Whatever the situation, Brookhaven could count on sophomorequarterback Jimmy Johns to get the job done. The versatilesignal-caller could pass with dexterity and run the football withauthority. He directed the Panthers to a 7-5 record and the thirdround of the Class 4A state playoffs.

Johns is recognized as the Most Valuable Player and Mr. Footballon THE DAILY LEADER’s 2002 All-Lincoln County Football Team. He isjoined on the dream team by a pair of strong-armed quarterbacks inJustin Kyzar of Enterprise and Collins Case of BrookhavenAcademy.

The running backs are Gerard Vaughn of Enterprise and StacyFells of West Lincoln who share Offensive Player of the Yearhonors, and Darius Perkins of Brookhaven. The wide receivers areBud Chatman of Brookhaven and Darren Brady of Enterprise.

Offensive linemen include Daniel Sisco of Loyd Star, Dale Holmesof Enterprise, and Grant McDonnieal, Kenneth Fairman and Adam Ogdenof Brookhaven.

The return specialist is Taurean Jones of Brookhaven and theall-purpose player is Chase Raiford of Enterprise. Domenick DiPaoloof Brookhaven is the placekicker.

On defense, the linemen include Phillip Tobias,Jesse Bowman and Julius Lloyd of Brookhaven and Johnathan Watts ofBrookhaven Academy. The linebacking corps is led by Brookhaven’sBelma Cager, the Defensive Player of the Year

Also at linebacker are Josh Pruden of Enterprise, LaKendrickMaxwell of Brookhaven and Matthew Delaughter of Loyd Star.

The secondary includes John Wayne Havard of Brookhaven Academy,Emmanuel Perkins and Josh Crawford of Brookhaven and Rico Lewis ofBogue Chitto.

The dream team’s punter is Justin Whatley of Loyd Star.

Jimmy Johns (6-2, 210) passed for 1,282 yardsand 14 touchdowns. He also rushed for 391 yards and 3 touchdowns.Possessing a fullback mentality, he often ran over tacklers insteadof trying to go around them.

“Jimmy came a long way this year,” said BHS head coach TuckerPeavey. “The position of quarterback is an everyday learningexperience. He is a talented young man.”

Justin Kyzar, a senior, completed 42 of 113passes for 915 yards and 10 touchdowns, directing Coach RickyDeere’s Yellow Jackets to a 7-5 record and the Class 1A stateplayoffs.

Collins Case, a junior, completed 120 of 155passes for 1,110 yards and 5 touchdowns as Coach Ray Ishee’sCougars finished 2-8 in a major rebuilding year.

Stacy Fells, a senior, missed three games dueto an ankle injury but he still managed to rush for 1,161 yard andscored 12 touchdowns for Coach Willie Brumfield’s Bears (1-10).

Darius Perkins, a sophomore, was a key toBrookhaven’s strong rushing attack. He gained 647 yards and scored6 touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 105 yards and 4 TDs.

Gerard Vaughn, a senior in eligibility, rushedfor 1,207 yards and scored 15 touchdowns for the Yellow Jackets. Apowerful runner, he accounted for 1,341 all-purpose yards.

“Gerard is a lot stronger this year,” said Coach Deere. “He hasimproved his strength and he did a good job blocking.”

Dale Holmes, a senior, was a stalwart inEnterprise’s ground attack. He was a member of last year’s dreamteam.

Daniel Sisco, a senior, was one of the fewreturning veterans on first-year head coach Sidney Wheatley’s team.He provided much leadership and strength on the line.

Grant McDonnieal, a sophomore, started atcenter for the Panthers and steadily improved as the seasonprogressed.

Kenneth Fairman, a junior, provided plenty ofgood blocks for the Panthers.

Adam Ogden, a junior, was one of the keys toBrookhaven’s powerful rushing attack.

Darren Brady, a senior, used his speed tobecome a big-play receiver for the Yellow Jackets. He caught 19passes for 580 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Bud Chatman, a sophomore, provided a big targetfor the Panthers and he made several athletic receptions. He caught30 passes for 635 yards and 6 TDs.

Taurean Jones, a sophomore, provided severalspectacular punt and kickoff returns. He averaged 26.0 yards perkickoff return and averaged 11.6 yards on punt returns.

Chase Raiford, a senior, proved his versatilityand unselfishness. As a rusher for Enterprise, he gained 346 yardsand scored 5 TDs plus providing key blocks for Vaughn. He caught 11passes for 124 and returned 9 kickoffs for a 21.6-yard average. Heplayed linebacker on defense.

Domenick DiPaolo, a senior, made his firstseason of football successful after being a 3-starter at goalkeeperfor the BHS soccer team. He made 26 of 30 extra points and kickedfour field goals, his longest 42 yards.

Philip Tobias, a junior, starred at defensiveend for the Panthers. He tackled South Pike’s quarterback for asafety in Brookhaven’s 2-0 state playoff victory. He accounted for10.5 sacks, 48 tackles and 3 fumble recoveries this season.

Johnathan Watts, a junior, was the leadingtackler for the Cougars. He accounted for 89 tackles and recovered12 fumbles.

Julius Lloyd, a BHS senior, accounted for 73tackles from his defensive end position.

Jesse Bowman, a sophomore, was moved to defensefor his second varsity campaign and responded with 58 tackles forthe Panthers.

Belma Cager, a senior, was recognized for hisrelentless pursuit of the football. He led the Panthers with 103tackles, making 83 solo stops.

LaKendrick Maxwell, a senior, made the dreamteam as a junior Panther. He made 88 tackles this season, including70 solo stops.

Josh Pruden, a senior, directed the Enterprisedefense with 108 tackles, including 34 solo tackles.

Matthew Delaughter, a junior, was a bright spotfor the Hornets. He was credited with 136 tackles and 2interceptions. He made 54 solo tackles.

John Wayne Havard, a junior, made 83 tacklesfor the Cougars. He intercepted 7 passes and recovered 8fumbles.

Emmanuel Perkins, a senior, accounted for 59tackles and made 2 interceptions for the Panthers.

Rico Lewis, a junior, intercepted 5 passes forCoach Gareth Sartin’s Bobcats in a 2-9 campaign.

Josh Crawford, a senior Panther, intercepted 2passes and made 55 tackles from his safety position.

Justin Whatley, a sophomore, posted a 37.5-yardpunting average for the Hornets, best in Lincoln County.