Newberry leads big school defense

(From left) Buchholz's Nick Clayton and Newberry's Jarquez Carter were selected to the 2024 All Area football big school defensive team.
(From left) Buchholz's Nick Clayton and Newberry's Jarquez Carter were selected to the 2024 All Area football big school defensive team.
Graphic by Seth Johnson/Photos by C.J. Gish

The Newberry football team had one of its best seasons in almost two decades.

Editor’s Note
This is the fourth of five stories unveiling the 2024 Bosshardt Realty All Area Football Teams. Click here to read about the Small School Offense, Small School Defense, Big School Offense and Coaches of Year.

Go to our 2024 All Area football landing page by clicking here.

The Panthers won their first district title since 2007 and they advanced to the Class 2A-Region 2 Final, falling just one game shy of a state semifinals appearance.

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And they led the way with four players making the 2024 Bosshardt Realty All Area big school defensive football team.

Seniors Jarquez Carter, Mykah Newton, and Logan McCloud, who are all heading to Division-I programs, and junior La’Harry Debose, helped lead a Panthers’ defense that allowed just 14 points per game, including three straight shutouts against Keystone Heights, Palatka and Santa Fe (Alachua).

Carter (6’3, 270), who signed with Ohio State University, was named the Gainesville Quarterback Club’s Defensive Player of the Year after finishing with 84 tackles, including 17 sacks and 48 tackles for a loss.

Newberry's Mykah Newton (9) with the Panthers' second first-quarter interception against Bradford on Friday.
Photo by C.J. Gish Newberry’s Mykah Newton (9) with an interception, tallied 67 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and had nine sacks in 2024.

“The most dominant defensive lineman this area has seen in a long time,” said Newberry football coach Ed Johnson. “The preparation, discipline and work ethic he has, allowed him to constantly reestablish the line of scrimmage and stack up tackles for loss. His high football IQ and a high motor allowed him to lead this defense to playing great team defense this year.”

Newton (6’3, 250), who signed with the University of Miami, had 67 tackles, including 23 tackles for loss, and nine sacks for the Panthers in 2024.

“Mykah took major steps this season with his development, and we all got to see the benefits this season,” Johnson said. “He was disruptive, explosive, and affected the game from the edge and the interior. Played his best games in the biggest games of the season for us. We can’t wait to see his continued progress at the U.”

McCloud, who is committed to Wofford, had 110 tackles and 11 tackles for a loss. He had a pick-6 in the district championship win against Bradford (Starke) and a 41-yard touchdown catch in what proved to be the game-winner against the Tornadoes.

“Unquestioned leader of the defense this season, was another coach on the field,” Johnson said. “Made all our calls and checks, got all his teammates in the right spots. He was a ball player for us this season, over 100 total tackles, a couple pick-six touchdowns and an energy for the game that was an inspiration to every one of us around him.”

Newberry's Logan McCloud (4) intercepted Bradford quarterback Zack Paulk's pass and returned it for a first-quarter touchdown.
Photo by C.J. Gish Newberry’s Logan McCloud (4) with one of his pick-6 interceptions this season. McCloud had 110 tackles along with 11 tackles for loss.

Debose led the Panthers (10-3) with five interceptions.

“Ball hawking safety this season, was a vocal leader in the secondary and a student of the game,” Johnson said. “His dedication to film study and learning opponents each week allowed him to play fast, confident, and make plays all over the field. He was a much-improved tackler this season which has elevated his stock. He’s gonna have a great senior season.”

Buchholz (10-4), which lost in the Class 6A state semifinals to Osceola (Kissimmee), had a pair of defensive linemen who joined Carter and Newton on the team, including University of Wisconsin signee Nick Clayton.

“Nick’s unique combination of talent and selflessness made him an outstanding teammate and a cornerstone of our defense,” said Buchholz defensive coordinator Chuck Bell. “Over his three years as a starter at Buchholz, he was a starter at three different positions on the defensive line and even played significant snaps at middle linebacker out of necessity in a hard-fought game this season against Richmond Hill (GA).”

Buchholz's Evan Walker (15) had 63 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and a team-high 14 sacks for the Bobcats in 2024. Photo by C.J. Gish
Photo by C.J. Gish Buchholz’s Evan Walker (15) had 63 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and a team-high 14 sacks for the Bobcats in 2024.

Clayton (6’5, 210), who was the highest-ranked recruit in the area, finished the season with 79 tackles including a team-best 20 tackles for a loss. He was also second with seven sacks.

“Nick shined against some of the best offensive linemen in the country and did so in dominating fashion, specifically against 4- and 5-star offensive tackles at Vero Beach, Pace, and Cardinal Newman (all Bobcat victories),” Bell said. “He leaves an indelible legacy on our team and truly set the standard for how a defensive lineman is expected to play at Buchholz High School.”

He is joined by his teammate, Evan Walker (6’3, 220), who led the Bobcats in sacks this season with 14.

“Evan burst onto the scene for us in the first defensive snap of the season, a punishing QB hit against Spruce Creek, and it set the tone for the type of player he would be for us throughout the remainder of the season,” Bell said.

His 14 sacks this season were the most for a Bobcat since current Los Angeles Charger Chris Rumph had 18 sacks in 2016.  Walker finished with 63 tackles and was second behind Clayton with 18 tackles for a loss.

Buchholz's Caleb Young (5) led the Bobcats with 87 tackles. Photo by C.J. Gish
Photo by C.J. Gish Buchholz’s Caleb Young (5) led the Bobcats with 87 tackles.

“Evan’s impact as a pass rusher was especially critical on third down, where our defense excelled in holding opponents to a 29% conversion rate, thanks to his ability to get to the quarterback,” Bell said.

Safety Caleb Young (6’1, 200) led the Bobcats with 87 tackles in 13 games.

“Caleb brought a much-needed sense of physicality and experience to our defensive backfield after losing our two starting safeties from the 2023 campaign,” Bell said. “His desire to learn, improve, and succeed helped him quickly fit in with our team after he moved to Buchholz during the summer. He was our team leader in tackles, delivered some of the season’s biggest hits, and even scored a few touchdowns at running back in big moments throughout the fall.”

The ceiling is high for the junior.

“Even though Caleb had a great season, and in my opinion was the best safety in our area, our team’s expectation is that 2025 will be even more special for him considering he will enter the year already understanding our defensive schemes and knowing what it takes to be a winner at Buchholz High School,” Bell said.

Eastside (7-4) advanced to the Class 3A state playoffs and once again the defense was a big reason why, allowing 14 points or less seven times this season.

Led by junior linebacker Demarco Daniels, who head coach Harold “Gator” Hoskins called “the heart of our defense,” the Rams placed three on the team.

Eastside's DeMarco Daniels (2) with a first-quarter tackle at South Sumter (Bushnell).
Photo by C.J. Gish Eastside’s DeMarco Daniels (2) had 122 tackles for the Rams in 2024.

“As the undisputed leader of our defense, Marco’s impressive performance this season has earned him a strong case for defensive player of the year,” Hoskins said.

Daniels (6’1, 210) had 122 tackles this season for Eastside.

“Marco’s stats are a testament to his dedication and skill on the field,” Hoskins said. “He has consistently demonstrated his ability to read the game and make crucial stops.

According to Hoskins, one standout performance came against Dunnellon when Daniels recorded an incredible 26 tackles, “showcasing his tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to his team.”

Tramaine Montague (6’2, 190) made the team as a linebacker, but he is a true utility player who also logged snaps at edge rusher and in the secondary.

“A defensive force to be reckoned with, Tramaine is a versatile and dominant force who proved himself to be an invaluable asset to our team,” Hoskins said. “With his impressive range, tenacious attitude, and unique size, Tramaine is worthy of All Area recognition. His ability to adapt to various positions and situations is a testament to his football IQ, athleticism and dedication to his craft.”

Montague led the Eastside defense with 19.5 tackles for loss, recorded four sacks, and demonstrated his ability to rush the quarterback.

The youngest player on the All Area team is an Eastside “freshman phenom,” who “locks down the competition” in the secondary.

Eastside's Malicah Williams led the Rams with five interceptions
Photo by C.J. Gish Eastside’s Malicah Williams led the Rams with five interceptions.

“The Eastside defense discovered a gem in its freshman lockdown corner, Malicah Williams, who started from day one and consistently delivered impressive performances,” Hoskins said. “Malicah demonstrated remarkable maturity and skill, leading the Eastside defense and tying for the district lead with five interceptions.”

Among his key contributions were recording two interceptions against cross-town rival Gainesville High School and making a game-saving interception in an upset win against Dunnellon.

“Displayed exceptional open-field tackling ability and great ball skills,” Hoskins said. “Malicah has been a reliable and impactful player for the Eastside defense, and his impressive stats and clutch plays make a strong case for recognition as one of the top freshmen defenders in the state.”

Rounding out the big school defense were senior linebacker Jeremiah McKenzie of Bradford (Starke) and senior defensive back Michael Rossin of Suwannee (Live Oak).

McKenzie led the 2A regional semifinalist Tornadoes (9-2) with 72 tackles and he added six tackles for a loss.

Rossin, the Lake City Reporter Co-Player of the Year, excelled on offense, special teams and defense, where he recorded 46 tackles in the secondary, broke up 14 passes, recovered four fumbles, and picked off a pass.

Bosshardt Realty All Area Big School Defense (2A-6A)

DL – Nick Clayton, Buchholz (Sr.)

DL – Jarquez Carter, Newberry (Sr.)

DL – Mykah Newton, Newberry (Sr.)

DL – Evan Walker, Buchholz (Jr.)

LB – Logan McCloud, Newberry (Sr.)

LB – Jeremiah McKenzie, Bradford (Sr.)

LB – Demarco Daniels, Eastside (Jr.)

LB – Tramaine Montague, Eastside (Jr.)

Secondary – La’Harry Debose, Newberry (Jr.)

Secondary – Caleb Young, Buchholz (Jr.)

Secondary – Malicah Williams, Eastside (Fr.)

Secondary – Michael Rossin, Suwannee (Sr.)


Honorable mentions:

Bradford (Starke) – Damarius Lewis (DL, Sr.), Trente Jenkins (DL, Sr.), Brian Cliffin III (LB, Sr.), Marlin Haywood (DB, Sr.), Trevis Johnson (LB, Sr.), Reese Wainwright (LB, Sr.), Branden Williams (DB, Sr.)

Buchholz – Elijah Daniels (DL, Sr.), Jackson Islam (LB, Sr.), Taylor Carter (DB, Sr.), RJ Livingston (LB, Sr.), Chase White (DB, Sr.), Lon’nard McFadden (DL, Sr.), Chris Johnson (DB, Jr.), Isaiah Robinson (LB, So.)

Columbia (Lake City) – Da’jon Brown (LB, Sr.), Jalen Gaskins (DL, Sr.), Christopher Jordan (LB, Sr.), Julian De La Cruz (DB, Jr.), Vondarius Lane (DB, Jr.), Kyten Davis (DL, Jr.)

Eastside – Victor White (DB, Sr.), Charick Hall (DL, Jr.), Orian Ellis Jr. (DB, Jr.), Lamarion Houstin (DL, Jr.), Kamariyon Mack (LB, Jr.)

Gainesville – Tony Perryman (DB, Sr.), Corinthian Graham (LB, Sr.), Jalen Johnson (DL, Sr.), Jamarien Carnegie (DB, Sr.), Jordan Dixon (DB, Sr.), Josef Scott (LB, Jr.)

Keystone Heights – Andrew Wilson (DB, Sr.), Jackson Herman (DL, Sr.), Colton Hollingsworth (DB, Jr.), Kyle Perkins (LB, Jr.), Jackson Parmeter (DB, Jr.)

Newberry – Malachi Lancaster (DL, Sr.), Jakarus Randolph (DB, Sr.), Davon Rim (LB, Jr.), Aidan Michaux (LB, So.), Amaris Bryant (DL, So.), Darius Debose (DL, So.)

Santa Fe (Alachua) – Jamontre Markham (LB, Sr.), Trent McFarland (DL, Sr.), Joseph Hayes (LB, Sr.), Mikijah King (DB, Sr.), Jamie McGhee (DL, Sr.)

Suwannee (Live Oak) – Delwyn Allen (DL, Sr.), Clay Starling (LB, Sr.), Kyler Watson (DL, So.), Travis Fead (LB, So.), Koy Frier (DB, So.), Jace Moran (DB, So.)

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