Ole Brook’s faithful gathered at the Lincoln County FEMA Building Monday night to honor football players and cheerleaders at Brookhaven’s annual Football/Cheerleader Awards Banquet.

The Panthers started the season 0-6, but finished strong to end the season with a 4-1 record to make the playoffs. In the playoffs, the Panthers were eliminated by Pascagoula in the opening round to conclude the season with a 4-8 record overall.

Coach Tommy Clopton recognized the 15 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 stretch across half the room.

Clopton recognized Greg Watts and Jordan Nations as the 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 Stan Patrick’s 20-plus years of service to Brookhaven’s program as announcer. The award was named the Stan Patrick “Boom” Award. The award went to Dedric Smith.

Willie Bates and Darrian Wilson were recognized as permanent team captains.

Darrian Wilson received the Overall Scholastic Award. Clopton also recognized the rest of BHS Gridiron Academic All-Star Team. Members of the team are Tyriq Reese, John Mark Mathis, Tyler Mixon, Johnathon Smith, Trace Owens, Trace Clopton, Chandler Moore, Kieran Williams, Sevante Quinn, DJ Durr, Charles Nations, Isaiah Wall, Coker Wright, Stephen Springfield, Motero Barton, Garrett Smith, Kenneth Dixon, Dedric Smith, Jordan Nations, Ben Springfield, Bobby Parnell, Cass Durr, Cory Smith, Terrance Mason, Lane Smith and Norman Woodard.

The Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award went to Brandon Rice. Thomas Poole was named Most Outstanding Offensive Back and Most Outstanding Offensive Player.

Dedric Smith was named the Most Outstanding Defensive Player. Jordan Blackwell earned the Most Outstanding Defensive Back. Stephen Springfield received the Most Outstanding Lineman award. Wanya Morris and Garrett Smith received the Panther Award. All awards were voted on by the team members.

Cheerleader sponsor Amy Spring recognized her squad and praised their accomplishments during the season and at summer camp. Each member received certificates for participating and a bag of goodies.

Prior to the celebration, Clopton 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.

The Rev. Phillip Hamilton provided the invocation prior to the meal.

Brookhaven Football Awards

Team Captains: Greg Watts, Darrian Wilson

Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Brandon Rice.

Most Outstanding Offensive Back:  Thomas Poole.

Most Outstanding Offensive Player:  Thomas Poole.

Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman:  Stephen Springfield

Most Outstanding Defensive Back:  Jordan Blackwell.

Most Outstanding Defensive Player:  Dedric Smith.

Therrell-Tanner Award: Greg Watts, Jordan Nations.

Stan Patrick “Boom” Award: Dedric Smith.

Panther Award: Wanya Morris, Garrett Smith

Scholastic Award:  Darrian Wilson.

BHS Gridiron Academic All-Star Team:  Tyriq Reese, Darrian Wilson, John Mark Mathis, Tyler Mixon, Johnathon Smith, Trace Owens, Trace Clopton, Chandler Moore, Kieran Williams, Sevante Quinn, DJ Durr, Charles Nations, Isaiah Wall, Coker Wright, Stephen Springfield, Motero Barton, Garrett Smith, Kenneth Dixon, Dedric Smith, Jordan Nations, Ben Springfield, Bobby Parnell, Cass Durr, Cory Smith, Terrance Mason, Lane Smith, Norman Woodard.

All-Region 3-5A Offense

Runningback:  Thomas Poole.

Offensive Line:  Wanya Morris, Brandon Rice.

All-Region 3-5A Defense

Defensive Line:  Stephen Springfield.

Kicker:  Tyler Mixon.

All-Region First Team:  Kenneth Bellamy, Wesley Calcote, Darrian Wilson, Willie Bates, Dedric Smith, Jeffrey Johnson.

All-Region Second Team:  Jemaurian Jones, Sevante Quinn, Jordan Blackwell, Greg Watts, Trace Clopton, Dahauntre Hill.

All-Region Honorable Mention:  Triq Reese, Tavauris Newton, Kenneth Dixon, Kieran Williams, Tremail Richardson.

MAC Coaches All-State Team: 

Second Team Class 5A Guard:  Wanya Morris.