WESSON — Lawrence County’s football team was praised andhonored Thursday night during a dinner banquet at the ThamesCenter, located on the Copiah-Lincoln Community College campus. TheCougars realized one of their best-ever campaigns in 2007, postinga 10-2 record and advancing to the second round of the Class 4Astate playoffs.

LCHS head football coach Mike Davis welcomed the large crowd offans and parents. He thanked them for their support during thecampaign.

Dug Davis, longtime LCHS statistician, praised the team fortheir efforts, saying, “You are a special group. We are proud ofyou.”

The Rev. Jon Daniels delivered the invocation and brought aninspirational message. He served as the team chaplain during the2007 season.

“Find out who you really are outside of football,” said Daniels”Everyone knows you by your jersey number. Put on the uniform ofJesus and wear it forever.”

Coach Davis presented Mildred Harvey with a special plaque,thanking her for years of devotion to the LCHS athletic program. Healso thanked the assistant coaches and their wives for their hardwork and support.

During the meal, two videos of the 2007 season were shown byGlenn Weeks and Joe Stalans. A closing slide show highlighting theseniors was provided by Jim Oakes.

Jackie Davis of Davis Jewelers in Monticello praised the Cougarsfor their accomplishments. He presented each member of the teamwith a medallion recognizing the 10-2 campaign. Each player alsoreceived a certificate and a team t-shirt, listing the scores ofeach game on the back of the shirt.

Daniels and Brenda Davis were given plaques thanking them fortheir contributions during the season. Mrs. Davis providedsandwiches for the players at each away game.

The 15 LCHS seniors were seated at the front of the room in tworows of chair. Coach Davis recognized them. “You are behaving likegentlemen at school and setting a high level of excellence for allthe students to follow. Being a gentleman is cool.”

A group of underclassmen lined up and took turns at the podium,thanking the seniors for the support and leadership. Later, theseniors had their turn. They thanked the coaches, their teammatesand the fans.

With the help of his assistant coaches, Davis presented awardsand certificates. Junior running back Kendrick Hardy was honored asthe Division 6-4A Most Valuable Player after rushing for over 2,000yards. Linebacker Julius Magee was the 6-4A Defensive Player Of TheYear.

Hardy also was named to the Mississippi Association of CoachesClass 4A All-State Team. He was recognized as Most ValuableOffensive Player on The DAILY LEADER’s 2007 All-Area Team.

In closing, Coach Davis recalled his conversation with theseniors when they were sophomores. “I remember we took our lumpsbut you got better as juniors. Then as seniors you put lumps onother folks.”

Davis quoted Bible scripture from James 1:2-4. “Whenadversity comes your way, get stronger and endure.”