All-Area: Curt Maggitt, large schools defensive player of the year

Saturday, December 18, 2010
by Matt Porter

Picking out Curt Maggitt's best defensive performance of the year is like picking out the most stirring moment in a symphony.

How about Sept. 6 against Cleveland-Glenville, when he matched Glenville's 355-pound lineman Aundrey Walker? Or Oct. 14 against Park Vista, when he helped lock up Cobras star Tre Mason to 39 first-half yards on 11 carries? Or Dec. 3's Class 4A regional final against Palm Bay, in which he had three sacks and helped hold the previously unbeaten Pirates to 139 total yards?

Coach Jack Daniels couldn't choose. "He's the key to our team," Daniels said. "He's so smart out there."

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Maggitt, who runs 4.6 in the 40-yard dash, played defensive end for the Panthers, busting double- and sometimes triple-teams to get to the backfield. He led the team in sacks during the regular season (15 for 75 yards lost) and was third in tackles for loss (15 for 86).

"You're watching film on Curt, and you've got to find a way to get two people on him," Daniels said.

One of Dwyer's emotional leaders, Maggitt is seen screaming before games. Other than that, he's all smiles.

"Go through the halls of the school and try to find someone who doesn't like him," Daniels said.

Maggitt, whose brother, Roosevelt Jr., plays for Iowa State, projects as an outside linebacker/defensive end in college. He is weighing offers from Alabama, LSU and Wisconsin, among many BCS offers.

"Not many schools have a guy like Curt," Daniels said.

~matt_porter@pbpost.com

FIRST TEAM

Keith Bowers, Dwyer, Senior, DL

Emotional leader helped hold Panthers opponents to 58.3 rushing yards per game.

Luther Maddy, Atlantic, Senior, DL

Run-stuffer a big reason the Eagles kept six opponents to a touchdown or less.

Pierson Massillon, Seminole Ridge, Senior, DL

Had 59 tackles (11 for loss) and four sacks for the Hawks.

Corey King, West Boca Raton, Senior, DL

Was never better than in a playoff loss to Pompano-Ely; he dominated on the edge.

Jephete Matilus, Atlantic, Senior, LB

Fast and aggressive, the heart of an Atlantic defense that gave up just 165 yards per game.

Jimelle James, Dwyer, Senior, LB

Speedy inside linebacker good in pass coverage and against the run.

Steven McPherson, Seminole Ridge, Senior, LB

Tough player with a knack for a game-saving play, had 78 tackles (16 for loss) and four sacks.

Terrance Floyd, Santaluces, Senior, DB

Hard-hitting Wisconsin commit was Chiefs' best big-play receiver (19 yards per catch).

Shawn McClaine, Dwyer, Senior, DB

One of the best running backs in the area as well, gained 1,468 yards and 19 touchdowns on 161 carries.

Darrell Hunter, Dwyer, Senior, DB

Lock-down corner also showed excellent hands as a receiver, (576 yards on 28 catches).

Kevie Defranc, Atlantic, Senior, DB

Smart, smooth corner drawing recruiting interest from Harvard and Navy.

SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE

DL - Junior Estelus, Lake Worth, Senior

DL - Mark Brown, Palm Beach Gardens, Senior

DL - Sean Ronan, Boca Raton, Senior

DL - Shubert Bastien, Dwyer, Senior

LB - Leroy Kelson, Dwyer, Senior

LB - Zach Slafsky, Olympic Heights, Junior

LB - Ja Wand Blue, West Boca Raton, Junior

DB - Tavon Jenkins, Olympic Heights, Senior

DB - Travis Meeks, Lake Worth, Senior

DB - Erron Watson, Forest Hill, Senior

DB - Marcus Scott, Palm Beach Gardens, Junior

K/P - Mauro Bondi, West Boca Raton, Senior