Press: Hedlund, John make Big 30 defense

The Olean Times Herald released its Big 30 Football All-Star teams on Sunday, revealing Salamanca’s Tyler Hedlund and Ira John both made the team on defense.

Hedlund and John give the Warriors two Big 30 all-stars for the first time since 2012, when three players (Tanner John, Dusty Lewis and Cam Caputi) made the squad. The all-star teams encompass the 22 schools in the Times Herald’s coverage area in New York and Pennsylvania.

Hedlund is a repeat selection to the Big 30 team after making it as a junior, also on defense. A playmaking safety, Hedlund recorded 97 tackles, three interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble. He also returned a kickoff for touchdown this season.

At linebacker, John made 75 tackles, forcing three fumbles and catching two interceptions. He was also a top offensive weapon for the Warriors, rushing for 501 yards and scoring five touchdowns (three rushing, two receiving).

For Randolph/Frewsburg, senior lineman Andrew Bernard and running back Deter Miinte both made the Big 30 offense. Bernard also won the Unsung Lineman of the Year award for his dominant play at tackle on both sides of the ball.

Miinte led the Cardinals’ deep group at running back with 860 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 121 carries. He was also a Class C South first-team all-star.

Franklinville/Ellicottville’s Steven Rowland made the Big 30 offense for his work on the Titans’ offensive line. Described as a “hard-nosed, two-way player,” Rowland made his biggest impression at offensive tackle. The C South first-team all-star mixed in at both linebacker and on the defensive line.

Full article: http://www.salamancapress.com/sports/hedlund-john-make-big-defense/article_3cc0d70c-ec3e-11e8-90f2-17a4c1617c38.html