Published Tuesday, December 20, 2011 5:43 PM
Updated Tuesday, December 20, 2011 5:46 PM

 

Quarterback garners top Patriot award

During the season Ethan Long’s teammates called him The Tank but on Sunday they dubbed him the Patriots’ MVP.

During the team’s 2011 varsity football banquet held at Charleston Southern University, the senior quarterback received the Patriots most prestigious award.

“The team voted on this award and the vote was a landslide,” Fort Dorchester coach Steve LaPrad said. “I’m proud to give this award to a guy who did an unbelievable job.”

Long completed 213 pass attempts this season for 2,700 yards and 29 touchdowns while only throwing 11 interceptions. Those passes were spread out as two different Patriot receivers surpassed the 800-yard receiving mark and two others finished the season with around 400 yards.

However, it was the power-running style of the 6-4, 226-pound QB that earned him his nickname. Long rumbled for 95 yards and three TDs on the ground this season.

The team’s second-most highly sought team honor went to one of Long’s favorite targets as receiver T.J. Smith received the Iron Patriot Award.

“The Iron Patriot Award goes to a guy who you can depend on all the time,” LaPrad said. “When we had to have something, he was our guy. He is only a junior and has an incredible future ahead of him.”

Smith led a talented group of Patriot receivers this year, making 61 catches for 939 yards and nine TDs. He also had three rushes for 12 yards and a TD.

Several other awards were presented during the banquet and the team heard from guest speaker Dr. Berry Anderson, who helped his high school team earn a state championship before going on to a successful career as a brain stimulation expert. Stokes Honda also presented the Fort football program with a $3,200 check. The funds were raised through the company’s field goal kicking contest.

2011 Fort Dorchester Varsity Football Post Season Honors

MVP: Ethan Long

Iron Patriot: T.J. Smith

Most Improved Player: Ronald Palmer

Mr. Hustle: Keith Doctor

Purple Heart Award: Odell Funicelli

Captain Award: Rashad Smith and Chris Rouse

Outstanding Sophomore: David Govan

Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Knox Butcher

Outstanding Defensive Lineman: Myles Moultrie

Outstanding Special Teams Player: Ryan Granger

Outstanding Offensive Back: Daitwan Commodor

Outstanding Defensive Back: Bradley Frasier

Outstanding Receiver: Rodney Gibbs/Devron Glenn

Outstanding Linebacker: Delton Wells

Top 10 GPAs: Josh Lightburn, William Austin, Cody Meree, Ryan Granger, Kevin Epley, Kris Mcgill, Emilio Santana, Lloyd Hayes, Josh Hamilton and Ryan Chaya.

Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com