Florence Christian's Juels Huntley SCISA AAA Football Player of Year
Jameson Berry, Dakota Lawson join Huntley on All-State team
Florence – Florence Christian School football head coach Neil Minton thought there might be some tough sledding for his 2023 team. After all, the Eagles lost 20 players from the previous season’s SCISA AAA state runner-up squad, whether through graduation, transfer or injury.
FCS did quite well though, going 7-5 and reaching the semifinals of the state playoffs.
“To say I am proud of this team and our staff would be an understatement,” said Minton, whose team fell to Wilson Hall 21-7 in the semifinal game. “Juels Huntley, Jameson Berry and Dakota Lawson really carried us on both sides of the ball, however it was the buy-in of so many others that put us in position to make another run at making the title game.”
Huntley, Berry and Lawson were each named to the AAA All-State first team with Huntley named the AAA Player of the Year. Each of the three were also selected to play in the AAAA-AAA North-South All-Star Game.
Huntley, a senior, was the primary focus of the Florence Christian offense. He averaged 160.5 rushing yards per game, carrying the football 236 times for 1,926 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 86 yards
Defensively, Huntley played cornerback. He had 51 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions and six pass breakups.
“Juels had a great career,” said Minton, who was named the AAA Coach of the Year. “Offensively and defensively, he really put in a lot of work, and I'm happy to see where he ends up. Austin Peay is one of his favorites, but he has yet to commit to a school. He has about 10 offers currently between scholarship and PWO (preferred walk-on) opportunities.
“Juels finished as our program's second all-time leading rusher and put together almost 4,000 rushing yards the last two years. He will be missed.”
Berry also a senior, led FCS in tackles with 107 from his linebacker position to go along with 10 TFLs. He had two interceptions, two PBUs, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He also played tight end, serving mainly as a blocker Huntley.
“Jameson Berry was one of our top two blockers and our leader,” Minton said.
Lawson, another senior, started at left guard and was a defensive tackle. He had 43 tackles, four TFLs, three quarterback sacks and one fumble recovery.
“Dakota Lawson anchored both sides of the ball on the line,” Minton said. “He was a 3-year starter at guard and will be tough to replace.”
Eagles who were selected to the All-State second team were sophomore Josh Davis, sophomore Brooks Poston, junior Dawson Anderson, junior Stone Poston, senior Justin Cain and senior Luke Windham.
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