The 2007 All Gameday Linebackers
Nick Merchant
6'1, 215lbs.....Junior
A true workhorse for the Warriors this season, Merchant was on the field for nearly every play in 2007. Merchant, who shined on defense, was also a true "blocking" fullback on offense. The junior linebacker led the Warrior defense with 103 tackles and 1 interception. Merchant's toughness paced the Warriors to their best record under head coach Bill Hall, and also their second consecutive undefeated regular season and Northwest District championship. With the return of Merchant on defense for 2008, Sherando will once again be one of the best in the entire state of Virginia.
Kenny McAdow - Broad Run
5'10, 205lbs.....Junior
Arguably the best linebacker in the Dulles District, nobody was tougher against the run than Broad Run's Kenny McAdow. McAdow became the emotional leader of the Spartans and his leadership helped Broad Run finish with their best record in school history. McAdow registered a staggering 112 total tackles from his linebacker position. He finished the season with 9 tackles for a loss, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. McAdow will be one of the most dominating defensive players returning next season in the Northern Virginia region......
Nick Cadwell
5'11, 175lbs....Senior
As the defensive leader for the Heritage Pride, Cadwell helped the team to its best record in school history. The senior recorded 126 tackles and 9 sacks on the season. Cadwell recorded 14 quarterback pressures, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery for the Pride. He was also named the Player of the Week for the Pride two times during the 2007 season. Cadwell's biggest strength was his ability to make big plays when it mattered most. His 87 yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Brentsville won the game for the Pride with less than 30 seconds left in the game. A two year starter, Cadwell will be missed on the defensive side of the football next season.
Brian Kennedy, Westfield
5'9, 162lbs.......Senior
For two straight years, Westfield's Brian Kennedy was the most dominating defensive player in the Northern Region. Kennedy finished 2007 with 68 tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries, 8 sacks on defense, and scored 2 defensive touchdowns this season. His interception against Oscar Smith helped the Bulldogs advance to the state championship and in the title game, Kennedy came up big again with the game on the line. His late interception of Woodbridge's Jake Myer helped Westfield win their second state championship in the last 5 years.......
Mike Quigg, Chantilly
5'9, 195lbs........Senior
A bit undersized for his position, Chantilly's Mike Quigg simply made up for it with heart and determination. Quigg was once again one of the best linebackers in the Northern Region in 2007. His will to make the play when the game was on the line helped Chantilly's defense to a solid season. With Quigg's leadership, Chantilly finished 8-3 and made their second straight playoff appearance in a row. In the two years Quigg started at linebacker, Chantilly put together 18 wins with only 7 losses......
Mike King, Westfield
6'0, 205lbs.......Senior
If you watched Westfield play defense at all in 2007 you probably noticed that #32 was all over the field. Westfield's Mike King played the inside linebacker spot as well as anyone in the region, recording 96 tackles and 5 sacks. King finished as the leading tackler for the top ranked Bulldogs. King's play in the post-season was a major reason why Westfield was able to beat West Springfield, Oscar Smith, and Woodbridge in consecutive weeks to win the Division 6 state championship.......
Stephon Robertson, Edison
5'11, 205lbs........Junior
Perhaps the most feared player in the Northern Region, Robertson is a ferocious hitter who shows no mercy to his opposition. It's tough to find a linebacker that takes a better line of pursuit to the ball, and once Robertson makes contact with the ball-carrier, say goodnight. His 142 tackles this year proved again that he is in a class of his own. Robertson led the state as a sophomore just a year ago with a staggering 157 tackles. Just a junior, this linebacker from Edison will be one of the better players in the entire Commonwealth next year.
