SCD–FNLR Prep Football All-Star Team Announced: Denaburg Player of the Year, Brown Coach of the Year

PREP SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Friday Night Locker Room–Space Coast Daily 2021 All-Star football team consists of top players from around Brevard County.

Some of these players are seniors and will be continuing their playing days at the next level, and some are underclassmen. Regardless of their grade level, all stood out enough to be selected to the 2021 All-Star Team.

Choosing the All-Star Team is certainly not an easy task for anyone at Space Coast Daily and the Friday Night Locker Room. Along with the input from Brevard County’s head coaches, the 2021 Space Coast Daily–Friday Night Locker Room All-Star teams was compiled by the Friday Night Locker Room’s Steve Wilson and Orville Susong, along with Space Coast Daily’s Zach Clark, Juan Rodriguez, Ron Lighthall, Daryl Durand and Jordan Rocco.

■ Player of the Year – Brady Denaburg, Merritt Island: There was not much Denaburg did not do on the football field this year. He was the starting quarterback, placekicker, punter, and a team captain. But, most of all, he was a leader. The Mustangs did not lose to a team from the state of Florida during the regular season. Their only loss was to Cairo, Georgia during week 5. A big part of this record was the play of Denaburg.

A book could be written about the key plays Denaburg made in 2021, but three come to mind. And all three occurred in the state semifinal game against Sebring. With the Mustangs down 10-9 in the 4th quarter, play number one was made. With two minutes and twenty-five seconds left in the game, the Mustangs were facing a third and twenty-five from their own 25-yard line. On an outstanding run, Denaburg made players miss to pick up 15 yards for a manageable 4th and 10.

The very next play, he eluded two defensive players to connect with his receiver, picking up 11 yards for a 1st down.

Play number three was “The Kick.” With 48 seconds left in the game, Denaburg calmly stepped up and kicked a 43-yard field goal that sent the Mustangs to the state final.

Denaburg’s calm demeanor and his incredible play, not only in the Sebring game but for the entire season, make him the FNLR/SCD Player of the Year.

■ CO-MVP-Offense – LJ Turner, Heritage: Turner had a year most players only dream about. He not only led his team in rushing, he not only led the Space Coast in rushing but, during the regular season, he led the entire state of Florida in rushing with 2,070 yards! He did this on only 178 carries, averaging a whopping 11.6 yards per carry!

■ CO-MVP-Offense – O.J. Ross, Cocoa: Ross, a senior running back for the Tigers, had an amazing year. He scored more touchdowns than any football player in the state of Florida! On the Cocoa Tigers, a team loaded with incredible offensive talent, Ross, a 2020 1st Team FNLR/SCD All-Star player, stood out. Going into the state championship game, he had already rushed for 1,791 yards and 36 touchdowns.

■ CO-MVP-Defense – Jamari Lyons, Viera: In 2021, Lyons did what Jamari Lyons does best. He wreaked havoc on the defensive side of the ball. The University of Florida commit and 2020 1st Team FNLR/SCD All-Star player, finished the season with 97 tackles, with 35 of those for a loss. Lyons also recorded 11 sacks.

■ CO-MVP-Defense – Gavin Rowell, Melbourne: Rowell was a coach’s dream. He was a leader on and off the field. He finished the season with 146 tackles with 34 of those talked being behind the line of scrimmage. Rowell also had 15 sacks and 36 hurries on the season.

■ ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Devin Alves, Melbourne: Alves was the type of player that you could plug in at any position and he would be an all-star. Defensively, he was always on the opposing team’s number one receiver. He finished the 2021 season with 42 tackles and four interceptions. On the offensive side of the ball, he caught 61 passes for 1,249 yards and 15 TD’s. Alves led the Bulldogs in scoring with 96 points on the season.

■ COURAGE AWARD – Austin Smith, Viera: Smith, a 6’3” 225lb senior had ACL surgery on April 22, 2021. With a tremendous work ethic, he returned on September 24, to play against Eau Gallie. Smith finished the season averaging 10 tackles per game. According to head coach Derek Smith, he came back “bigger, stronger and faster.”

■ INSPIRATION AWARD – Khylil Murray, Astronaut: Murray had to deal with something in the spring of 2021 that most young people should not have to deal with. His dad was tragically killed. It would have been easy for Murray to shut down and withdraw, but that is not the type of person Murray is. With his living situation completely changed, he made the decision to push forward. According to Coach Justin Worden, Murray “didn’t complain, didn’t make excuses, continued to show up daily and be a leader by example.” Worden went on to say that Murray is also a “tremendous kid!”

■ COACH OF THE YEAR – Hurlie Brown, Merritt Island: Hurlie Brown led his Mustangs farther than any Mustangs team in recent memory. Brown is a player’s coach. He coaches hard, but attributes all of the team’s success on the players and coaches. As Brown said after the state semifinal game against Sebring, “It’s not about me, it’s about these kids.” He wants people to know that the kids have done what he has asked and have done things the right way.

■ ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR – Brodie Lubelski, Heritage: Brodie Lubelski, is a 2014 graduate of Heritage High School. He is the DL coach for the Panthers and was instrumental in helping turn Heritage from a one-win team in 2020 to an eight-win team in 2021. Head Coach Mark Ainsley used the word “fantastic” when describing Lubelski. He got the very best out of his players each week.

FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE

■ QB – Davin Wydner, Cocoa: Davin Wydner, the 6’5” senior quarterback for the Cocoa is exactly what the Tigers needed in 2021. His size, strength and accuracy helped lead the Tigers to another successful season on the gridiron. He passed for over 3,000 yards and connected on over 70% of his passes.

■ RB – Michael Galvin, Melbourne: Michael Galvin, a senior for the Bulldogs, finished the season with 1,154 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns. Coach Kintigh could depend on Galvin to get the “tough yards” when needed.

■ RB – Justus Durant, Bayside: Justus Durant put up big numbers for Bears Coach Corey Broomfield.

■ RB – Octavion Osby, Palm Bay: Octavion Osby, only a senior, finished the season for the Pirates with over 1,200 yards rushing while averaging 7.2 yards per carry. He led Palm Bay with 11 touchdowns.

■ WR – Donovan Giles, Viera,: Donovan Giles, a senior multi-athlete for the Hawks, was one of the top receivers on the Space Coast. He was Viera’s leading receiver having hauled in 43 catches for 815 yards and 4 touchdowns.

■ WR – Dallas Donahue, Merritt Island: Dallas Donahue, only a junior, was the favorite target of Player of the Year – Brady Denaburg. He led the Mustangs receivers in receptions (96), yards (994) and touchdowns (12).

■ WR – J’Mariyae Robinson, Cocoa: J’Mariyae Robinson, a senior for the Tigers, had a monster year for Cocoa. Going into the state championship, he had caught 64 passes for 1,279 yards and 7 touchdowns, while averaging 20 yards per catch.

■ WR – Eddie Combs III – Satellite: Eddie Combs III, a senior for the Scorps and a 2020 1st Team FNLR/SCD All-Star player, proved game after game that he was one of the top receivers in central Florida. Combs III scored 15 touchdowns for the 10-3 Scorps, finishing the season with 1,383 total yards.

■ WR – Dayday Farmer, Holy Trinity: Dayday Farmer completed the season for Coach Nate Hooks’ Tigers with 1,534 All-Purpose yards. The sophomore caught 41 passes for 948 yards and 18 touchdowns. Farmer was also a stellar defensive player having recorded 25 tackles and four interceptions.

■ OL – Luke Ainsley, Heritage: Luke Ainsley was key in clearing the path for record-setting running back LJ Turner. He was a starter the last three years for the Panthers. Ainsley, a 6’1” 257 lb. senior, was also named to the Elite 100 All-Star game in January and was selected “most outstanding OL” this past summer at the Down and Dirty Camp in Lakeland, FL.

■ OL – Dawson Kloos, Melbourne: Dawson Kloos, a 6’2’ 315 lb. senior, was one of the anchors of the offensive line for the Bulldogs. He helped lead Melbourne to a 10-3 season and to the region finals.

■ OL – Corbin Conley, Satellite: Corbin Conley, a 6’5” 280 lb. junior, provided protection for record-setting quarterback Gage Malkin.

■ OL – Lanard Toney, Cocoa: Lanard Toney, a 6’2” 290 lb. senior, was one of the anchors for the Cocoa Tigers offensive line. He recorded over 60 pancake blocks on the season.

■ OL – Kody Black, Melbourne: Kody Black, a 6’4” 305 lb. junior, helped the lead Bulldogs to the region final.

■ OL – Bryce Lovett, Rockledge: Bryce Lovett, a 6’5” 300 lb. junior, was one of the reasons LJ Watkins was recognized as a 2nd Team Running Back in 2021. Number 55 is a handful for any defensive lineman.

■ OL – Victor Battle, Cocoa: Victor Battle, a 6’1” 272 lb. senior, gave 1st Team Quarterback Davin Wydner plenty of time to throw the ball. Battle recorded an astounding 65 pancake blocks.

■ OL – Robert Ives, Merritt Island: Robert Ives, a 6’3” 225 lb. senior, helped the Mustangs reach the state finals.

■ TE – Bridger Koby, Merritt Island: Bridger Koby, a senior for the Mustangs, was part of the top receiving duo in central Florida. He, along with Dallas Donahue, gave quarterback Brady Denaburg a couple of outstanding receivers to throw to all year long. Heading into the state finals, Koby had caught 60 passes for 944 yards and 11 touchdowns.

■ Utility – Rian Black, Rockledge: Rian Black, a Coastal Carolina commit, did just about everything for the Raiders in 2021. One of the top receivers on the Space Coast, the senior from Rockledge moved to quarterback when the Raiders starter went down with an injury. Black was also the Raiders punter.

■ Utility – Robert Stafford, Eau Gallie: Junior, Robert Stafford of the Commodores, was a versatile player for Eau Gallie. He caught 42 passes for 605 yards and five touchdowns and was also a key defensive player for Coach Chris Sands.

■ Utility – Sean Westner, Cocoa Beach: Senior, Sean Westner was “Mr. Everything” for the Minutemen in 2021. As a quarterback/running back, Westner totaled 1,000 yards on the season. He ended the season with six passing touchdowns and six running touchdowns.

■ P/K – Kane Avila, Heritage: Kane Avila, a repeat 1st Team member of the FNLR/SCD All-Star Team had another terrific season for the Panthers. He finished the year with a 41.8 punting average.

■ P/K – Will Billups, Astronaut: Will Billups, a senior for the War Eagles, had an outstanding season for Astronaut, averaging 37 yards per kick in 2021.

■ Newcomer – Connor Robinson, Heritage: Connor Robinson, a sophomore for the Panthers, was an impact player for Coach Mark Ainsley. The 5’11” 225 lb. defensive end recorded 45 tackles, eight tackles for a loss and four sacks. According to Coach Ainsley, Robinson has a “strong motor!”

■ Special Teams – Trevor Bywater, Rockledge: Trevor Bywater was a key player for the 9-3 Raiders. Rockledge will miss the versatile senior in 2022.

FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE

■ DL – Keevon McCullough, Heritage: Keevon McCullough was a two-way starter for the Panthers. The 5’11” 235 lb. senior recorded 57 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

■ DL – Vady Clark, Satellite: Vady Clark, a 6’2” 205 lb. senior, finished the season with 98 tackles and 16 sacks. Four of his tackles were made behind the line of scrimmage. Clark also had one fumble recovery and one blocked punt.

■ DL – Marqjueil Ford-Watson, Melbourne: Marqueil Ford-Watson had a “big time” year for the Bulldogs. He concluded the 2021 season with 144 tackles, 15 for a loss. The 6’ 230 lb. junior also had 6.5 sacks and one interception.

■ DL – Jafari Clark, Melbourne: Jafari Clark, a 6’ 220 lb. senior, recorded 134 tackles for the Bulldogs. Like his teammate, Ford-Watson, 15 of those tackles were made behind the line of scrimmage.

■ DL – Timothy Passmore, Cocoa: Timothy Passmore, a 6’ 4” 280 lb. senior for the Tigers, had an outstanding year on the D-Line. He had 42 tackles, 10 for a loss and three sacks.

■ LB – Maddox Moss, Merritt Island: Maddox Moss was one of the leaders for the Mustangs in 2021. Heading into the state championship game, he had recorded 122 tackles, with 16 for a loss. The senior also had four sacks and one interception.

■ LB – Nate Lopez, Rockledge: Only a sophomore, Nate Lopez was a force on the defensive side of the ball for the Raiders. He finished the season with 67 tackles and 11.5 sacks. Lopez also had one interception to his credit.

■ LB – Aaron Session, Merritt Island: Aaron Session had an outstanding year for the Mustangs. He had 123 tackles, with an astounding 23 for a loss. Session also recorded 11 sacks on the season.

■ LB – Johnny Eaton, Viera: Johnny Eaton, a repeat 1st team FNLR/SCD All-Star had another big year for Coach Derek Smith and the Hawks. He had 89 tackles, 13 for a loss.

■ LB – Samadrae Hawkins, Cocoa: The name Hawkins continues to make news at Cocoa High School! Samadrae, only a sophomore, recorded 151 tackles prior to the state championship game. He also had two sacks and one interception.

■ DB – Phineas Allen, Rockledge: Phineas Allen, a junior for the Raiders, recorded 63 tackles. He also had one interception that was returned 95 yards!

■ DB – Virgil Marshall, Cocoa: Virgil Marshall, a senior for the Tigers, had 55 tackles on the season. He is also a repeat 1st Team FNLR/SCD All-Star team member.

■ DB – Cedrick Hawkins, Cocoa: Cedrick Hawkins has been a starter for the Tigers since the 8th grade. The junior, who was a 1st Team FNLR/SCD All-Star in 2020, had 106 tackles heading into the state championship game. He also recorded three interceptions.

■ DB – Chase Malkin, Satellite: Chase Malkin, a senior for the Scorps, recorded 54 tackles and eight interceptions.

■ DB – Alex Williams III, Bayside: Alex Williams III, a senior for the Bears had another outstanding season for Coach Corey Broomfield.

■ DB – Tayshawn Benson, Heritage: Tayshawn Benson, only a sophomore, had a stellar season for the Panthers. Coach Ainsley always put Benson on the opposing team’s number one receiver. He finished the season with two interceptions and eight passes deflected.

■ DB – Sean Mayo, Merritt Island” Junior, Sean Mayo was one of the many leaders on the Mustangs defense. He helped lead the team to the state championship game.

SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE

QB: Gage Malkin, Satellite
QB: CJ Simms, Viera
RB: L.J. Watkins, Rockledge
RB: Jacob Berstler ,Space Coast
RB: Dominic Shields, Merritt Island
RB: Xavian Taylor, Titusville
OL: Logan Ivey, Satellite
OL: Teddy Smith, Rockledge
OL: Chavez Thompson, Eau Gallie
OL: Daviyon Hawkins Ingram, Rockledge
OL: Kareem Parker, Jr. Bayside
OL: Noah Montijo, MCC
WR: Nakari McIntyre, Heritage
WR: Michael Parkes, Bayside
WR: Donte Cook, Cocoa
WR: Jadon Gowins, Holy Trinity
Utility: Nickolas Ramsay, MCC
Utility: Antonio Caito, Astronaut
P/K: Jackson Fain, Holy Trinity
Special Teams: Jason Burchfield, Merritt Island
Newcomer: Noah Ostrander, Satellite

SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE

DL: Zachary Cleaveaux-Jean, Heritage
DL: Carlos Gerrardino, Palm Bay
DL: Jacroy Waddell, Astronaut
DL: Jacob Woods, Merritt Island
DL: Nate Jennings, Holy Trinity
DL: Trent Carree, Palm Bay
LB: Isiah Nieves, Heritage
LB: Austin Smith, Viera
LB: Ben Morrow, Satellite
LB: Clemons Reynolds, Astronaut
LB: Woody Sweet, Melbourne
LB: DJ McCormick, Rockledge
DB: Jaylen Heyward, Rockledge
DB: Clinton Henry, Jr., Palm Bay
DB: Lavel Bryant, Cocoa
DB: Malik Lewis, Cocoa
DB: Daryl Smith, Rockledge

Similar Stories