Ole Brook seniors Dedric Smith and Willie Bates on Wednesday signed a football scholarship with the Gulf Coast Community College Bulldogs.

Smith (6-1, 210) and Bates (6-0, 180) signed their official scholarship papers in the Brookhaven High School Library.

Joining Smith and Bates were friends, family members and Brookhaven head football and athletic director Tommy Clopton.

In Smith’s senior year, he finished with 42 tackles on the season. He plans to pursue a career in architecture.

In Bates’ senior year, he finished with 12 tackles on the season as Ole Brooks’ free safety. He plans to pursue a career in biomedical engineering.

“We are very proud of Dedric and Willie and look forward to watching them continue their careers at Gulf Coast,” said Clopton. “They are good football players but they are even better young men. It’s a blessing when good things happen to good people.”