From the nether regions of the Midwest, former Hillsborough County football standouts Rashad Dunnigan and Geronimo Allison (pictured) helped produce a national title.
Both played significant roles for the undefeated Iowa Western Community College team that won the NJCAA national title with a 27-7 romp of Butler Community College in Sunday's championship game in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Allison, a freshman who enjoyed a breakthrough senior season at Spoto in 2011, finished the season with 26 catches for 428 yards and two TDs, including two receptions in the title game. According to Reivers OL coach (and Jefferson High alumnus) Donnie Woods, Allison (6-foot-3, 180 pounds) is on track to graduate in December and projects as a Division I recruit.
Dunnigan, a sophomore cornerback who played on Jefferson's 2010 state title team, finished with 28 tackles, a forced fumble and four pass breakups. He had five tackles in the national championship contest, including 1.5 for losses.
Iowa Western (12-0) averaged 62.8 points and 598.4 yards, while surrendering only 12.8 points on defense. The Reivers scored 54 or more points in 10 of their contests.