12 Diesel players earn All-Star nods

 

By Jeff Madigan

Olean Times Herald

 

            The Northeastern Football Alliance, the semi-professional football league in which the Southern Tier Diesel play, has announced its East and West Division All-Stars.

            The Diesel, who play their home games at Bradner Stadium in Olean, are well-represented on the West Division list, as 12 players have earned either First-Team, Second-Team or Honorable Mention distinctions.

            “That’s a good, respectable showing,” Diesel middle linebacker and All-Star J.R. Bennion said. “It’s something we are all proud of. We have worked hard all season and that dedication has paid off.”

            Bennion said he has called or will call the 11 Diesel players in addition to himself that were honored to personally congratulate them on their honor. He said that players from the other five teams in the division vote on the nominees, making the merits that much better as they are voted on by the player’s peers.

            First-Team honors went to just one player, inside linebacker Donnie Moore. The Bolivar-Richburg native has racked up just 26 tackles on the season, but has 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries this season.

            Four Diesel players were named to the Second-Team – wide receiver Jason Folland (Hinsdale), Bennion, and defensive backs Keith Adams and Jerad Skiver (Wellsville).

            Folland is the team’s leading receiver, collecting 34 passes for 370 yards and two touchdowns this season. He is also a force on the kickoff return game, returning seven kicks for 128 yards. Bennion remains team captain and force on the defensive unit, leading the team with 61 tackles and 1.5 sacks this season. Adams is a strong player in the defensive backfield, as his two interceptions lead the team. He has also recorded 33 tackles and forced two fumbles. Lastly, his defensive mate Skiver has 25 tackles and five passes defensed this season.

            Honorable Mention went to a majority of Diesel players, including quarterback Shannon Knight (Richburg native), running back Fred Knight (Bradford), fullback Dave Merchel (Olean), wide receiver John Evener, right guard Dave Stryker, outside linebacker Brandon Emley (Portville) and free safety Brandon McGregor.

            The Knight duo pace the Diesel offensively, led by Fred Knight’s 471 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Shannon Knight has completed 61-of-151 passes for 827 yards and seven touchdowns. Evener has been the recipient of 20 passes for 248 yards and leads the team with three touchdowns.

            Defensively, Emley is second on the team with 48 tackles. His claim to fame this season, though, was catching the interception in the closing minute on June 18 when the Diesel won their lone game of the season, 20-13, over the Southern Tier Warriors. McGregor is third on the team with 35 tackles and also has one interception this season.

            “We had players who played at First-Team level and didn’t make it,” Bennion said of his teammates. “But there are some very good football players in our division.”

            One part of his team Bennion said he would have liked to have had better representation is the offensive line. Only Stryker – a guard – was honored, trumping fellow lineman Seth Hostuttler and Nick Bocharski.

            “If we had a snub team, those two are on it,” Bennion said. “I’m disappointed those two guys didn’t make the lists.”

            All honorees at every position who were named to the First Team or Second Team – and for the Diesel there are five – have been invited to play in the 2011 NFA All-Star Game, which will be played Sept. 24 in Waterloo. If the First-Team or Second-Team players elect not to play or have a prior commitment, Honorable Mention players will then be invited to ensure equal rosters.

            The NFA’s West Division (who will wear red at the All-Star Game) will consist of players from Finger Lakes, Lyndonville, Jamestown, Buffalo, and both Southern Tier teams (Diesel, Warriors). The East Division (wearing blue) will consist of players from Troy, Utica, Cortland, New York (Oneonta), Glove Cities and Watertown.

 

Southern Tier Diesel All-Stars

QB – Honorable Mention – Shannon Knight
RB – Honorable Mention – Fred Knight
FB – Honorable Mention – Dave Merchel

WR – Second Team: Jason Folland; Honorable Mention – John Evener
RG – Honorable Mention – Dave Stryker
MLB – Second Team – JR Bennion
ILB – First Team – Donnie Moore
OLB – Honorable Mention – Brandon Emley
CB – Second Team – Keith Adams; Second Team – Jerad Skiver

FS – Honorable Mention – Brandon McGregor