WILMINGTON — Two East Bladen varsity football players have been named to the Wilmington StarNews’ All-Area football teams after successful 2015 seasons.

Defensive end Chris Cromartie was tabbed to the All-Area First Team defense by the newspaper’s sports staff after a season that saw the 6-foot- 4-inch, 245-pound senior also get named to the Four County Conference’s all-conference team.

Cromartie tallied 33 solo tackles and 48 assisted tackled for a total of 81 tackles. He led the Eagles wi9th 6.2 tackles per game.

Cromartie also recorded 5.5 sacks during the season, along with one fumble recovery — in addition to blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown.

Also recognized by the Wilmington StarNews was defensive back Kyle Tatum, who was named to the second team.

The 5-8, 165-pound junior made 22 solo tackles and assisted in 17 others fo0r a season total of 39. He snared a pair of interceptions — returning one for a touchdowns — and made two fumble recoveries.

Tatum was also a force on offense, rushing for 760 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also returned four kickoffs for a total of 55 yards.

The Eagles finished 5-2 in the conference and 10-3 overall after going 1-1 in the state’s Class 2-A playoffs — beating Graham at home in the opener, 35-35 in overtime, then losing to Southwest Edgecombe on the road in the second round, 41-21.

W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

W. Curt Vincent

cvincent@civitasmedia.com