Vikings storm NCISAA All-State football team

By Justin Hayes jhayes@rrdailyherald.com
Jan 6, 2022
Jan 6, 2022 Updated Jan 6, 2022

1 of 2

Halifax Academy running back Braxton Hammack rumbles for yardage during an Oct. 8 showdown with Bethel Christian Academy. The sophomore, who picked up 1,560 hashmarks and 22 rushing touchdowns this season, was recently named to the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II All-State team.

Photos by Justin Hayes | The Herald

Caleb Slaughter (45) of Halifax Academy, shown here hurrying Bethel Christian Academy quarterback Easton Truett on Oct. 8, was recently tabbed as a member of the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II All-State team. The junior linebacker enjoyed an excellent 2021 campaign, logging a total of 65 tackles.

Justin Hayes | The Herald

Over the past four seasons, the Halifax Academy varsity football program has been a model of sideline-to-sideline efficiency, winning 30 of 36 ball games, one Colonial Carolina league title and the 2019 N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II 8-Man state championship — a run of success that has few peers.

And while the battery has enjoyed solid coaching — from Pete Edwards to Miles Brite to Rabbit Long — its also been blessed with a wealth of ability, as was hailed recently when admin-types unveiled this season’s All-State team.

In total, four Vikings earned a spot on the outfit — the latest in a spirited procession of youngsters that work hard and sell out each Friday for the blue-and-green.

First Team

Caleb Slaughter, RB-ILB | Jr.

Reached the end zone twice this season, both times during a 76-30 victory over Bethel Christian Academy … made 30 solo tackles and assisted on 35 others … registered five quarterback hurries, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries … had 14 tackles versus Faith Christian on Aug. 27, with four of those for loss.

Braxton Hammack, RB-LB | So.

Rushed for 1,560 yards and 22 touchdowns this season on 160 carries … caught seven passes for scores in addition to returning a fumble, an interception and a punt to the paint shop … finished the fall as the Old North State’s 32nd-best rusher, regardless of classification … amassed 1,952 total yards from scrimmage … defensively, made 23 solo tackles and assisted on 26 others (four for loss) … picked off three passes in a span of two weeks against Community Christian and Lawrence Academy-Albemarle School.

Hunter Futrell, OL-DE | Sr.

Made his mark on the defensive line of scrimmage, recording 36 solo tackles while assisting on 23 others … notched a pair of sacks, 12 hurries and two fumble recoveries … had at least seven tackles in five games … registered a season-high 15 takedowns on Aug. 27 versus Faith Christian.

Honorable Mention

Zach Elder, QB-DB | Sr.

Proved his worth through the air this season, going 28 of 45 for 601 yards and 12 scores … also a competent rusher, No. 9 reached the end zone two times and cashed 12 bonus attempts … defensively, made 12 solo tackles and assisted on 15 others … also played well in coverage, thwarting a trio of passes and recovering two fumbles.