Senior linebacker Marlon Dixon was recognized as the MostValuable Player on the 2005 Ole Brook football team during Thursdaynight’s awards banquet. Dixon was one of 13 seniors who received astanding ovation for their efforts during their varsity careers. Hedelivered the closing benediction.

“Marlon Dixon is the complete package,” said Ole Brook headcoach Tucker Peavey. “He has been a leader for us on and off thefield. Any coach would love to have a team full of players likehim.”

Dixon helped the Panthers post a 6-4 record in a massiverebuilding campaign after winning the Class 4A state championshipin 2004.

“These seniors are a great group of guys,” said Peavey. “Theyhad a tough job, especially trying to follow a state championshipseason. They showed a lot of class and leadership for us.”

Peavey said the senior class helped account for a 17-1 divisionrecord, two division championships and one state championship. Thelarge crowd gathered at the Lincoln County Multi-Use facility gamethem a standing ovation.

Other special awards went to Darion Smith, Best OffensiveLineman; Virgil Sanders, Best Defensive Lineman; Anthony Caffie andJerome Avery, Best Defensive Backs; Charles (Bobo) Rancifer, BestOffensive Back; Will Thibodeaux and Varis Kees, Therrell-TannerAward; Taylor Newman and R.J. Jenkins, Panther Award; and PatrickAyers, Scholastic Award.

Recognized as permanent team captains were Caffie, Sanders,Dixon and Montral Smith.

Ayers has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. He plans to attend OleMiss and pursue a career in medicine.

Looking back on the season, Peavey said, “We had a great yearbut it ended on a bad note when we didn’t play that well againstPicayune,” in the first round of the state playoffs.

Hurricane Katrina’s Aug. 29 arrival in Mississippi came threedays after Ole Brook’s season-opening 9-0 loss at Franklin County.The storm disrupted practice and pregame preparations for twoweeks, forcing cancellation of the South Pike game.

“Our guys hung in there after the hurricane,” said Peavey. “Weconsistently got better every week.”

Peavey thanked the volunteer doctors who served as teamphysicians. He also thanked the players’ parents for their support.”You have made our team successful.”

He also thanked the Booster Club officers and members forsupporting Panther football. Buddy and Sheri Thibodeaux serve asclub presidents.

“All of you have helped make Friday night on King Fieldspecial,” said Peavey. “It’s a great experience for the players andthe fans.”

Public address announcer Stan Patrick served as master ofceremonies. He commended the coaches for their work andleadership.

The Rev. Mike Brister, Ole Brook team chaplain, was presented aspecial memento at the banquet. Brister had sustained a leg injurywhen he was knocked into a sideline post during the Terry game. Thelaceration on his thigh required stitches.

One of Brister’s pants legs had to be cut away. The Pantherssigned the piece of cloth and it was mounted in a glass-coveredframe.

In making the presentation, Peavey smiled and said, “BrotherMike, you have to keep your eyes on the ball and move quick.”

Cheerleaders Honored

The state champion Ole Brook cheerleader squad was recognizedlast night. Sponsored by Amy Spring and Jerralyn Seals, the teamwill compete in national competition at Orlando, Fla., nextweekend.

Spring recognized five members of the varsity squad who werenamed to the All-American team last summer. They included KaylaFisher, Rachel Montalvo, Cally Moore, Lauren Grady and MaryCatherine McDonnieal.

Two freshmen, Lydia Warren and Claire Rae, were named to theAll-American squad last summer.