Matthew Ballentine, Saugus, Senior, DB
Ballentine played both ways for Saugus, but it was his work on defense that really stood out in 2018. The lengthy defensive back was exceptional at winning jump balls and finished the season with four interceptions including one returned for a touchdown. He averaged 28.5 return yards per interception. Ballentine also had 43 tackles (25 solo), one tackle for loss and one pass deflection. On offense he had 11 receptions for 208 yards and four touchdowns.

Devin Thompson, Saugus, Senior, DB
Another two-way player for Saugus, Thompson was effective whether he lined up man-to-man or as a safety. He was particularly good at blitzing as a safety, often stopping the opposing team’s running back before he could gain any yards. The 6-foot, 200-pound senior finished the season with 50 tackles (22 solo), two tackles for loss and a sack. He tied with Ballentine for a team-high four interceptions including two returned for touchdowns. He also forced a fumble and had two fumble recoveries. On offense he had 15 receptions for 197 yards and two touchdowns, four carries for 25 yards and a touchdown and also caught a pass for a two-point conversion.

Carson Smith, Saugus, Senior, DE
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound defensive end was a force on Saugus’ D-line. His huge frame was an obstacle for opposing offenses as he often required double teams and was adept at batting down balls at the line of scrimmage. He was second in the Foothill League with nine sacks, had 12 tackles for loss and 42 total tackles (17 solo). He had three pass deflections, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, which he returned for a touchdown. He had four receptions on offense, two of which went for touchdowns.

2nd Team All-Defense Myles Garrett, Saugus, Senior, LB
Across 12 games, Garrett led the Centurions in tackles with 83 and had 23 of the solo variety as well as three tackles for a loss. He recorded a sack for a loss of 14 yards and caused two fumbles.

Blake Adams, Saugus, Senior, LB
Adams was second on the team, behind Myles Garrett, in terms of tackles with 81 and recorded 11 tackles for a loss. He hauled in three interceptions for a total of 45 yards and recovered four fumbles.

Gaetano Ferrera, Saugus, Senior, DL
Ferrera ranked second on the team in sacks with four for a total loss of 33 yards. He logged two pass deflections, one fumble recovery and one caused fumble and finished the season with 39 total tackles with six for a loss.