Lawrence County has a good thing going. That was the observationmade by LCHS head football coach Mike Davis Wednesday night duringthe school’s football awards banquet held at Rusty’s FamilyRestaurant.

“You can be mighty proud of this group of young men,” saidDavis, addressing a crowd of over 170 last night. “They are goodfootball players and good citizens. They are polite and respectful,too.”

In a 3-hour program, Davis shared portions of a video from theCougars’ 2008 Region 6-4A championship season. He introduced guestspeaker Malcolm Taylor who provided the crowd with an inspirationalmessage.

Taylor, from Crystal Springs, played for Tennessee StateUniversity. He played 12 years of professional football, playingfor the Los Angeles Raiders and the Atlanta Falcons.

He stressed the importance of academics to the players. “I wasreally enjoying my freshman year at TSU. Then the grades came outafter nine weeks and I had a bunch of Ds. Coach told me I was goingto be on probation. That got my attention.

“Attack those books in the classroom and train your brain,” wasTaylor’s challenge. “Work hard; just like you do when you hit thatweight room. You want to bench press the world.”

Taylor quoted scripture from Philippians 3:14. “Run the race andpress on toward the prize.”

Davis, recognized as The DAILY LEADER’s Area Football Coach ofthe Year, praised his team’s accomplishments. They finished 10-2,advancing to the second round of the state playoffs.

Davis said each player would receive a medallion recognizing theregion championship. Players with letterman’s jackets received aregion championship patch and others received long-sleeve, blackT-shirts, listing the scores of last season’s games.

Near the end of the program, Davis recognized his 14 seniors andallowed them to express their comments on the season, theirteammates and their coaches. He also lined up a group ofunderclassmen who took turns expressing their appreciation for theleadership and example provided by the seniors.

Running backs Kendrick Hardy and Matthew Wells were recognizedfor their membership on the Mississippi Association of CoachesClass 4A All-State Team. C.J. Lewis was a nominee for the Ole SpiceRed Zone Award.

Defensive lineman Patrick Sutton received the Coaches’ Awardlast night. He also gave the banquet’s invocation.

The Most Improved Offensive Linemen were Jarvis Hudson and RickyFunchess.

The Most Improved Defensive Lineman was Byron Hamilton.

LCHS boasted a trio of 1,000-yard rushers in their march to theregion crown. Hardy, Wells and Josh Cameron shared the CougarRushing Attack Award. Wells also earned the Most InterceptionsAward as a defensive back.

The Special Teams Award went to Richard Barnes.

Cornelius Sibley was named Most Valuable Defensive Lineman.Marcus Brown made the Most Tackles on defense.

The Mr. Pancake Award went to offensive lineman John Serrin.

Other awards were graded off game film, according to Davis.

Highest Grade Offensive Lineman: Buck Magee.

Highest Grade Defensive Lineman: Monterrio Taylor.

Highest Grade Offensive Back: Adam Watson.

Highest Grade Defensive Back: Ford Johnson.

Highest Grade Linebacker: Marcus Brown.

Great Effort Award: C.J. Lewis, Carlton Parkman.

Permanent Team Captain: C.J. Lewis, Monterrio Taylor.