by Derek Toney

The MIAA is represented on the All-State football team as Lane Clelland of McDonogh School, Loyola Blakefield's Bubba Harris and Chris Burnette from Gilman School was selected to the 30-man squad. The team was announced Saturday.

Burnette, a six foot, four inch defensive linemen had 73 tackles and eight quarterback sacks this past season for Greyhounds. The 250-pound senior, who has drawn interest from Penn State University, Rutgers and Stanford, had 20 tackles for losses.

Clelland, 6-5 and 275 pounds, is considered the state's best offensive linemen prospect. The Notre Dame-bound Clelland will be showing his talents next month at the nationally-televised U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio Jan. 5.

Harris was a big reason Loyola (9-1) captured a share of the MIAA A Conference this past season. The 6-1, 235-pound linebacker posted 115 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Akron, Cincinnati, East Carolina and North Carolina State are interested in the senior.

Dunbar High junior Tavon Austin and DeMatha's Kenny Tate were chosen offensive and defensive player of the year respectively. Tate, a 6-foot-4 defensive back, 48 tackles and four interceptions leading the Stags (10-2) to their fifth consecutive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship.

The 215-pound senior, considered one of top three prospects in the state, has also caught six touchdown passes. His final college choices are Florida, Illinois, Maryland and Penn State.

Austin solidified his case this past season that he'll be the most-sought after player in Maryland in 2008. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound junior running back scored 32 touchdowns this season, giving him a state-record 92 in just three seasons and rushed for 2,553 yards leading the Baltimore City school to a second straight Class 1A state championship.

With 5,287 career rushing yards (fifth in state history), Austin is likely to eclipse Ben Tate's mark of 5,920 yards next season. Tate, who starred at Snow Hill, is the leading rusher as a sophomore for Auburn, which plays Clemson in the Peach Bowl this week. Austin, who also played defensive back, already hold offers from Boston College, Maryland, Rutgers and Virginia.

Quince Orchard's Dave Mencarini and Lawrence Smith of Dunbar share coach of the year honors. Menacarini guided the Montgomery County school to its first state title since 1991, claiming the 4A crown and the No. 1 ranking in the state. Smith was honored in memory of Poets' coach Ben Eaton, who died before the start of the season. Eaton's successor, Smith led the Poets to a 14-0 mark and 1A state championship season.

The All-State squad is the top 30 vote getters from the Big School and Small School All-State squads, selected by the media. The All-State team, including the players and coaches of the year, will be honored Feb. 16, 2008 at M & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

2007 ALL-STATE FOOTBALL TEAM

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks: Nick Elko, Arundel, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Kyle Frazier, Damascus, 6-2, 210, Sr.

Running backs: Tavon Austin, Dunbar, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Josh Haden, Friendly, 5-8, 190, Sr.; Davin Meggett, Surrattsville, 5-8, 190, Sr.; Evan Zedler, Damascus, 5-9, 185, Sr.

Wide receivers: Kevin Dorsey, Forestville, 6-1, 187, Sr.; Brandon Johnson-Farrell, Arundel, 5-9, 175, Sr.; C.J. Thomas, Linganore, 6-2, 195, Sr.

Linemen: Jeff Braun, Winters Mill, 6-5, 315, Sr.; Lane Clelland, McDonogh School, 6-5, 270, Sr.; Tony Edwards, Damascus, 6-0, 260, Sr.; Zach Kerr, Quince Orchard, 6-3, 320, Sr.; Bryan Murray, Good Counsel, 6-1, 288, Sr.

DEFENSE

Linemen: Corey Boatman, Good Counsel, 6-2, 257, Sr.; Chris Burnett, Gilman School, 6-4, 240, Sr.; Nick Rivers, DeMatha Catholic, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Sean Stanley, Gaithersburg, 6-2, 250, Jr.; Terrence Stephens, Quince Orchard, 6-2, 280, Jr.

Linebackers: Edyen Edet, Friendly, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Bubba Harris, Loyola Blakefield, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Jelani Jenkins, Good Counsel, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Anthony Listorti, DeMatha Catholic, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Zach Martin, River Hill, 5-8, 170, Sr.

Defensive backs: Michael Campanaro, River Hill, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Melvin Harris, John F. Kennedy, 5-10, 165, Sr.; James Proctor, Suitland, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Kenny Tate, DeMatha Catholic, 6-4, 215, Sr.

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Offense: Tavon Austin, Dunbar

Defense: Kenny Tate, DeMatha Catholic

COACHES OF THE YEAR

Dave Mencarini, Quince Orchard and Lawrence Smith, Dunbar