South Walton honors its gridiron gang

It’s all about team when it comes to football.

However, Monday evening several individuals were recognized for their efforts on the gridiron this past season at South Walton High School.

To view more photos from the event, click here.

“I’m about team,” football coach and athletic director David Barron told the hundred or more gathered in the cafeteria for the seventh annual football banquet Monday.  “And it takes a team to win at football.”

The South Walton Seahawks finished up with an 8-3 record and runner-ups in District 1.

“I tell my seniors every year, no team is stronger than it’s seniors,” Barron said.

“It was a little disappointing, but a good run,” he added. “They did a great job. Their memories are going to be fond memories.”

Barron recognized his first-year lettermen seniors, Benny Spencer, Jonathan Duncan and Chad Wilford.

Second-year lettermen were Chris Shock, Charles Whitfield and Quinston Morris.

“Chris Shock was a running back that came out of no where,” Barron said.

Up next were three-year lettermen, D.J. Striedel and Bryant Adams.

And four-year lettermen were Dennis Smith, the longest running quarterback at South Walton High who Barron tagged the “offensive guru,” and Carlton Seilhan.

Adams was also the recipient of the Offensive Team Captain award. He rolled up more than 500 yards rushing this past season and totaled more than 1,900 rushing and 12 career touchdowns as a Seahawk.

With a 3.962 GPA, Adams took home the Academic Award.

The Special Team Captain award went to Seilhan as a consistent blocker.

Whitfield was the recipient of the Defensive Captain award with 29 tackles and 30 assists.

Prior to the recognition of the seniors, underclassmen received their letters, pins and certificates. Coach Carey Nick gave honors to members of the junior varsity team who he called “the future of the South Walton program.”

The Seahawk cheerleaders were also recognized for their many hours of work.

“There is no off season for cheerleaders,” said Cheer Coach Susan Meyer. “It’s year round … 365 days a year.

“And the time our cheerleaders spend here is just the beginning,” Meyer said. “They are cheerleaders for life.”

Senior and three-year letterman Marissa Dodson received the Captain’s Award.

Hillary Jackson, a three-year letterman and senior, was awarded the Seahawk Spirit award. “No matter what, she has a heart in every project,” Meyer said. “She never lowers her standards.”

For the second year in a row, the South Walton Seahawks have made it to the playoffs.

“The bar is up there,” Barron said. “The challenge is out there. And we’ll supply everything these kids need, but the guts.”