Bell finalists have defensive attitude

By Dion Clisso PrepsKC Managing Editor
Posted: December 13, 2010 - 8:19 AM



Bell Award Finalists

Daris Anthony, senior, defensive end, Piper

Piper’s defense faced dynamic offenses all season playing in the Kaw Valley League. The Pirates were able to win their district and a playoff game with the strength of their defense.

Anthony finished the season with 102 tackles with 74 of those as solo tackles. He also had nine tackles for loss and played both defensive end and linebacker for a team that finished 6-5 on the season.

Tyler Ewy, senior, defensive lineman, Louisburg

Louisburg won the Class 4A state championship led by the play of its defense. The Wildcats went through the regular season and playoffs without a loss. During its playoff run Louisburg gave up 23 points in the final three games.

Tyler Ewy was the leader of the defense and finished with more than 100 tackles. Through the quarterfinals Ewy had 100 tackles, 13 sacks and 17 tackles for loss.

Kyle Livingston, senior, linebacker, Harrisonville

Harrisonville had another outstanding year and was led by its defense. The Wildcats went 12-2 losing to eventual champion Webb City in the Class 4 semifinals.

Livingston had more than 90 tackles on the season despite being injured for three games. Livingston was also a four-year starter for a Wildcats team that won a Class 3 state title in 2007 and made the playoffs in Class 4 the last three seasons.

Jared Love, senior, defensive tackle, Kearney

Kearney’s undefeated season came to an end in the quarterfinals in a 14-10 loss to Harrisonville but the undefeated run was fueled by a turnover happy defense.

Jared Love finished his senior year with 65 tackles and 4.5 sacks from the interior of the defensive line. Love also recovered two fumbles for touchdowns.