VIDEO: 10 Panthers Named To Gulf South Conference Team, ‘Coffee With Coach’ Englehart
By Mitch Praxl, Assistant Athletic Communications Director // November 18, 2016
PANTHERS HOST NORTH GREENVILLE
ABOVE VIDEO: Steve Englehart talks about his Panther’s during his weekly show “Coffee With Coach” on Thursday.
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Earlier this week, the Gulf South Conference announced its all-conference teams for the 2016 football season, with 10 Panthers listed among the honorees.
Six Panthers led the way with a first team selection, while four offensive players snagged second team recognition. Seven of FIT’s 10 honorees are seniors competing in their final season in Crimson and Gray.
Antwuan Haynes was tabbed to the first team as an all-purpose running back. The sophomore led the GSC in rushing at 98.3 yards per game, while his 162.8 all-purpose yards per contest was second only to Mississippi College’s Marcel Newson.
Kenny Johnston repeats as a First Team All-GSC tight end, ranking fifth in the conference in receiving yards per game at 73.8, while his 21.7 yards per catch were a league high. Johnston’s seven receiving touchdowns tied for fourth most in the GSC.
Cory Sanicky was the lone offensive linemen to be named to the first team, being joined by Joe Laguna and Kevin Delgado on the second team. The trio made up a key portion of the Panther offensive line that led FIT to league-highs in both total offense and rushing offense.
Iowa Western Community College transfer Adonis Davis was bestowed with first team honors in his first season on the Space Coast. Davis racked up 6.5 sacks and 13.0 tackles for loss from his rush end spot, both good for fifth most in the conference.
Chris Stapleton rounds out his illustrious career having made the all-conference team all four years, earning first team laurels in 2016. Stapleton ranked second in the conference in tackles with 8.3 per game, registering 5.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and a pair of interceptions.
Manny Abad also pulled down first team honors. The Cuban native picked off a pair of passes and registered four breakups for a total of six passes defended. The senior housed a pick six in the West Georgia game, providing a spark that led the Panthers to victory.
Trevor Sand was tabbed to the second team, ranking 11th in the league in rushing with 51.4 yards per game. The Seminole, Florida native tied Haynes for third most in the conference with 10 touchdowns.
Related Story:Florida Tech Running Back Antwuan Haynes Named Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of Week
Wayne Saunders rounds out the FIT honorees with his first all-conference selection. The Lone Star State product ranked 14th in the conference in receiving with 51.2 yards per game. The senior concluded the regular season with 512 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 35 receptions.
Florida Tech plays its first-ever playoff game at home Saturday, taking on North Greenville at 12 p.m. ET at Florida Tech Panther Stadium.
Ticket prices for reserved seats are $16 for adults and $14 for senior citizens, FIT faculty/staff, and children. General admission tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for senior citizens, FIT faculty/staff/students, and children.
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