Farrar tabbed as AISA all-star
Published 12:00 am Friday, November 3, 2006
A 3-7 record wasn't what Pike Liberal Arts School's Daniel Farrar had in mind for his senior season.
The Patriot standout had hoped to guide his team to their third playoff appearance in three years, but the void left by the departure of 12 seniors from the 2005 squad, a coaching change just a month before the start of summer workouts and a rash of injuries doomed the Patriots' season and their chance of competing against the state's top talent for a state title.
“We had a pretty disappointing season,” Farrar said. “We didn't win a lot of games and I don't think we really showed what kind of talent we have here (at Pike Liberal).”
On Dec. 1, Farrar will have that chance.
The Pike Liberal senior was selected as one of 72 seniors from around the state to compete in the Alabama Independent School Association All-Star football game.
“I was real excited when I found out,” Farrar said. “I've never really been picked for something like this. This is my first all-star team and it's a big honor to be able to represent my school against some of the best players in the AISA.”
Farrar knows that in that regard he has some big shoes to fill following former Pike Liberal all-stars Andrew Folmar, Liston Conrad and Sam Sellers.
“I hope I can do as well as those guys did,” Farrar said. “I know that both Andrew and Liston scored touchdowns in the game and Sam had a great game and ended up earning a scholarship (for football to Troy University), so I want to try and match that. I don't want to go up there and be a no-name player. I want to do my best for my school.”
Farrar, who was selected a defensive back, already knows how he would like to make a name for himself.
“An interception would make my day,” the senior said with a smile. “I'd love to get an interception.”
While Farrar bounced from running back to quarterback to wide receiver this season for Pike Liberal, the senior is glad that for he will be able to devote his attention to defense for the Dec. 1 contest.
“I'm a defensive guy,” Farrar said.
“I always have been. I like the challenge of trying to stop the other guys. I moved around a lot on offense this season to try and help the team out, but on defense I was at safety all year, and I'm glad I have the chance to play there in the all-star game.”
Pike Liberal Arts School head coach Rick Seymore wasn't the least bit surprised that Farrar was tabbed as one of the East's defensive backs.
“Daniel's an outstanding defensive player, and a lot of coaches around the state took notice of that this season,” Seymore said.
“I was there at the meeting when the coaches chose the all-star teams and Daniel was a guy that all the coaches wanted. I couldn't be happier for him. Daniel has been a great defensive player for us and he certainly deserves this honor.”
Farrar, a three-year starter at safety for the Patriots, expects to a few extra nerves when he takes the field for what will likely be his final organized football game.
“I think it will be different,” Farrar said. “It's unlike any other game. It's fans from every school. It's not just Pike Liberal people and the fans of the other school, and along with that it's probably the last time I'll play football like this. It'll be different, but it'll be exciting too.”
Farrar and the East squad will take on the West squad at 7 p.m. at Shug Jordan Memorial Stadium in Selma, Ala.