JACKSON - One week after seeing 19 of its players garner All-MACCC North Division accolades, 11 Northwest football student-athletes have also been chosen for NJCAA All-Region 23 honors.

Quarterback Ren Hefley, receiver D.T. Sheffield, tight end Kevin Diaz, offensive line trio Jamarr Davis, Jay Mickle and Jalen Nettles, defensive lineman Jykeveous Hibbler, linebacker Sam Brumfield and defensive backs Stephen Hall and Byron "Tank" Pearson all were recognized for All-Region, with Sheffield winning twice for receiver and return specialist.

Hefley has joined a long list of Northwest quarterbacks that have guided the Rangers to success in recent years. The Little Rock native has completed 189 of his 308 pass attempts for 24 touchdowns and 2,240 yards, tying Pat McQuaide (MGCCC) for the nation's most passing touchdowns and ranking second nationally in passing yards. Additionally, Hefley's 61.4 completion percentage is eighth among NJCAA quarterbacks.

Sheffield has done a little bit of everything during his final season with the Rangers. The former NJCAA Division I All-American and reigning MACCC North Division Offensive and Special Teams Players of the Year leads the nation in receiving touchdowns (11) and ranks seventh with 677 yards. Primarily used on punt returns, Sheffield has also logged 226 yards and a touchdown, good for fourth in the NJCAA.

Though the second half of his season was cut short due to injury, Diaz showed why he was worthy of earning top tight end honors. In eight games, the Houston, Miss. showed that he could block and score as well, tallying 113 yards and two touchdowns on 11 receptions.

Davis, Mickle and Nettles were three anchors for the Rangers on the offensive line throughout the season. With the help of their offensive line counterparts, the front line helped pave the way for the nation's second-most rushing yards (2,070), sparked by a pair of 600-yard rushers in Jamarien Bracey and Cayden Betts. Mickle is a third-year veteran of the Northwest offensive line and all three players had pivotal roles in helping the Rangers to last season's conference championship.

Defense has been a strong suit for most of the season and Hibbler's efforts are a large reason why. The third-year sophomore from Louisville has led the Rangers in tackles-for-loss (14.5) and sacks (9), ranking among the top 10 in the nation in both categories. Additionally, Hibbler has posted 37 total tackles on the season with three quarterback hurries.

Behind Hibbler's efforts on the defensive line is the powerful presence of Brumfield. The third-year sophomore linebacker from Pearl has morphed into one of the nation's best defenders, totaling 102 tackles, one of only three players in the nation with 100 or more tackles this season. Brumfield also has 10 tackles-for-loss, six sacks and five quarterback hurries.

Hall and Pearson have been two pieces of a reliable unit of defensive backs this season. With both players in their third seasons, Pearson has stepped up for eight pass breakups and is currently in a three-way tie with six interceptions, joining Jones College's Lardarius Webb and Coffeyville's Bishop Fitzgerald for the nation's most picks.
To Hall's credit, the Olive Branch native has accounted for 23 total tackles and five pass breakups this season.

Northwest (10-1) will get a chance to continue its season in the NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs, beginning on Sunday, December 4 against Iowa Western. This is the Rangers' second consecutive trip to the national playoffs, but it will be the first time playing a national postseason game in front of the home crowd at Bobby Franklin Field.

Kickoff for the Rangers' semifinal contest is scheduled for 5 P.M. Central in Senatobia. Tickets are on sale here for $15 and the game will be televised nationally on ESPN+.