Following a stellar year in the secondary, Warrenton junior Jacob Abel was named to the Missouri Football Coaches Association as a third-team defensive back.“He was around the ball at all times,” …
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Following a stellar year in the secondary, Warrenton junior Jacob Abel was named to the Missouri Football Coaches Association as a third-team defensive back.“He was around the ball at all times,” said Coach Steve McDowell, who made the nomination. “He really improved from his sophomore year and was a leader for us on defense.”Abel was second on the team with 113 tackles and led the way with 55 solo takedowns.“I was a little surprised that I got chosen, because I’m just a junior,” said Abel, who believed his lack of an interception might hindered his chances.“I thought I would have a chance as far as tackles,” said Abel. “The thing that would hold me back is that I didn’t have any interceptions.”But what McDowell says he did possess was an eye for the ball and a keen ability to read the play and react.“His amount of tackles was tremendous, and the majority of them came within 5 to 7 yards of the line of scrimmage,” said McDowell. “Some of the other coaches that we played against recognized that.”Abel credits his improved tackling to defensive coordinator Eric Murphy, who installed a new approach to tackling prior to this season. The Warriors used the Seattle Seahawks “Hawk” form of tackling.“That helped our entire team a lot,” said Abel. “And I was able to improve on my angles and my approach to the ball.”Abel says his most memorable game was the season debut win over St. Dominic, in which the Warriors made four goal line stops to secure the victory. Abel was pivotal on the final play, stuffing the quarterback keeper inches from the goal line.“I came up and hit quarteback and rest of team was behind me so we won the game on that play, which was really exciting,” said Abel.McDowell says one of the Abel’s best games was the meeting at St. Charles, in which the Warriors squeaked out a 14-6.“He was able to knock a lot of passes down in that game and made some critical plays for us,” said McDowell. “The coach from Moberly also commented on how well he got to the edge.”Abel was a team-leader during several games, including having eight tackles against St. Charles West.Also a first-team GAC All-Conference and All-District selection, he recognizes the increased responsibility he will have to take on next season as a senior. Tackles leader George Wielms will be graduating, meaning Abel will be elevated.“I know I have to take over as the defensive leader,” said Abel. “I got in there quite a bit, but George was definitely the head of the defense. I’ll have the same responsibilities on the field, but as far as getting my team going, I’ll have to step up in that sense.”McDowell anticipates he will be prepared for the task.“He was a consistent performer all year, and we could always depend on him to get everybody lined up in the right position in our secondary,” said McDowell.ABEL NAMED ALL-STATEDerrick Forsythe photo.