Opinions on this year's All-County selections

The 2008 Columbia County News-Times All-County football team was released today. Here are my thoughts on the selections:

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Offense

QB Chad Chandler, senior, Lakeside

Chandler followed up his impressive junior season with a solid senior campaign. He threw for more than 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, and surpassed 3,500 passing yards during his three-season career. Chandler was as fun to watch as any player in the area over the past two seasons. He is an honor student at Lakeside, as well.

RB Jonathan Finch, junior, Evans

Finch ran for 1,620 yards on just 197 carries for an impressive 8.2 yards per carry. He also had a nose for the goal line, as he found the end zone 19 times.

RB Seth Hill, junior, Harlem

In the second half of the season, Hill was arguably the area's top back. He had one of the finest seasons for any back in Bulldog history finishing with 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns on 224 carries.

TE T.D. Davis, senior, Greenbrier

There's no arguing that Greenbrier struggled, but one of the real bright spots was the play of Davis. He caught 47 passes for more than 600 yards. His play was good enough to nab All-Region honors despite Greenbrier winning just one Region 2-AAAAA game.

WR Ben Turner, senior, Greenbrier

Turner turned in the most memorable performance of the season, rushing for 283 yards and throwing for 277 in a comeback win over Redan.

Defense

DL Nigel Charles, senior, Evans

Charles was the most dominant defensive player I saw all season. He disrupted everything opposing offenses tried to do with his tenacious assault on the backfield.

DL Reuben Faloughi, senior, Evans

Faloughi combined with Charles to form arguably the best defensive end combo in the state.

DL Dylan Turner, senior, Greenbrier

Turner did not get the recognition his ability warrants this season because of the struggles of the Wolfpack. However, opposing coaches knew the senior all too well. He had more than 100 tackles and seven sacks.

DL David Poole, senior, Lakeside

Poole had 33 tackles, including 14 for loss. He also piled up six sacks. The senior was an honorable mention All-Region performer.

LB Jordan Felton, senior, Evans

Felton gets my vote for most underrated player in the county. He had 80 tackles and 21 sacks this season for the Knights.

LB Edmond Jones, senior, Harlem

This hard-hitting senior was an All-Region selection in 3-AAAA. He paired with teammate Forrest Christian to snuff out opposing offenses.

DB Khadi Tshishiku, junior, Lakeside

Tshishiku burst onto the scene this year and has college recruiters salivating. He earned All-Region honors for the Panthers after finishing 2008 with 67 tackles, two interceptions, two blocked punts and three fumble recoveries. He likely will have several Division I offers next season.

Athlete William Banks, senior, Augusta Christian

Banks was amazing for the Lions this season. He moved from tailback to quarterback when the starting QB was injured.

He finished with more than 1,200 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns, while passing for 784 more.