When it comes to coaching, Barry Wells describes himself as a "defensive guy."
After taking the head football coaching position at Mount Vernon in 2010, Wells turned his attention to the offensive side of the ball, among other tasks, and helped lead the Majors to the playoffs one year after the team finished 0-10.
On June 12, Wells got the chance to focus on defense and have some fun.
Wells was the defensive coordinator for the Northern Region in the 2nd Annual Region Rumble Football All Star Game at South County Secondary School. Wells’ unit limited the Northwest Region to 264 yards — 169 of which came in five plays — and forced three turnovers en route to a 20-12 victory.
The Northern Region took a 14-12 lead when Hayfield quarterback Jason Stewart scored his second rushing touchdown of the evening with 37 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. The defense added the final blow when South County lineman Joshua Butler returned a fumble 58 yards for a touchdown on the game’s final play.
"To be able to run the defense — I’m a defensive guy — so it was really fun to take charge of the defense and try to get these kids in a position where we could just be tough and competitive," Wells said. "… With the exception of a couple big plays, we were in charge."
Four Mount Vernon players suited up for the game, which features some of the regions’ standout seniors: running back Emmanuel Tackie, linebacker Julien Randolph, lineman Logan Beougher and lineman Steven Funk. Cornerback Deondre Wooten practiced with the team but injured himself prior to the contest.
"We had Logan Beougher play some defensive end for us," Wells said. "He was very efficient; he was helping us keep our freshness at the defensive end position. We had a nice rotation going. …
"I’m very happy for Emmanuel because he didn’t get all the accolades he was worthy of during the regular season."
West Potomac had three representatives at the game: lineman Dan Carriker, defensive back Denzel Hatch and linebacker Sonpon Doe. Carriker started at left guard before suffering a left arm stinger in the second quarter. Hatch intercepted a pass in the end zone in the second quarter.
"I had a blast," Carriker said. "It’s fun getting one more game in."