Eight Sisters football players named to All-League teams

Eight Outlaw football players were selected to All-League teams, including junior Justin DeSmet and senior Jessey Murillo, who were First-Team selections.

DeSmet, who was also a team captain, earned First-Team Running Back, and First-Team Defensive Back. Justin had 70 carries for 437 yards, two touchdowns, and averaged 6.24 yards per carry. He also had nine receptions for 63 yards. On defense, DeSmet recorded 32 tackles, 13 assists, and two interceptions. DeSmet had a huge impact on the Outlaws’ football program. He ran the ball hard and made big plays when his team needed him to.

Coach Clayton Hall said, “It was fun to watch Justin develop this year and we are very excited to have him back next year. At corner, Justin had an incredible year. He did a great job in coverage, but was very skilled in coming up in the run game, and making a great form tackle. Justin is an athlete who is never satisfied and will always strive to improve his game on both sides of the ball.”

Murillo earned First-Team, All-League Offensive Lineman. Hall noted that despite being undersized at that position, Jessey’s technique, football IQ, and determination allowed him to be a very successful lineman. Jessey was also considered the captain of the offensive line.

Jessey was also a Second-Team, All-League Defensive Lineman pick. He finished league with 35 tackles, and 11 assists. He was the athlete you could find everywhere on the field, making tackles and running down the player with the football. Hall noted that, as a defensive end, Jessey had a great motor, and would play until the whistle on every play. Hall added that the Outlaws will miss his relentless attack on defense.

Adam Maddox-Castle, a senior and one of the captains, earned Second-Team, All-League Running Back, and was also a Second-Team Defensive Back pick. He is an exceptional athlete, and was a dual threat for the Outlaws this year. Adam had 56 carries for 377 yards, five touchdowns, and averaged 6.73 yards per carry. He also had 10 receptions for 157 yards and one touchdown. On defense Maddox-Castle tallied 30 tackles, six assists, and one interception.

Hall said, “In our ‘Beef’ offense, Adam made key blocks and ran the ball very well for us. He also lined up in the slot as a receiver in the spread and made some big catches for us on offense. At free safety, Adam did a very good job at coming up and making big hits defending the run, and playing the deep third defending the pass. Adam has great instincts, a nose for the football, and always flew to the ball to make a punishing tackle on the ball carrier.”

Senior Hudson Symonds was a Second-Team Offensive Lineman pick, and did a great job for the Outlaws at that position. Hudson also was selected Honorable-Mention Linebacker. Symonds had 13 tackles and six assists.

“Hudson is a very physical and athletic offensive guard, who did a great job pulling and blocking to open up holes for our running backs,” said Hall. “He started the season on the defensive line, but then became a middle linebacker midway through the season, which helped the Outlaws’ success on defense. Hudson did a great job using his speed and strength to get the quarterback and ball carrier, and then administered a punishing tackle on his opponent.”

Senior Henry Rard was a Second-Team Center pick, and also earned Honorable-Mention Defensive Lineman. Rard finished with 19 tackles and seven assists.

Hall said, “Week in and week out Henry was tasked with taking on the other team’s biggest and toughest defenders while playing center. Henry never flinched while taking on his assignments and did a great job all year blocking in our running and passing game. At nose guard this year, Henry did a great job creating chaos in the opposition’s run game, and putting pressure on the quarterback. A lot of our success this year on defense was because of what Henry was doing on the defensive line, disrupting blocking schemes.”

Mason Sellers, a senior, earned Second-Team Linebacker, and finished league with 17 tackles and seven assists.

Hall said, “At outside linebacker, Mason did an incredible job tackling, forcing running backs inside towards our defense, and defending the flats. Mason’s speed and technique helped him be a very successful defender and someone who we could count on defense.”

Senior Brody Duey was a Second-Team pick as a punter, and earned Honorable Mention as a kicker. He went 14-for-15 on PATs (point after touchdown) and was one-for-one for a 27-yard field goal.

“As a first-year football player, Brody made a huge impact on our special teams,” Hall said. “His ability to punt the ball quickly and efficiently helped our team have advantage in field position numerous times throughout the season. He was also very skilled in kicking PATs, field goals, and kickoffs. He was a very valuable asset to our team, and he improved every week of the season.”

Senior Easton Moore rounded out the All-League picks, earning Honorable-Mention Quarterback. Moore went 36/85 for 577 yards passing on the season, and seven touchdowns.

“Easton had a great year at quarterback and helped our team win many football games,” said Hall. “Despite being in a predominantly run offense, he threw the ball very well when his number was called. I think he surprised a lot of people with his level of play, accuracy, and arm strength.”