By LEE HILLER, Journal Sports
Woodlawn two-way standout Brandon Henderson will return for his senior season with the Knights after making last year’s all-district team at both wide receiver and defensive back.
Henderson is one of 10 returning from last year’s all-league team. He averaged 29 yards a catch with 18 receptions for 524 yards and four touchdowns. He’s been a dynamic player for Woodlawn the last two seasons, a player that gets the full attention of opposing coaches immediately.
Defending district champion North DeSoto returns four from its high powered offense of a year ago. Quarterback Luke Delafield returns for his junior season after being named the MVP for throwing for 3,219 yards and 38 touchdowns. His top target, Cole Cory, returns for his senior campaign after notching 79 catches for 1,431 yards and 15 touchdowns. Kenny Thomas returns to the backfield for his junior season. He led the team with 1,269 yards rushing and 16 scores. Lineman Conner Roberts will be back to help pave the way for Thomas and protect Delafield.
Huntington, who will now play in District 1-5A after reclassification, returns two on defense in defensive lineman Jatarian Montgomery and defensive back Tyler Welch. Montgomery had 33 solo stops of his 54 total, three sacks and a pair of fumble recoveries. Welch had three interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Evangel also makes the move to play in District 1-5A and returns kicker Kaegen Kent who made 47 extra-point kicks and two field goals.
Minden returns offensive lineman Jonathan Bradford and defensive lineman Demetrius Robinson.
Returning players from the 2023 1-4A All-District team:]
OFFENSE
WR – Brandon Henderson, Woodlawn, Jr.
WR – Cole Cory, North DeSoto, Jr.
OL – Jonathan Bradford, Minden, Jr.
OL – Conner Roberts, North DeSoto, Sr.
QB – Luke Delafield, North DeSoto, So.
RB – Kenny Thomas, North DeSoto, So.
K – Kaegen Kent, Evangel, Jr.
DEFENSE
DL – Demetrius Robinson, Minden, Jr.
DL – Jatarian Montgomery, Huntington, Jr.
DB – Tyler Welch, Huntington, Jr.
DB – Brandon Henderson, Woodlawn, Jr.
Offensive Most Valuable Player – Luke Delafield, North DeSoto