Rick Patrick: Greene Publishing, Inc.
Derrick Staten, Jr., Tre Adams and Teryon Henderson are three reasons the Madison County High School Cowboys made school history by winning a state football title with an undefeated season. Now these three young men are set to take their game and educational goals to the next level. They have all signed National Letters of Intent to play college football at three different schools next fall.
From a Cowboy to a Rattler, Derrick Staten, Jr. signs his letter of intent to play football for Florida A&M University. Pictured, from left to right, are: Derrick Staten, Sr. (father), Derrick Staten, Jr. and Melodie Staten (mother). Head Coach Mike Coe looks on from the back.
Derrick Staten, Jr. has signed a letter of intent to play at Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee. Staten was an explosive running back for the Cowboys, amassing 1,342 yards on the ground and 640 receiving yards. As dangerous as Staten was for opposing defensive units playing out of the backfield, it was as a kick return specialist that Staten made his biggest impact. Staten had a total of six return touchdowns during his senior season for the Cowboys. Staten was such a dangerous threat that opposing teams wisely began kicking the ball away from him, often giving the Cowboys great field position. Staten was named the All-Big Bend Offensive Player of the Year by the Tallahassee Democrat and the Class 1A Football Player of the Year by the Florida Dairy Farmers High School Sports Award Program. Staten chose FAMU because of the campus, atmosphere and academic program. “It just felt like home,” said Staten of his visit to the FAMU campus. Staten also had offers from Hampton University, Valdosta State University and Georgia Military Academy. Staten plans to major in Audio Engineering.
Tre Adams happily signs his letter of intent to play football for Georgia Southern University. Pictured in the front, from left to right, are: Lasonza Jones-Davis (mother), Tre Adams, Darlisa Williams (guardian) and Freddie Williams (father). Pictured in the back, from left to right, are: Head Coach Mike Coe, Assistant Coach Bill Hightower and Assistant Coach Bobby Hutchinson.
Tre Adams, a triple-threat athlete for the Cowboys; playing football, basketball and baseball, will be taking his athletic skills to Statesboro, Ga. to play for the Georgia Southern Eagles. Throughout his career as the Cowboys' signal caller, Adams threw for 2,350 yards, 30 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Add to that a 6.4 yards-per-carry rushing average and 12 rushing touchdowns and a career quarterback rating of 127.2. It is no wonder that Adams had several options when it came to playing at the next level. Adams chose Georgia Southern after speaking with coaches from the program and his friend, Ironhead Gallon, a Georgia Southern alum. “When I talked to them, they told me the good and the bad of what to expect. Others just told me the good. They were straightforward with me, and I liked that. I also liked the academic program there,” said Adams. Adams' guardian, Darlisa Williams was also impressed with Georgia Southern and the academic program they offered. Adams also had an offer from Temple University. Adams plans to major in Chemical Engineering.
Teryon Henderson signed a letter of intent to play football for Webber International University. Pictured, from left to right, are: Veranda Gallon (mother), Teryon Henderson, Richard Henderson (father) and Mary Gallon (grandmother).
Teryon Henderson will take his speed and skill to Babson Park, Fl. to play for the Warriors of Webber International University. Henderson also had an offer from Albany State University, in Albany, Ga. Henderson averaged 7.6 yards per carry during his three-year career as a Cowboy. During that time, Henderson rushed for a total of 3,403 yards and had a total of 152 receiving yards. Henderson's most memorable game was in the State Championship game wherein he rushed for over 200 yards, helping the Cowboys win another State Title. Henderson chose Webber University because of their “good journalism school.” Henderson plans to major in Sports Journalism.
It was a proud day for the coaches and players of Madison County High School football as three Cowboys signed National Letters of Intent to play college football. Pictured, from left to right, are: Assistant Coach James Ertzberger, Assistant Coach Kirkland Mitchell, Derrick Staten, Jr., Head Coach Mike Coe, Teryon Henderson, Assistant Coach Bobby Hutchinson, Tre Adams and Assistant Coach Bill Hightower.
“I'm very proud of what these young men have accomplished so far. Keep working, keep competing and represent us well,” said MCHS Head Football Coach Mike Coe. According to Coe, there could be others who receive offers from colleges in the coming days. The final day for college football signing is Sunday, April 1.