Junior inside linebacker led Class 2-A tackles

Washington inside linebacker Lexroy Brown has been named the 2014 County Defensive Player of the Year for the critical role he played on one of North Carolina’s top high school defenses.

The 6-foot, 225-pound junior led his team, conference and Class 2-A with 194 total tackles, 13.5 of which occurred behind the line of scrimmage. Brown was also second on his team in sacks with 7.5 (E.J. Peartree led with 9.5), recorded one interception, forced two fumbles and recovered one fumble, which he returned 80 yards for a touchdown against North Johnston on Nov. 7.

Brown posted double-digit tackles in 12 of his team’s 16 games and was instrumental in dropping back into pass coverage when needed.

After a tough opening game against Havelock, the Washington defense — powered by a collection of talented linebackers — went on to record five shutouts, including two in the playoffs, while holding opponents to less than 10 points per game.

Coached by Jon Blank, Washington finished with No. 2-ranked defense in Class 2-A.

Brown’s biggest game came on Oct. 3 against Kinston, where he recorded 10 total tackles and a game-high 2.5 sacks. A week later against Farmville, Brown would notch a season-high 19 tackles in a low-scoring, last-second victory over the No. 4 ranked Jaguars.

Washington will graduate three of its five leading tacklers this May, but Brown and Brandon Jackson, No. 1 and No. 2 in tackles respectively, are expected to return.