Coach Jesse Hicks and the Baldwin Braves are molding champions, and most importantly, men of great character.

After a banner year for the Braves, where they earned their first undefeated regular season in school history, the accolades continued to pour in as two of Baldwin’s finest were named to the Georgia Sportswriters Association Class AAA All-State team as first-teamers.

Seniors Darius Nelson and Corico Hawkins each exemplify men of great character, both on and off the field, and both were dominant and created challenges for opposing teams in 2008.

The 6-5, 250 pound Nelson anchored an offensive line that gave opposing teams fits throughout the season, buying valuable time for Baldwin’s young quarterback Rashaun Miline and the backfield. After an impressive senior campaign in which Nelson graded out at over 91% as a blocker, he will now be looking to expand his game at the collegiate level, perhaps at South Carolina State or other schools of interest.

When asked what he enjoyed most about the game of football Nelson replied, “Contact...and the excitement the fans bring to the game.”

Nelson also had praise for his coach, naming Hicks and his mother as his primary inspirations. Nelson also spoke about the importance of falling back on a college education.

“The NFL would be my main goal, but if that doesn’t happen I’d like to be able to fall back on academics,” Nelson said.

Nelson also added that he’s going to miss his time spent at Baldwin. “I’m going to miss the chemistry, the coaching staff and the school,” he said.

The 6-0, 228 pound Hawkins was a dazzling defender for the Baldwin Braves. Like Nelson, Hawkins spoke of enjoying the legal contact and physical play of the game.

“It’s fun to run and hit and make contact without any consequences,” Hawkins said cheerfully.

Hawkins also spoke highly of those who have inspired his drive to succeed.

“My whole entire family has been my inspiration, along with Coach Hicks. (Baltimore Ravens’ Linebacker) Ray Lewis has also been an inspiration to me,” he added.

Hawkins, who has verbally committed to Clemson and Coach Dabo Swinney, has many future goals on the next level, but most importantly, wants to lead Clemson to an ACC championship.

“I really want to go in an play as a freshman and perhaps do some of the same things I did in high school, leading the team in tackles, etc. I have some individual goals, but most importantly, have a bunch of team goals. I’d love to help Clemson get to a major bowl, or perhaps win an ACC championship...or even a National championship,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins was also open about the “football family” he’s leaving behind at Baldwin, and the camaraderie they built over many years.

“I’m going to miss the love of being around the players, especially players you’ve grown up with and played with since middle school. You’re on the same page with those guys for so long and once you get to college you’re in a new environment and don’t really know all of those guys that well. They have to grow on you and you have to grow on them. I’m also going to miss all my family members, the coaching staff and all the wonderful fan support here. When you play in college your immediate family might be there, but it’s not like in high school where all your family is there along with all your local fans,” Hawkins added.

Coach Hicks was quite enthusiastic about the success and determination of his two All-State stars, but also knows Baldwin is headed in the right direction, and will be quite competitive for many years to come.

“We have a talented young quarterback coming back and experience on both sides of the ball, especially on the offensive line. We also have an experienced running back that will be a lot of help to us. But most importantly we have great leadership and team discipline. We’re going to be alright,” Hicks said.

Coach Hicks also remarked that football can open doors of opportunity for those who participate.

“Football can also be a wonderful avenue for many things, but it’s up to us to make sure these fine young men get to where they need to be going. A lot of the success we had during our undefeated regular season was due to having hard-working players with great character.”