Twenty-six senior members of the 2010 Brookhaven football teamreceived special honors and a standing ovation Monday night at theBHS Football/Cheerleader banquet. They were among the many honoreesthat helped contribute to Ole Brook’s remarkable march to the Class5A state championship game.

“I have known this group of seniors for a long time,” said OleBrook head football coach and athletic director Tucker Peavey.”They are a special group.”

The seniors received a number of gifts from the coaches andGridiron Club. Among the articles was a Fellowship of ChristianAthletes Bible, each containing a special note from Peavey. He alsoasked the seniors to sign his FCA Bible before leaving thebanquet.

Ole Brook public address announcer Stan Patrick served as emcee andwelcomed the crowd of approximately 250 that filled the BrookhavenParks & Recreation Department facility to near capacity.

“This night is a tribute to the players and cheerleaders who put iton the line every Friday night and one Saturday night,” saidPatrick. He read a letter addressed to the team from the FrankCollins family, congratulating them on their 9-5 record and SouthState 5A championship.

The Rev. Jason Holmes, team chaplain, delivered the invocationprior to the meal.

Brookhaven Superintendent of Education Lea Barrett and assistantsuperintendent James Tillman both received personalized Ole Brookbanquets last night, recognizing them for their wholesale supportof the football program. Both administrators are retiring inJune.

Cheerleader sponsors Amy Spring and Jerrilyn Seals recognized thefreshman and varsity cheerleading squads. Spring thanked them fortheir countless hours of hard work.

Peavey, in his ninth year at the helm, thanked his coaches andtheir wives for their dedication to the task. “There are a lot oflong hours during the season.”

Peavey also thanked the many support groups that contributed to thesuccess for the football team. He praised the booster club, themedical staff and school administration.

He thanked booster club officers Stan and Susie Patrick and Bubbyand Sherri Thibodeaux for their efforts in selling season ticketsand reserved parking passes.

Reviewing the season, Peavey said it started on a tragic note and,”We dealt with adversity.” He was referring to the death ofsophomore linebacker Sawyer Dyess who died in an auto accident July25. He also mentioned a series of injuries that the Panthers had toovercome.

“Our guys represented you and our school so well at Sawyer’sfuneral,” Peavey pointed out. “You should be proud of them and theway they conducted themselves.”

Jersey No. 53, worn by Dyess, was painted in the corner of each endzone. Players wore a No. 53 decal on the back of their helmets tohonor Dyess during the season.

Peavey pointed out that 18 members of the team received All-Region3-5A recognition. The Panthers had qualified as the No. 4 team outof the region and reeled off three straight upset wins in the stateplayoffs, beating Long Beach, Wayne County and West Jones.

“I’ve had coaches tell me that they dread bringing their teams toKing Field to play,” said Peavey. “The field is surrounded bybuildings and our fans make a lot of noise. It gets pretty loud outthere.”

After recognizing the freshman team members, Peavey focused on thevarsity. Each member received a silver medallion for finishingrunner-up to West Point in the 5A state title game.

“As coaches, we train players,” said Peavey. “Our players have tomake it happen.”

Recognized as permanent team captains last night were KalenCalcote, Trent Powell and Mitch Case. The Scholastic Award went toStone Underwood.

The Therrell-Tanner Award, named in honor of Coaches R.L. Therrelland C.O. Tanner; went to Mitch Case and Tameas Hooker.

In closing, Peavey read, “A Father’s Prayer,” written by the lateGen. Douglas MacArthur. The Rev. Phillip Hamilton, a BHS teamchaplain, delivered the benediction.