Brookhaven’s faithful braved the cold conditions Thursday night to gather for Ole Brook’s annual Football/Cheerleader Awards Banquet held at the Brookhaven Parks & Recreation Department’s headquarters.

Clopton welcomed the crowd, estimated at 200, to the celebration of BHS football. “Obviously, we had a lot of fun this year. I want to thank all of you for your support.

“Being an Ole Brook football player is a special thing,” Clopton added. He thanked his assistant coaches for their endless hours of work, and their wives, for their support. He also thanked the Booster Club, sponsors, Brookhaven Police Department, Radio Crew, Transportation crew, athletic department, the support medical staff, and the voice of the Panthers Stan Patrick and Terry Reed for letting the Panthers use the Brookhaven Recreational building.

The Rev. Phillip Hamilton provided the invocation prior to the meal. The Rev. Jason Holmes concluded the evening with the invocation. Both men serve as team chaplains.

Recalling the season, Clopton said, “This season was like a roller coaster. We started off climbing that big obstacle winning four straight before hitting that downward blast and lost three straight. Then we recovered on the turn and we made another climb up on the other obstacle winning five straight before the sudden stop to end the ride.

“Overall, it was a great season,” stated Clopton. “The football team and the cheerleaders worked hard all season long and gave a great effort.”

The Panthers finished 9-4 on the season, while finishing fourth in the Region 3-5A race. Ole Brook advanced to the state playoffs and knocked off Pascagoula in the first round, before falling to Laurel at home in the second round.

Clopton recognized the 20 senior members of the squad. Each senior received their red game jersey and a gift bag, provided by the Gridiron Club. Clopton presented letterman certificates to the players. Each player received a participation certificate and the line of recipients circled the room.

Clopton recognized Chris Calcote and Jonathan Stepney as winners of the annual Therrell-Tanner Award. It was named in honor of deceased coaches R.L. Therrell and C.O. Tanner, who coached many successful teams at BHS and Alexander respectively.

Clopton also presented another special award in praise of the Voice of Stan Patrick’s 20 years of service to Brookhaven’s program. The award was named Stan Patrick “Boom” Award. The winner of this special award went to Ty Hill.

Tyrus Daniels received the Scholastic Award. Fred Trevillion and Ty Hill were recognized as permanent team captains.

The Most Valuable Offensive Lineman Award went to Anthony Wilson. Tre McDaniel was named Most Valuable Offensive Back and Billy Thomas Most Valuable Defensive Back. Leo Lewis received the Most Valuable Linebacker award. All awards were voted on by the team members.

Before the end of the ceremony, Clopton revealed the winner of this year’s overall Most Valuable Player award. Clopton stated, “He was truly proud of his team for recognizing this young man as the team’s most valuable player,” before coach Clopton could finish the crowd arose and applauded as the award went to Jermone Kelly.

Kelly suffered a severe neck injury in the game against Pascagoula and went through surgery successfully. Last night, he was wearing a head support brace and Coach Clopton mentioned to the crowd that in a few days from now Kelly will be excited to have the brace removed. “This was truly a miracle from God,” stated Clopton “He was with Kelly when it happened that Friday night, through the surgery and he will receive all the glory when Kelly has his brace taken off. We are very blessed to witness this miracle from God.”

Cheerleader sponsors Amy Spring and Jerralyn Seals recognized her 20-member plus squad and praised their accomplishments during the season and at summer camp. Each member received certificates for participating and pink Ole Brook sweatshirts.

Brookhaven Football Awards

Team Captains:  Fred Trevillion, Ty Hill.

Most Valuable Offensive Lineman:  Anthony Wilson

Most Valuable Linebacker: Leo Lewis.

Most Valuable Offensive Back: Tre’ McDaniel.

Most Valuable Defensive Back: Billy Thomas.

Therrell-Tanner Award:  Chris Calcote, Jonathan Stepney.

Stan Patrick “Boom” Award:  Ty Hill.

Panther Award:  Keefa Nelson, Marquez Gibson.

Scholastic Award:  Tyrus Daniels.

Overall MVP:  Jermone Kelly.

MAC Class 5A All-State Team:  First Team-Fred Trevillion, Leo Lewis. Second Team-Ty Hill.

All-Region 3-5A Selections

Wide Receiver:  Shuntez Smith.

Most Valuable Offensive Lineman:  Anthony Wilson.

Most Valuable Athlete:  Fred Trevillion.

Most Valuable Linebackers:  Ty Hill, Leo Lewis.

All-Region First Team:  Tre’ McDaniel, Billy Thomas, Javontae Trevillion, Keefa Nelson, Dedric Smith.

All-Region Second Team:  Kardale Clark, Ben Robinson, Chris Calcote, Stephen Springfield, Darius O’Quinn, Jermone Kelly.

All-Region Honorable Mention:  Josh Cole, Jared Dillon, Jonathan Stepney, Tyrus Daniels, Marquez Gibson.