Huntingdon’s Chappell, Manuel and Anthony earn All-Region honors

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Huntingdon defensive tackle D.J. Chappell made an impression this season.

A dominant force from the start, Chappell drew extra attention from opposing teams. The junior's play also drew attention from D3football.com.

With the release of the D3football.com All-South Region Team on Monday, Chappell became the first Huntingdon player to earn first-team All-Region recognition.

"It's an honor," Chappell said. "Just to be chosen is a big accomplishment. But to be the first Huntingdon player to earn first-team, that's cool. None of it would be possible without my teammates though. We've all worked hard and pushed each other to be our best."

Chappell was joined on the South Region team by Huntingdon running back Trevor Manuel and safety Keith Anthony. Manuel was a second-team selection and Anthony was a third-team pick.

"It makes it even better to know Keith and Trevor were selected," Chappell said. "Trevor is just a playmaker. When you give him the ball, he is going to make a play. Watching him, he just amazes me sometimes.

"Keith is someone I really look up to. He's not real vocal, but he leads by example and tries to do everything right. He's someone I have tried to learn from. I hope I can set the kind of example he has set for this team."

Before this season, only two Huntingdon players had earned All-Region. Receiver Mark Colson was the first, earning second-team honors in 2006. Anthony was a second-team selection at safety in 2009.

"Having three All-Region guys says a lot," Huntingdon head coach Mike Turk said. "We still have a long way to go, but this shows how far we've come. D.J., Trevor and Keith have all worked hard to become better players and to make the team better. I'm happy and proud for all three of them."

Chappell, a graduate of Montgomery's Jefferson Davis High School, was the Hawks' third-leading tackler with 54 stops (32 solo, 22 assists) and led the team with eight sacks and 19 tackles for loss this season. His 14 ½ career sacks and 32 ½ tackles for loss each rank second in Huntingdon history.

"He is a big part of what we do on defense," Turk said. "He is a guy that takes care of his responsibility on each play and can still get off a block and make the tackle. In addition to making plays, he's a player that can't be blocked by one guy. He's worked really hard to develop into the player and leader he has become."

Manuel became the Hawks' career leader in rushing yards (2,075), rushing attempts (431) and rushing touchdowns (27) this season. In 10 games, the junior rushed for 973 yards and 15 touchdowns on 222 carries. He also completed 4-of-6 passes for 100 yards and four touchdowns and had 23 receptions for 288 yards and three touchdowns.

"Trevor is just a tremendous athlete," Turk said. "He is an all-around player that can run the ball, catch the ball or turn around and throw it. He makes it that much more difficult for defenders. He's a leader and he's ready to play every game and we're glad to have him back for one more year."

Anthony ended his Huntingdon career as the Hawks' career interceptions leader (19) and second-leading tackler (255). As a senior, the Eclectic native led Huntingdon with 64 tackles and six interceptions – three short of the single-season mark he set as a sophomore.

"Keith is just a solid guy. I can't say enough about what he has done for our program," Turk said. "He's one of those guys, we're not just going to be able to plug someone in and replace him. With his ability and his instincts, he made all of the plays he was supposed to make and a whole lot more."

D3football.com selects All-Region teams for the North, South, East and West regions of the country. More than 800 players were nominated nationwide. In the South Region, 222 players were nominated, from which 77 earned first-, second- or third-team recognition.

Wesley quarterback Shane McSweeny was named the Offensive Player of the Year for the South and Mary Hardin-Baylor linebacker Javicz Jones earned the region's Defensive Player of the Year. Former University of Kentucky head coach and current McMurry head coach Hal Mumme was named the South Coach of the Year.