JACKSON – Eight members of the Northwest football team have earned spots on the 2017 All-Conference Team, the league office announced Monday following the MACJC Championship Game.

Defensive tackle Hal Northern, offensive guard Damien Lewis, linebacker Keith Brown Jr., safety Joshua Norwood and offensive lineman Tairek Johnson were named to the first team, while second team selections went to safety Turner Rotenberry, wide receiver Cole Rotenberry and running back Kevin Perkins.

In addition, Northern was named the MACJC North Division defensive line MVP and Lewis was selected both the north division and NJCAA Region 23 offensive line MVP.

NJCAA All-Region 23 honors went to Northern, Lewis, Brown, Norwood and Johnson, and all five are now in the running for All-American honors that will be announced in December.

Benjy Parker, who led Northwest to seven straight wins, No. 4 national ranking and 7-1 regular season record, was named the MACJC North Division's Coach of the Year. 

Northern, an Ole Miss commit, has 30 tackles, 14.5 for loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and one blocked kick on the season. His 30 career TFL ranks sixth all-time at Northwest.

Lewis, an LSU commit, and Johnson combined to pave the way for the nation's seventh-ranked offense. Quarterback Jack Abraham is nearing 3,000 yards passing and three Ranger running backs have combined for 28 rushing touchdowns.

Brown has led the team in tackling for almost the whole season and has 81 total with 8.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, three pass breakups and three quarterback hurries.

Norwood, a WVU commit, is third on the team with 57 tackles (31 solo), three breakups and one interception. 

T. Rotenberry is second on the team with 64 tackles, four interceptions, three breakups and 2.5 tackles for loss. He has returned three interceptions for touchdowns this season and four in his career, setting a new Northwest record. His twin, Cole, is the Rangers' leading receiver with 49 catches for 744 yards and a touchdown, averaging 15.2 yards per catch.

Perkins leads a three-headed rushing attack with 139 carries for 777 yards and 12 touchdowns.