GC's Barnette, E&H's Doss Earn Top Honors

SALEM, Va. --- In a season that saw a six-year defending league champion dethroned and a team move beyond conference play for the first time in 55 years, the one constant proved to be the top quality talent on display each Saturday.  Headlining the ODAC's best are the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, Guilford College wide receiver Chris Barnette and Emory & Henry College linebacker Marshall Doss.

Washington & Lee University mentor Frank Miriello picked the conference Coach of the Year award, while his freshman quarterback, R.J. Varner, earned the Rookie of the Year honor.  Bridgewater signal-caller Jeff Highfill was honored for his prowess both on and off the field, garnering the Scholar-Athlete award.

Barnette, a senior from Semora, N.C., will graduate not only as on of the most decorated receivers in Guilford history, but also as a frequent entry on the ODAC all-time lists.  His 266 career receptions stand as the school record and third-best in the ODAC.  He racked up a school second-best 2,953 receiving yards which also sits fifth in league annals.  Barnette made regular visits to the painted grass, finishing second in Guilford history and fourth in the ODAC with 29 career touchdown receptions.

This season, Barnette was the recipient of conference-best 94 passes from fellow first teamer, quarterback Josh Vogelbach, a mark that sits fourth in ODAC single-season records.  He also led the league in receiving yards (890) and touchdown receptions (nine).

Doss, a senior from Marion, Va., adds this year's top defensive honor to last season's All-ODAC Second Team selection.  Doss finished second in the conference with 90 total tackles (28 solo) to go with one quarterback sack.  He also intercepted a pair of passes, forced two fumbles, and recovered four fumbles.  During the final week of the season, he helped the Wasps wrap up second place in the conference with 12 total tackles, two tackles for a loss, a sack, and a pass break up to earn the ODAC Defensive Player of the Week award.

Varner, from Birmingham, Ala., stepped onto the field during the fourth game of the season in place of injured quarterback Hunter Dawkins and never looked back.  He tossed a touchdown pass in that first outing, one of eight on the season.  He finished with 1,101 yards through the air on 97-of-159 passing (61.0 percent) and boasted a 125.71 passer rating.

Coach Miriello enjoys his fourth ODAC Coach of the Year award, last winning the honor for the 2004 season.  He led the Generals to their first outright conference title since the 1981 season, and their first appearance in the NCAA postseason since playing in the 1951 Gator Bowl.  He stands fourth among the conference coaches in career winning percentage, boasting a 60-58-1 record (.508).

Highfill, a senior from Roanoke, Va., excelled both in the classroom as a mathematics major and as the leader of an Eagles' offense that was rated 30^th in the nation in scoring.  Dangerous both with his arm and his feet, Highfill threw for 1,723 yards and 14 touchdowns while running for 354 yards and an ODAC second best nine touchdowns.  He finished second in the conference in all-purpose yardage at 207.7 yards per game (2,077 total).

Posted below is the complete list of ODAC postseason all-star teams.  For more information and statistics on this year's football season, please visit the ODAC at www.odaconline.com.

2006 All-Conference Football Teams

All-ODAC First Team

All-ODAC Second Team

Honorable Mention

Offensive Player of the Year
Chris Barnette - Wide Receiver, Guilford

Defensive Player of the Year
Marshall Doss - Linebacker, Emory & Henry

Coach of the Year
Frank Miriello - Washington & Lee

Rookie of the Year
R.J. Varner - Quarterback, Washington & Lee

Scholar-Athlete Award
Jeff Highfill - Quarterback, Bridgewater