On the football field, not every leader directs his teammates with words. Some choose to let their actions and work ethic do the talking.

Such an example is Maplesville’s Tyler Armstrong, senior linebacker for the Red Devils, and The Clanton Advertiser’s All-Area Player of the Year for the 2014 season.

Armstrong is, by all accounts, not a very loud individual, but according to Maplesville head coach Brent Hubbert, Armstrong’s play speaks for itself.

“He’s not a real vocal guy,” Hubert said. “He’s never once complained, he’s always the first in line (and gives) 110 percent. It’s mainly lead by example.”

Armstrong served as the Red Devils’ middle linebacker during their run to an AHSAA Class 1A state championship, and Hubbert said Armstrong’s role as the leader of the defense was key to Maplesville’s success.

“It makes coaching that side of the ball easier,” he said. “Anytime you’ve got a leader like that, it’s like a quarteback for defense.”

Armstrong’s performance all season caught the eyes of the Alabama Sports Writers Association, as he was named the Class 1A Lineman of the Year on Jan. 14, at a banquet held in Montgomery..

In his final season as a Red Devil, Armstrong posted 123 tackles and four sacks, with 12 tackles for a loss, a fumble recovery and a touchdown.

The defense in which Armstrong played a key role recorded seven shutouts, the last was a 49-0 win over Hubbertsville in the championship game. The squad also allowed only 7.7 points per game through a 15-game season, including playoffs.

While Armstrong’s stats are impressive, Hubbert said his work ethic is what stood out to the coaching staff.

“He brings tenacity and mental toughness,” Hubbert said. “He’s fast, physical and he plays downhill. (He plays) how you want defense to play.”

While Armstrong was still looking for a college to carry on his career, Hubbert said he felt the six feet one inch, 195-pound athlete will be a great addition to any team he joins.

“He’s not the biggest, but whoever gets him is getting a football player,” he said.

ALL-AREA TEAM

Offense

Quarterback: Anthony Chavez, Chilton County, senior

Quarteback: Cole Spencer, Maplesville, junior

Quarterback: Tyler Smith, Isabella, senior

Running back: Terence Dunlap, Maplesville, sophomore

Running back: Shawn Poe, Jemison, senior

Wide reciever: Kendarius Bradley, Maplesville, senior

Wide reciever: Cade Hatch, Chilton County, junior

Offensive line: Larry Leggett, Maplesville, senior

Offensive line: Tyler Owens, Thorsby, senior

Offensive line: Stephen Wright, Verbena, senior

Offensive line: Jason Buchanan, Isabella, senior

Athlete: Kevin Nunn, Jemison, junior

Defense

Linebacker: Rashaud Caver, Billingsley

Linebacker: Kevin Owens, Thorsby, senior

Linebacker: Tyler Armstrong, Maplesville, senior

Linebacker: P.J. Blue, Jemison, junior

Linebacker: Trey McCullough, Verbena, sophomore

Defensive line: Corey Hall, Maplesville, junior

Defensive line: JeQuaries Martin, Chilton County, junior

Defensive back: Jaytarius Steele, Billingsley, senior

Defensive back: Jacob Carroll, Isabella, senior

Defensive back: Quandarius Ray, Verbena, senior

Defensive back: Keandre Binion, Chilton County, senior

Athlete: Derrick Dunigan, Billingsley, sophomore

HONORABLE MENTION

Billingsley: Terrance Nolen, Dalton Davis, Mason Friday and Kendarius Watters

Chilton County: Tyler Henderson, Kevin Kemp, Keshawn White and Dustin Cleckler

Isabella: Caleb Giles, Scottie Underwood, Chase Pate, Hunter Langston and Austin Parker

Jemison: ShunDerrius Strong, Dylan Shaner

Maplesville: Will Harrison, Trevor Wallace

Verbena: Juwan Tyus, Austin Knight