Byrd
heads TSWA local all-state list
By Wes Holtsclaw
STAR CORRESPONDENT
After his amazing year, what more could Mark Byrd
want? Nobody knows for sure, but a spot on the Tennessee Sports
Writers Association (TSWA) All State team tops a wonderful season.
The five players selected from Carter County: Vince
Redd, Brandon Odom, Dakota Benfield, Keith Buchanan and Byrd,
were the cream of the crop of Carter County football this season.
Each player was named at least honorable mention
on the AP team, and earned All-State honors on the Prep Talk
Online fan poll.
Byrd, who helped lead the Cloudland Highlanders
to the state championship game, is one of four Highlanders to
make the TSWA All State team in their class, earning the spot
as 1-A athlete.
On the 4-A team, Elizabethton's Vince Redd was
placed at the top linebacker spot. Averaging 10 tackles per
game, Redd put the 'smash' in smashmouth football this past
season, torturing opposing teams all season long.
Featured on the 1-A team from Cloudland were the
two dominating big men up front, Keith Buchanan and Brandon
Odom.
Odom earned a spot on the team as defensive end.
Odom also played tight end, and played a vital part in the season
for the 'Landers as one of the 'Beefy Boys.' Brandon also set
a couple of kicking records earlier in the season.
Buchanan was a powerhouse on both sides of the
ball, earning his spot on the team at offensive tackle. Though
Buchanan was more impressive on the defensive side, his play
on the offensive side helped the 'Lander team put some points
on the board this year.
Finally, Cloudland's top late season rusher Dakota
Benfield earned a spot on the team at cornerback. Benfield is
most famous for his post season surge, gaining over 800 yards
in rushing. He scored over 25 times this year and is sure to
be a presence next season.
It was a great year for football, but will be interesting
to see if any local players will make the teams on the hardcourt.
Congratulations to these men for their accomplishments this
year.
