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By Fred Guarino

The Lowndes Signal

Seven Lowndes County football players have been named to the Montgomery Advertiser’s All-Metro Football Teams for 2017.

Named to the 2017 Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) Team were four Lowndes Academy players. And named to the 2017 Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) IA-4A All-Metro Team were three Central-Hayneville players.

Central head football coach Quinn Hambrite said, “I couldn’t be happier for our program. It has been a long time since Central has had football accolades such as this.” He said, “This is big for our program, our school and our community.”

Lowndes Academy head football coach Bob Taylor said, “Another tremendous honor for our guys. They work extremely hard during the year, and I couldn’t be happier for them.”

Named to the 2017 AISA All-Metro Football Team were sophomore Chase Little, offensive lineman; senior Jon Johnson, athlete, senior Buddy Johnson, defensive lineman and senior Cole Crook defensive lineman.

Jon Johnson had 1,277 total yards, 13 touchdowns (10 rushing) and 17 of 19 extra point attempts. He also had a 32-yard punt return average, 146 return yards, made 28 tackles and five interceptions.

Buddy Johnson had 50 tackles, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and a sack.

And Crook had 48 tackles and five sacks.

Named to the 2017 Class IA-4A AHSAA All-Metro Team were senior wide receiver David Baldwin, senior defensive lineman Jermarius Rudolph and honorable mention senior quarterback Keegan Blackman.

Baldwin had 30 receptions for 889 yards and 13 touchdowns and 1,608 all-purpose yards. He also had three kickoff returns and an interception return for touchdowns.

Rudolph had 69 tackles, 9.5 sacks, a forced safety and rushing touchdown, as well as a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

Keegan Blackman was honorable mention at quarterback.

Hambrite said of Rudolph, “He’s an awesome kid and has a non-stop motor.”