. Finished Career at Oak Hall 21-5 as a starter. Threw for 2,496 yards and 35 touchdowns in career. Rushed for 1744 yards and 24 touchdowns in career.
Lyron Barnes (St. Joseph) LB
Finished with 78 tackles on Defense
Nick Baskin (St. Francis) QB Senior
76 of 118 for 1,826 yards (school record), 25 TD (school Record) and 5 INT, also 62 carries for 420 yards and 8 TD. Finished his career with 3,572 yards and 45 TD (both school records) and only 15 INT as a 2-year starter at QB. Also carries the ball 210 times for 1,169 yards and 18 TD as a 3-year varsity player. Didn’t play much defense this year, but finished his career with 90 tackles. He was the straw that stirred the drink for us on offense.
Ernest Bristol (Florida Deaf): WR/CB/D/P/K Senior
83 carries for 426 yards, 2 TD’s also no fumbles in 8 games. Also had 10 catches for 232 yards with 2 TD. Punted 7 times for 190 yards, kicked 5 times for 215 yards and also had 25 tackles.
John D’Alessio (St. Francis) Jr. OT
52 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions (yes interceptions from DE) High motor defensive player, always around the ball. Graded out at over 85% as an OT over the course of the season.
Rocky DiBernardo (Oak Hall) Sophomore athlete
Had 28 catches 501 yards for 6 TD, 47 carries for 315 yards and 3 TD. 13 of 29 for 136 yards passing with 1 TD and 6 INT. Also had 3 Fumble Recoveries and 247 yards in returns (Kick/Punt/Interception/Fumble). 118 All-Purpose Yards per game
James Drysdale (St. Joseph)
112 tackles on defense, 48 rushes for 558 yards and 10 TD’s, receiving 9 for 317 and 5 TD’s.
Thomas George (Oak Hall) FB-LB-DL JR
Converted fullback from Offensive line where he was All-Conference as a SO. 41 carries 270 yards and 8 TD. 1 reception 45 yards 1TD.39 Tackles 3 TFL 2 sacks
Jaquez Jackson (St. Francis) Jr. WR/RB/DB
Rushing- 26 carries 260 yards and 2 TD, receiving 17 catches for 216 yards and 3 TD. Had 38 Tackles and 7 interceptions (one of the leaders in our region) as a DB.
Tim Johnson- (St. Francis) Jr. RB/LB
91 carries 825 yards 7 TD’s. recorded 54 tackles and 1.5 sacks as LB
Troy Myers (St Johns) RB/LB Senior
69 rushes for 339 yards and 1 TD, also had 64 Tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 INT
Trey Saunders (Oak Hall) RB/LB Senior
101 rushes for 608 yards and 9 TD, 18 receptions for 96 yards and 2 TD. 32 tackles, 6 TFL, 3 sacks and 1 fumble recovery.
Dylan Thibault (St. Joseph)
90 completions on 136 attempts for 1739 yards, 19 TD and 3 INT, 180 yards rushing with 6 TD.
Demari Turner (St. Francis) WR/RB senior
25 catches for 912 yards and 14 TD’s (school record) (36.5 yards per catch), rushing- 19 carries 260 yards and 3 TD’s. Also returned a KO for a TD, giving him 18 total TD’s on the season. On defense he recorded 24 tackles and 3 INT.
Cade Walden (St. Johns)WR/LB/SS Senior
36 catches- 562 yards, 5 TD’s 28 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 passes. Defense, 2 sacks, 1 fumble recovery 4.16 GPA.
Ike Walker (St. Francis) OL/DL Senior
25 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks 5 forced fumbles
NORTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL CONFERENCE ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM
Matthew Armstrong (Oak Hall) QB-SR
Only played in 7 games and one of those games was only 20 plays due to ankle injury. 57 of 93 passing 896 yards 12 touchdowns. 537 yards rushing on 84 attempts 6.39 per carry 5 touchdowns. Finished Career at Oak Hall 21-5 as a starter. Threw for 2,496 yards and 35 touchdowns in career. Rushed for 1744 yards and 24 touchdowns in career.
Nick Baskin (St. Francis) QB Senior
Passing- 76/118 1826 Yards (School Record) 25 TDs (School Record) 5 int. Rushing 62 carries 420 yards 8 TD’s. Finished his career with 3572 yards 45 TD’s (both School Records) and only 15 int as a 2-year starter at QB. Also carries the ball 210 times for 1169 yards and 18 TD’s as a 3-year varsity player. Didn’t play much defense this year, but finished his career with 90 tackles. He was the straw that stirred the drink for us on offense.
Ernest Bristol (Florida Deaf) WR/CB/D/P/K Senior
Carries 83 for 426 yards, 2 TD’s. He ran an 85-yard TD, NO fumbles for 8 games. 10 catches for 232 yards with 2 TD’s. Punted 7 times for 190 yards, kicked 5 times for 215 yards. His longest kick was 58 yards. He had 25 tackles.
Kevin Calhoun (John Paul II)
85 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 13 hurries, 2 caused fumbles, 1 INT TD, 1 block punt TD.
John D’Alessio (St. Francis) Jr. OT
52 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions (yes interceptions from DE) High motor defensive player, always around the ball. Graded out at over 85% as an OT over the course of the season.
David Denbow (Rocky Bayou) Senior QB/CB
521 yards passing, 5 passing TD’s. 534 Yards rushing, 11 TD’s. 393 returning yards. 37 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble 2 fumble recoveries.
Rocky DiBernardo (Oak Hall) ATH-SO
28 catches 501 yards 6 Touchdowns. 47 carries 315 yards 3 Touchdowns. 13 of 29 passing 136 yards 1 Touchdown.6 Interceptions. 3 Fumble Recoveries. 247 yards in Returns (Kick/Punt/Interception/Fumble). 118 All-Purpose Yards per game
James Drysdale (St. Joseph)
112 tackles on defense, 48 rushes for 558 yards and 10 TD’s, receiving 9 for 317 and 5 TD’s.
Taylor Jeniki (John Paul II) WR
37 catches for 798 yards, 9 TD’s, 72 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sac, 3 INT, 2 defensive TD’s & 27 pass break-ups.
Tim Johnson (St. Francis) Jr. RB/LB
91 carries 825 yards 7 TD’s. recorded 54 tackles and 1.5 sacks as LB
Nemo Mitchell (John Paul II) RB
154 rushes, 1291 yards, 8 TD’s, 9 rec 154 yards, 3 TD’s, 135 Defensive tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 1 INT, 6 sacks & 1 blocked punt.
Caleb Preston (Rocky Bayou) RB/LB Senior
1,512 rushing yards, 20 rushing TD’s. 347 receiving yards, 4 TD’s. 2,358 all-purpose yards, 25 total TD’s on the season. 104 total tackles and 2 interceptions. Coaches Note: Caleb has been one of the most dynamic players to come through RBCS. He has amassed over 3,000 yards rushing in his career and has accumulated over 6,000 all-purpose yards and 52 touchdowns in his career. I know that this selection is based on performance for this season, but I did want to add that note to describe how incredible this kid is.
Dylan Thibault (St. Joseph)
90 completions on 136 attempts for 1739 yards, 19 TD and 3 INT, 180 yards rushing with 6 TD
Demari Turner (St. Francis) WR/RB Senior
Receiving- 25 Catches for 912 yards 14 TD’s (school record) (36.5 yards per catch) Rushing- 19 carries 260 yards and 3 TD’s. Also returned a KO for a TD, giving him 18 total TD’s on the season. On defense he recorded 24 tackles and 3 INT’s
Cade Walden (St. Johns) WR/LB/SS Senior
36 catches- 562 yards, 5 TD’s 28 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 passes. Defense, 2 sacks, 1 fumble recovery 4.16 GPA
Blake Wirick (Aucilla Christian) Junior RB/DE
Led team in rushing with 1,201 yards on 155 carries with 14 TDs in 8 games. Player averaged 7.7 yards per carry and 150 yards per game. Rushed for over 200 yards in 3 consecutive games. On defense, had 33 total tackles with 5 TFL.
Brian Wooden (John Paul II)
109 for 206 for 2030 yards, 28 TD’s, 6 INT’s, 41 rushes, 171 yards, 3 TD’s.
NORTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL CONFERENCE AWARDS
Conference Player of the Year
Caleb Preston (Rocky Bayou) RB/LB Senior 1,512 rushing yards, 20 rushing TD’s. 347 receiving yards, 4 TD’s. 2,358 all-purpose yards, 25 total TD’s on the season. 104 total tackles and 2 interceptions. Coaches Note: Caleb has been one of the most dynamic players to come through RBCS. He has amassed over 3,000 yards rushing in his career and has accumulated over 6,000 all-purpose yards and 52 touchdowns in his career. I know that this selection is based on performance for this season, but I did want to add that note to describe how incredible this kid is.
Conference Coach of the Year
Kez McCorvey, Saint John Paul II Catholic High School
Conference Sportsmanship Team of the Year
Oak Hall School
Conference Individual Sportsmanship Players of the Year
Aucilla Christian Academy: Ryals Lee
Oak Hall: Zach Bryan
Munroe: Derrick Dudley
Rocky Bayou: Will Ferguson
John Paul II: Kevin Calhoun
St. Francis: Patrick Schretzmann
St. Johns: Troy Myers
St. Joseph: Luke George
NEFAC Championship games
2017: John Paul 14, St. Francis 12
2016: Oak Hall 41, John Paul 13
2015: St. Joseph 10, John Paul 0
2014: Rocky Bayou 22, Florida Deaf 21
2013: Rocky Bayou 26, St. Johns 19
2012: Maclay 41, Oak Hall 13
2011: Maclay 54, Oak Hall 42
