10 Bulldogs pick up Region, MACJC honors

Ten Mississippi Gulf Coast football players earned All-Region 23 and All-MACJC honors, led by offensive lineman Brandon Hill, cornerback Octavis Johnson and kicker Joshua Rowland.

The MACJC announced the awards Monday afternoon.

Hill, Johnson and Rowland earned All-Region 23 and All-MACJC South Division first-team honors. They were joined on the South first team by offensive lineman D'Marcus Hayes. Wide receiver Ishmel Morrow, offensive lineman Kevin Haas, returner T'Rod Daniels, defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs, linebacker Reggio Dean and defensive back Marcus Betts earned second-team honors.

Hill, a 6-foot-5, 390-pound sophomore from Memphis and St. George's Independent School, started at nose tackle the first two games of the year, then was shifted back to the offensive line where he earned similar honors last year.

"He's a two-team All-Region selection and has been a really solid leader for us," Gulf Coast coach Chad Huff said. "He's got a bright future and has been great for the program."

Rowland, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound freshman from Madison Central, made 16 of 19 field goals and was perfect on all 44 PATs. He had three or more field goals three times, with a long of 42 yard against Jones.

"He's done a tremendous job in the kicking game for us," Huff said. "He was huge for us in some big games. We're looking forward to great things out of him next year."

 

Johnson, a 6-foot, 190-pound freshman from Homerville, Ga., and Clinch County High School, had two interceptions and 32 tackles.

"I thought he played well all year," Huff said. "He's a good player, a good kid who took back two interceptions for touchdowns."

Hayes, a 6-foot-5, 320-pound freshman from Madison Central, manned left tackle for the Bulldogs.

"He started every game for us as a true freshman," Huff said. "He did a really good job. He was one of our leaders up front."

Morrow, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound sophomore from Ocean Springs, led MACJC receivers with 51 catches. His biggest game came in Week 1 when he had nine catches for 207 yards and two touchdowns against Northeast.

"He was our leading receiver," Huff said. "He brought us a lot at that position as a third-year guy. He was consistent and I'm proud of Ish."

Kevin Haas, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound freshman from Kiln and St. Stanislaus, was an integral part of the Gulf Coast offensive line.

"He started every game for us at right tackle," Huff said. "He was very physical. He played well as a true freshman and was one of highest graded O-linemen each week."

Daniels, a 5-foot-9, 175-pound freshman from Bassfield, returned punts for the first time ever in Week 3. He finished with a 15.1-yard average on 19 punt returns and returned 11 kickoffs for a 21.8-yard average.

"He was a weapon for us," Huff said. "At any time, he was a step away from scoring for us and set up some scores this year because of his returns."

Isaiah Buggs, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound freshman from Ruston, La., had 59 tackles, including eight for losses. He had a team-high four sacks.

"He was an impact player on that side of the football as a true freshman." Huff said. "I'm exciting about the things to come from his next year."

Dean, a 5-foot-10, 210-pound freshman, was twice named MACJC Defensive Player of the Week. In the opener against Northeast, he had 11 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

"He loves the game," Huff said. "He plays it like you would like your guys to play. He prepares every week like it means everything to him."

Betts, a 5-foot-10, 210-pound defensive back, had 36 tackles and three sacks. He also had four picks.

"He led the team in interceptions," Huff said. "He was a third-year guy that brought some experience to a young secondary."

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