Seven of Rockdale County's top athletes will continue their football careers on the gridiron next week as part of the 2013 D.L. Scott Coalition Bowl Senior All-Star Game.

Rockdale County will send three players to the all-star contest, while Salem and Heritage will send two players apiece.

The Bulldogs headline the East roster’s defensive unit, sending three players to the team.

Along the defensive line for the Bulldogs this season, Julian McKnight registered 39 total tackles, including 17 solo takedowns. The senior finished with 6.5 tackles-for-loss, including 3.5 sacks. McKnight was responsible for two forced fumbles as well.

Joining McKnight on the all-star squad are teammates Kentavious Preston and Shakym Peters.

At linebacker, Preston totaled 64 tackles, including 28 solo tackles.

Preston recorded a team-high 17 tackles for loss, with 1.5 sacks this season.

Peters will represent the Bulldogs at safety at the all-star contest, finishing 2013 with 26 tackles. Peters recorded 17 solo takedowns with 2.5 tackles-for-loss.

Rockdale's defense gave up 21 points or fewer in five games this season.

Representing Heritage at the game will be Chandler Peeples and Donovan Norfleet.

Peeples led the Patriots’ offensive line from the center position, grading out at an astounding 92 percent for the season. 

Peeples helped the Patriots’ offensive line finish the season with three different 400-yard rushers on their way to six wins this year.

Norfleet finished with 65 total tackles this season from his defensive line position, tallying 56 solo tackles while assisting on 19 others. 

The senior finished 2013 with four sacks and five forced fumbles, limiting opponents to 14 points or less six times this season.

Rounding out the selections to the East roster were Salem's Licash Lackey and Quintavious Byrd.

At quarterback for the Seminoles this season, Lackey complete 105-of-185 passes for a 58.4 percent mark, throwing for 1,489 yards and nine touchdowns.

The dual-threat quarterback also did damage with his feet, rushing for 845 yards and nine touchdowns.

Byrd makes the list at the safety position after recording 42 total tackles in 2013, 

while pulling in six interceptions.

Six Newton County football players were also named to the East All-Star roster, including Alcovy’s Curtis Benton, Ryan Adams and Okon Godwin and Eastside’s Obie Mash, 

Jomandi Smith and Jamal Hardge.

The event will be held Dec. 21 at the Georgia Dome.

For more information, visit www.dlscottcoalitionbowl.com