![[Masthead]](http://www.marshallnews.com/images/nameplate.png)
RSS
Print
Email link
Respond to editor
Post comment
Share link
Facebook
Twitter
del.icio.us
Digg
StumbleUpon
Technorati
Newsvine
Reddit
Google
 [Order this photo] |
![[Order this photo]](http://marshallnews.mycapture.com/mycapture/remoteimage.asp?backtext=Return%20to%20site&backurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marshallnews.com%2Fstory%2F1590637.html&thumbpath=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marshallnews.com%2Fphotos%2F12%2F93%2F16%2F1293165-S.jpg&previewpath=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marshallnews.com%2Fphotos%2F12%2F93%2F16%2F1293165-L.jpg&pricingsheetid=1511){kind=link}
Benefield (97), a 5-foot-11, 266-pound senior from Harvey, La., shared "defensive player of the year" honors with junior linebacker Jake Duren of MidAmerica Nazarene. The "player of the year" was Lindenwood freshman running back Denodus O'Bryant and the "offensive player of the year" award went to Pioneers sophomore quarterback Tyler Herl.
After leading the third-ranked Lions to a sweep in league play, Pat Ross was chosen "coach of the year."
The following Vikings were selected to the all-HAAC teams.
First Team
Offense
| Lineman | Cornelius Dixon | Sr. | 6-6 | 320 | Mariana, Fla. |
Defense
| Lineman | Merlin Benefield | Sr. | 5-11 | 266 | Harvey, La. |
| Defensive Back | Moamoa Palepale | Sr. | 6-0 | 200 | Everett, Wash. |
Special Teams
| Punter | Chris Heale | Soph. | 6-4 | 216 | Round Rock, Texas |
Second Team
Offense
| Lineman | Ben Smith | Jr. | 6-1 | 273 | W. Palm Beach, Fla. |
| Wide Receiver | Darrell Madry | Jr. | 6-1 | 165 | Hollywood, Fla. |
| Tight End | Scott Humphrey | Sr. | 6-3 | 240 | Salisbury, Mo. |
Defense
| Lineman | Richard Wick | Soph. | 6-2 | 230 | Brawley, Calif. |
| Linebacker | Jesse Putnam | Jr. | 6-2 | 225 | Sedalia, Mo. |
| Defensive Back | Sam Toomer | Jr. | 6-0 | 166 | Brawley, Calif. |
Special Teams
| Kicker | Adrian Trevino | Sr. | 5-11 | 185 | Merced, Calif. |
| Kick Returner | Sam Toomer | Jr. | 6-0 | 166 | Brawley, Calif. |
Third Team
Offense
| Running Back | David Allen | Sr. | 6-2 | 240 | Moberly, Mo. |
| Running Back | Sterling Hardin | Jr. | 5-10 | 195 | St. Louis, Mo. |
Defense
| Lineman | Rodney Thomas | Jr. | 6-0 | 250 | Fontana, Calif. |
| Defensive Back | Maurice Peterson | Jr. | 6-0 | 190 | Carol City, Fla. |
Honorable Mention
Offense
| Quarterback | Chris White | Jr. | 6-2 | 238 | Brielle, N.J. |
| Running Back | Bryan Blackley | Jr. | 5-11 | 228 | Buena Park, Calif. |
Defense
| Linebacker | Colin Smith | Sr. | 6-0 | 240 | St. Louis, Mo. |
| Linebacker | Darrian Woodson | Jr. | 6-0 | 205 | Pompano Beach, Fla. |
| Defensive Back | Michael Franklin | Jr. | 5-8 | 174 | Sedalia, Mo. |