Bainbridge High School Bearcats senior defensive tackle Shammai Wilburn was named the 2011 Region 1-AAAA defensive player of the year, following a vote of the region’s coaches.

He was joined on the All-Region 1-AAAA first team by Bainbridge senior defensive back Rodney Glenn and junior defensive end Daryl McGhee.

The offensive player of the year is running back Martre Polk of Northside-Warner Robins, and the coach of the year is Bryan Way of Warner Robins.

Bainbridge head coach Ed Pilcher said Friday he was proud of his players’ accomplishments.

“Shammai Wilburn was without a doubt the leader of our defense,” Pilcher said. “He played well all year and the other region coaches appreciated that.

“He worked hard every day in practice as well, as in games. Opposing offenses tried to run away from him, but it was difficult.”

For the season, Wilburn finished with 57 tackles, including 36 solo tackles and 21 assisted.

Pilcher said Glenn and McGhee were steady players who made strong contributions.

“Rodney Glenn really made a lot of big plays at the back of our defense,” Pilcher said. “He was second in the region, with five interceptions, he broke up nine passes and recovered two fumbles.

“While he did a great job on defense, he also made what was probably our biggest offensive play of the year when he made a leaping catch in the end zone for the winning touchdown in our overtime win over Thomas County Central.

“Daryl McGhee was quick and got in on a lot of tackles. He got better as the season went on.”

McGhee had 68 tackles, including 46 solo and 22 assisted. Ten of his tackles were for a loss and he caused one fumble, and had four sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery.

Bearcats named second team All-Region 1-AAAA were junior offensive guard and long snapper Andrzej Jeglinski, junior offensive tackle Tim Shaw, junior running back Terry Lewis, junior linebacker Marshall Mack, junior linebacker Jamez Harris, junior all- purpose performer B.J. Cheatem and sophomore return specialist Greg Cooper.

Bearcats named to the All-Region 1-AAAA team as honorable mention selections were junior center Cole Granato, junior running back Damian Bouie, senior defensive lineman Tarow Barney and junior defensive back Dontavious Baulkman.