FRANKLIN—Several football players from Franklin, Southampton and Windsor high schools have made the all-district first, second and all-academic teams for the Tri-Rivers District.

Representing the first team offense are: Russell Ballance, SHS punter; Devine Fenner, SHS kick returner; Dominique Gainey, FHS tackle; Jason Nguyen, FHS guard; Jesus Padillia, FHS place kicker; LaQuadric Pittman, FHS quarterback; Corey Porter; FHS running back; and Marcus Stephens, FHS running back.

Representing the first team defense are Dominique Gainey, FHS defensive line; Sam McDonald, SHS defensive line; Corey Porter, FHS defensive back; Marcus Stephens, FHS defensive back; Terry Warren, FHS linebacker.

On the offensive side of the ball, Marcus Stephens was the player of the year for the district.

Representing the all-academic team are Jason Nguyen, Terry Warren and Jacob Tatum of Franklin High School; and Chris Lawrence, Jamal Tillery, Matt Frances, Shunye Burton and David Howell of Southampton High School. To be on the all-academic team, a student must post a 3.2 or greater GPA. A list of all-academic team members from Windsor High School could not be obtained before press time.

All district second team players are: Daniel Agunzo, SHS defensive end; Alson Cromwell, FHS linebacker; Antonio Elliot, FHS defensive end; Chris Lawrence, SHS linebacker; Tyler Ryan, WHS defensive lineman; LaQuadric Pittman, FHS defensive back; Stefon Person, FHS Tackle, Corey Porter, FHS wideout and kick returner; Zach Silva, WHS linebacker; Malcolm Walker, FHS defensive line; Terry Warren, FHS utility back; and Tyrique Warren; FHS center.

Honorable mentions for the district are: Jeffery Allen, SHS guard; El’haji Bakari, SHS tackle; Javonte Baker, FHS linebacker; Russell Ballance, SHS place kicker; Justice Chapman, WHS utility back; Donovan Cosbert, WHS defensive back; Darrian Duck, FHS wideout; Tyler Fontenot, WHS place kicker; Malcolm Greene, WHS defensive back; David Howell, SHS tackle; Quayshun Jefferson, FHS defensive end; Latrell Lane, FHS running back and linebacker; Avery Miller, WHS guard; Khirey Reese, FHS guard; Corey Porter, FHS tight end; Lance Sexton, WHS quarterback; Breon Stocks, WHS running back; Aaron Sumblin, FHS defensive line; and Jack Sykes, FHS defensive line; Austin Tomlin, WHS defensive lineman.

Southampton Head Coach Willie Gillus Jr. said that he is proud of his team for this, especially making the all-academic team.

“These have been guys who have exemplified what a student-athlete should be, in regards to in the classroom and on the field,” he said. “They have exemplified great character, and they have been great people. To the seniors leaving the program, I think they will be successful in life. To the guys who are underclassmen, I expect great things out of them next year.”

While Gillus said that as a program they were not happy about this year’s record, he was excited about some of the things that they have been able to accomplish.

“We are putting kids in a position to succeed when they move on to college, whether they play sports or not,” he said. “We have gotten the kids academically sound.

“I’m happy with the support that the coaching staff has received from the faculty and staff in the high school. We’re a new coaching staff, and the teachers have been very good and supportive of the move to get the students academically sound. Our kids sometimes have to go on road trips, and they’ve been very supportive of the program. I’m appreciative of that.”

Franklin Head Coach Darren Parker said that he was proud of his football program.

“All of them are honored to serve, and they know that without their teammates they would not have these honors,” said Parker.

Parker added that he’d like to thank the school system for its support, from Superintendent Dr. Michelle Belle all the way to the parents of the players and the fans both locally and from surrounding areas.

“We’re looking forward to seeing and hearing them Friday night in our first playoff game against William Campbell.”

Windsor Head Coach Chuck Parrish said it was great to see his young men get recognized by the district.

“For the underclassmen, I expect them to work hard, come back and improve their achievements,” he said. “For the seniors, it was nice to see them get awarded for their achievements. They’ve represented the school well.

“Tri-Rivers is a tough district in a lot of sports, especially football, so this is not an easy thing to get.”