Brookhaven football players and cheerleaders were honored Mondaynight at the BHS Varsity Banquet held at the Lincoln CountyMulti-Use Facility. The state championship cheerleader squad andRegion 6-4A football champion team were recognized for theiraccomplishments in 2003.

The BHS cheerleaders, sponsored by Phyllis Wallace and LuatriceTaylor, will travel to the NCAA national tournament in Orlando,Fla., on Jan. 29. Members of the squad are Ashley Farris, ClaireCox, Cally Moore, Lindsey Hall, Emily Oberschmidt, Lindy Lewis,Kayla Fisher, Lauren Grady, Catherine Carty, Mary Gwen Lynch, MistyRatcliff, Sabrina Armstrong, Lauren Mitchell, Lauren Payne andBrittany Coleman.

Coleman and Oberschmidt are the only seniors on theaward-winning squad.

Wallace praised the girls for their accomplishments. She alsothanked Brookhaven Superintendent of Education Dr. Sam Bounds andBHS principal Susan Chapman for their enthusiastic support.

Public address announcer Stan Patrick served as master ofceremonies. The crowd was entertained by a video of the 2003 seasonas they feasted on barbecue catered by Bowie Smokehouse

BHS athletic director and head football coach Tucker Peavey waspresented a large birthday cake last night. The Rev. Mike Brister,BHS team chaplain, made the presentation and led the crowd insinging “Happy Birthday.” Peavey received a BHS blanket with hisname stitched upon it.

Peavey applauded his players and recognized each one of themplus the team managers and ball boys during the awardspresentation. He said the individual awards for the 2003 seasonwould be presented during a special Awards Day in May.

Peavey was voted Coach of the Year in Region 6-4A. QuarterbackJimmy Johns and defensive end Philip Tobias were selected BestOffensive and Defensive Players respectively. Ten of the Pantherswere First Team selections.

“This is the best high school coaching staff in Mississippi,”said Peavey, referring to his varsity staff of defensivecoordinator Rod Henderson, offensive coordinator Jaymie Palmer,line coach Trevor Brister, secondary coach Patrick Hardy andreceivers coach Eric Stokes.

“I”m truly blessed to have a bunch of coaches who really careabout the players,” Peavey added. “They work hard, love thiscommunity and want to make our program the best.”

He also recognized the players for their countless hours of hardwork and dedication to building a state title contender. “We are10-2 in the region the last two years and our region is consideredthe toughest in the state.”

For the last two years, Brookhaven has been eliminated by theeventual Class 4A state champions, in the third round of theplayoffs by D’Iberville in 2002 and in the second round by WayneCounty in 2003

“Players make the plays, not the coaches,” Peavey continued.”The coaches teach them but when the ball is snapped, it’s all upto the players.”

Peavey thanked the players’ parents and the booster club for itsgenerous support.

Brookhaven’s permanent team captains were recognized last night.They are Jessie Bowman, Philip Tobias, Adam Ogden, Jarvis Wilsonand Josh Patrick.

Senior members of the team were given BHS blankets, their teamjersey and miniature BHS helmets. John Ogden provided the closingbenediction.