Six members of the varsty football team received Rome News-Tribune All-Area First Team honors, with senior Tev'n Hamilton being named Defensive Player of the Year.
Tev'n Hamilton, a free safety, defined the term "play-maker" for Darlington this season. He compiled a total of 54 tackles while helping lead the Tigers to their second straight region championship and berth in the second round of the Class A state playoffs. Considered one of the best cover-players in the region, Hamilton picked off eight passes, had three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble, and recorded 10 "big hits." In addition to ranking third on the team in tackles, he also played a key role on special teams, where he blocked one kick and returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. A two-year starter for the Tigers, he was also named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's 2010 Class A All-State team. He is the son of Vickey Page of Rome.
Brad Butler, the Tigers' sophomore quarterback, had 1,291 yards passing and 19 touchdowns with only four interceptions. He also ran for 281 yards and four touchdowns, and helped the Tigers win theri second straight Region 6-A championship. He is the son of Lisa and Rhett Butler of Rome.
Blake Huether, a senior, was often called the "quarterback of the Tigers' offensive line" by coach Tommy Atha. Often called upon to make the blocking adjustments at the line of scrimmage, he started for the last two 6-A championship teams. He is the son of Janie and Billy Smith of Rome.
Nigel Matthews, a junior, was one of Butler's primary targets as he connected with him 21 times for 449 yards. That was an average of 22 yards per catch. He also had eight touchdown receptions. He is the son of Altheia and Michael Green of Snellville, Ga.
Arthur Pollard, a senior, was a terror for opposing offenses, totaling 92 tackles from his defensive end spot. He had 18 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, five fumbles recovered and two fumbles forced. He was also awarded an Honorable Mention for the the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's 2010 Class A All-State team. He is the son of Mia Pollard of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Arthur Pollard of Baldwin, N.Y.
Chase Tolbert, a junior linebacker, was the defensive play-caller in his first season starting. As such, he was the second leading tackler for the Tigers with 70 tackles, and recorded 3.5 sacks. He is the son of Missie Tolbert of Rome and Michael Tolbert of Kennesaw, Ga.
Five members of the team were named to the All-Area Second Team, including Russ Arnold, Ben Davidson Kendall Gaylor, Gavin Lawrence and Cedric Spivey. Luke Cook, William Gilbert, Chris Griffin, Quinn Simon and Henderson Stegall received Honorable Mentions.
