WESSON — Lawrence County’s football team and cheerleaders werehonored Thursday night with a banquet held at the Thames Center onthe Copiah-Lincoln Community College campus. The large crowdenjoyed a video highlight of the 2006 season during the meal.

Lester Walls, district representative for the Fellowship ofChristian Athletes, was the guest speaker. The former Jackson StateAll-SWAC center and Oakland Raiders draftee won 12 nationalchampionships coaching at Carson-Newman College before being calledto the ministry.

“God called me out of coaching,” said Walls. “He blessed me withnational championships at Carson-Newman but God had other plans forme in Mississippi.”

Walls commended LCHS head football coach and athletic directorMike Davis for his commitment to Christianity. “Coach Davis and hisstaff set a great example for you young people to follow.”

Davis talked about the importance of unity in the athleticdepartment and how critical it was for each sport to support theother athletic activities during the school year. “Encourage andhelp each other in every sport.”

Davis said he preferred to base the special football awards onan individual’s performance during the season. Players were gradedafter each game when the coaches reviewed game films.

Quarterback Ryan McCall was recognized as the Most ImprovedOffensive Back. Ricardo Barnes was named Most Improved OffensiveLineman.

Aaron Watson was honored with the Greatest Effort Award.Mackenzie Woods received the highest grade at a skill position.Jake Thames graded highest in the offensive line and offensiveguard Nick Jackson received the Pancake Award for 33 pancake blocksin 9 games.

The highest grade defensive back was Murphy Peyton. MostInterceptions Award went to Curtis Carr.

On defense, Jared (Meatball) McCarthy was highest gradedefensive lineman. Cornelius Sibley had the Most Tackles in thedefensive line.

At linebacker, Julius Magee graded highest. Most Tackles went toDontre Collins.

Recognized as Permanent Team Captains were Peyton andJackson.

Receiving All-Region 6-4A recognition were Thames, Jackson,Kendrick Hardy and Will Harris. Thames, a Southern Miss signee, wasnamed to the Mississippi Association of Coaches Class 4A All-StateTeam.

In an emotional ceremony toward the end of the banquet, CoachDavis told the 13 LCHS seniors to be seated at the front of thebanquet hall. A group of underclassmen took turns at the microphonesharing their appreciation for individual seniors.

The seniors also received miniature LCHS football helmets andthe name tags off the backs of their game jerseys.

A highlight of the season was Lawrence County’s upset ofdivision champion Terry, on the road at Terry.

“We are blessed with a high quality coaching staff,” said Davis.”We are a family and we spend long hours working together.”

Davis also thanked the teachers and the administration for theirsupport, plus his wife and family. “They made a lot of hamsandwiches on Wednesday and Thursday nights for our roadgames.”

Cheerleaders Recognized

LCHS cheerleader sponsor Roshonda Alexander recognized her20-member cheerleading squad during the banquet. Amanda Harveyreceived the Heart of a Cougar award and Ashley Hartzog waspresented the Cheerleader of the Year title.