Five First-Teamers Headline All-Heart Picks for WPU
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–Behind five members on the top squad, a total of 11 individuals garnered postseason recognition for the William Penn football program as the all-Heart of America Athletic Conference North Division teams were announced Monday.
In addition to the five first-team selections, three players garnered second-team nods and three more were picked for honorable mentions. The crew helped the Statesmen during a 4-7 campaign (2-3 North).
Nine of the William Penn winners were from the defensive side, including four first-teamers. Linebacker Mason Wisse (Sr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Industrial Technology) wrapped up an illustrious career with his third first-team all-Heart laurel (third all-time). He guided the defense with 95 tackles, including nine for a loss. The senior, who at the time of this release ranks eighth in the Heart in tackles, produced three sacks as well.
Defensive linemen Resean Coleman (Jr., River Rouge, Mich., Exercise Science) and Anthony Jackson (Sr., Detroit, Mich., Sports Management) each notched the second awards of their careers (both times on the first team). Coleman finished with 35 tackles (10 TFL) and a team-high 5.5 sacks; he is currently eighth in the league in sacks.
Jackson ended the campaign with 45 stops, including seven for a loss; he sacked opposing quarterbacks 2.5 times.
On the other side of the trenches, offensive lineman Hunter Dailey (Sr., Texarkana, Texas, Sports Management) was a second-time first-teamer as well. He led the navy and gold to a Heart-best 273.9 rushing yards per game (currently 4th in the NAIA).
Jaidin Fletcher (Jr., Upland, Calif., Information Technology) recorded his first honor after posting 72 tackles (6 TFL) with 2.5 sacks at linebacker.
Haydn Stender (Jr., Brigham City, Utah, Psychology) joined Dailey as an offensive line pick. It is his second career laurel, but the first time on the second team.
Linebacker Clive Manuao (Jr., Norwalk, Calif., General Accounting) and cornerback Detorien Rawlinson (So., York, S.C., Psychology) each took home their first career awards. Manuao tallied 40 tackles (6.5 TFL) with one sack, while Rawlinson was the anchor of the secondary with 37 tackles (3.5 TFL) and a squad-best three interceptions. Two of those picks were taken all the way back for touchdowns. Rawlinson is currently fifth in the conference in interceptions.
Honorable-mention nods were given to offensive lineman Sione Mafua (Jr., Salt Lake City, Utah, Undecided), fullback Ben Sherman (So., Troy, Pa., Elementary Education), and defensive lineman Jalan Cooper (Jr., Houston, Texas). Mafua is a three-time honoree (first time as an honorable mention), while Sherman and Cooper were tabbed for the first time each.
Sherman led WPU in rushing with 824 yards and five touchdowns; the sophomore is currently sixth in the Heart in rushing yards. Cooper’s 2018 consisted of 43 tackles (9 TFL) and five sacks.
Heart North Offensive Player of the Year laurels went to Shaefer Schuetz of Benedictine, while BC’s Larry Wilcox was named Head Coach of the Year and George Papageorgiou was picked as Assistant Coach of the Year. Ben Slavens of Grand View collected the Defensive POY award, and Zach Taylor of Peru State won the Freshman of the Year accolade.
