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Number two on the field but No. 1 in sacks in AAA Region 1 play. Senior linebacker Amarion Donaldson was announced as Region 1-3A Defensive Player of the Year for the 2024 league year. 

“I’m honored to be named the AAA Region 1-3A Defensive Player of the Year,” Donaldson said. “First, I’d like to thank God for giving me the strength and drive to achieve such a major milestone, one I will always cherish. My mom always encouraged me to work hard and be resilient despite the obstacles I faced and the statistics associated with coming from a single-parent home,” he said. “Because of my mom, who stood at every sideline, cheered at every game, and never missed a moment, I pushed to be the best version of myself. 

Thank you to all of my coaches and teachers for seeing my potential and giving me the tools I needed to become the person and player I am today. 

To my family, friends, and teammates, thank you for your ongoing support and helping make this year one I’ll never forget.”

Region alignments 1-3A encompass 25 high school football teams. 

League coaches vote on the All-Region selections.

Donaldson took a giant statistical leap, going from 19 total tackles and 3.0 tackles for loss in his junior season to 68 total tackles and 18.0 tackles for loss during his senior campaign. 

Coach Jay Walls stated that Donaldson’s performance matched any other regional defensive player. 

Donaldson accumulated ten tackles and three sacks against Peach County on Oct. 18. A career-high in sacks for a game and tied for a career-high in tackles; the other double-digit total tackle performance came against the Cook Hornets on Aug. 23. 

“Amarion’s region output was pretty strong,” Coach Walls said. “He had 40 tackles alone in region play, 15 tackles for loss, six sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a blocked field goal.” 

In Donaldson’s Senior Night, he racked up seven solo tackles, nine total tackles, and two sacks against Dougherty. 

“He was so persistent and certainly deserving of the award.” Coach Walls said. “Amarion played on every special teams kickoff and brought such a great attitude in practice and games.” 

You can next see Donaldson on the diamond out in right field for the Bearcats this February.