Hardin places 12 on 23-AA list AP writers honor Marsh
Big Thicket Messenger - January 2008

After going from the also-rans to finishing in third place in the District 24-2A standings in just one short year, the Hardin Hornets completed their turn around season by having 12 players selected to the 2007 all-district football team.

The bi-district champion Hardin Hornets experienced one of, if not its very best, campaigns on the gridiron in school history in the recently completed season. Finishing in third behind co-champions, East Chambers and Buna, the Hornets (9-3) competed at the highest level of play any Hardin football team has ever reached climbing all the way to the second round in the state playoffs.

For their just reward in a season-long accomplishment, a dozen Hornet players were recognized for their contributions by the 24-2A head coaches.

Actually, the Hornets nabbed 13 positions, as junior two-way standout, John Stelly, was selected to the first team defense at inside linebacker and was a second team choice as running back.

The highest honor among Hornet’s elite group went to Senior wide out Daniel Marsh, who was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player. Marsh was the Hornets leading receiver and teamed with Senior Quarterback Jordan Nolan, a first team selection, to form one of the state’s premiere passing combinations. Both were unanimous selections.

Also chosen to the first team offense from Hardin was Senior Joe lineman Caleb Heilander.

In addition to Stelly, Hardin had three named to the second team offense including Senior Center Andrew West, Junior lineman, Wade Williams and Sophomore receiver Hunter Davis.

Stelly was Hardin’s only first team defensive representative and senior defensive end Jesse Lozano was a second team pick.

Austin Collins, was named the Special Teams MVP for his outstanding play on kick-offs. A versatile performer, Collins was also cited as an honorable mention at strong  at cornerback.

Individual Awards
MVP ‘ Tramain Thomas (East Chambers), Daniel Marsh (Hardin). Co-Defensive MVP – Thomas Wolcott (Kountze) and Paul Trammel (East Chambers). Special Teams MVP – Austin Collins (Hardin). Newcomer – Kenton Addison (Deweyville). Coach of the Year – Stan Hodges.

First Team Offense
Centers – Robert Hullett (Warren) and Carlos Tevino (East Chambers).
Linemen – Caleb Heilander (Hardin), Cody Holland, Travis Harding and Kris Dotson (Buna), Scotty Gilmore and Jack Garrett (Kountze) and Paul Trammel (East Chambers).
Tight End – Vance McDonald (East Chambers) and Luke Clark (Buna).
Running Backs – Dontae Raymond (East Chambers),  Anthony Smith (Buna) and Trey Howard (Kountze).
Receivers – Patrick Day (Hardin) and Braxton Mayes (Anahuac).
Quarterback – Jordan Nolan (Hardin).
Utility Player – Justin Carroll (Buna).
Kicker – Kyle Clark (Buna) and Chris Skogvoll (Kountze).
Second Team Offense
Center – Andrew West (Hardin).
Linemen – Wade Williams (Hardin), Tanner Mazzola  (East Chambers), Dalton Estes (Deweyville), Josh Jeans (Buna), Travis Swanson (Warren) and Justin Taylor (Kountze).
Receivers – Hunter Davis (Hardin) and Brent Nash (Warren).
Tight End – Kyle Johnson (Kountze).
Running Backs – John Stelly (Hardin), Thomas Wolcott (Kountze) and Bryan Homes )Buna).
Quarterback – Ryan Sheppard (Buna).
Utility Player – Kendall Barrows (East Chambers).
Kicker – Carlos Gonzales (Anahuac).
First Team Defense
Tackles – Dillon Moss (Buna), Dalton Estes (Deweyville) and Bryan Vigers (East Chambers).
Ends – Vance McDonald (East Chambers), Jarred Kemp (Kountze) and Heath Picou (Deweyville).
Inside Linebackers – John Stelly (Hardin), Bryan Holmes (Buna) and Milton Williams (Kountze).
Outside Linebackers – Anthony Smith (Buna), Travis McBee (Warreb).
 Cornerbacks – Anthony Ortiz (East Chambers) and Blanton Craft (Buna).
Safety - Ryan Sheppard (Buna).
Punter – Kyle Johnson (Kountze) and Brandon Powell (Deweyville).
Second Team Defense
Tackles – Scotty Gilmore (Kountze), -Cody Knighton (Warren) and Joseph Reid (East Chambers).
Ends - -Jesse Lozano (Hardin), Garrett McDaniel (Buna) and Robert Hullett (Warren).
Inside Linebacker – Cody Hick (Warren).
Outside Linebackers – Kendall Barrows (East Chambers) and Cruzz Thrailkill (Deweyville).
Cornerbacks – Josh Clark (Buna) and Brent Nash (Warren).
Safety – Josh Adamson (East Chambers) and Brandon Young (Warren).
Punter – Justin Carroll (Buna).
Special Team – Pierre Russell (Anahuac).
Honorable Mention
Strong Safety – Austin Collins (Hardin).
Cornerback – Bryan Remsing (Hardin).

Bold and Italic names denote unanimous decision