Priceless package

Published 6:00 am Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Now you see him, now you don’t.

Brookhaven Academy quarterback Price Sessums often resembled thegreat Houdini. His magical, misdirection runs were deceptive.Sessums left tacklers grasping air as he darted past defenders,outran others and scored another touchdown.

For Sessums, his accomplishments are numerous. He led theCougars to an 11-2 record and a District 6-AA championship,realizing the highest win total in school history. Along the way,he accounted for 2,112 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns. He alsocompleted 51 of 116 passes for 1,074 yards and 13 touchdowns.

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It’s no surprise that Sessums has been selected Most ValuablePlayer and Mr. Football on The DAILY LEADER’s 2006 All-LincolnCounty Football team, earning the honor for a second straightyear.

Sessums (5-9, 160) accounted for 3,387 all-purpose yards. Ondefense, he made 40 tackles and intercepted 2 passes. In his 3-yearvarsity career, Sessums amassed over 8,000 yards offense and 111touchdowns.

“My three years have been a blast,” said Sessums. “I’ve beenfortunate to stay away from injuries. It’s been fun.”

Brookhaven Academy coach Bo Milton earned Coach of the Yearhonors on the All-Lincoln County Team in his first year at thehelm. He recognized the many talents Sessums possesses.

“Price is exceptional,” said Milton. “In my 10 years ofcoaching, he’s the most athletic kid I’ve coached. I’ve hadgame-breakers in the past, but nothing like him.”

Sessums is the reigning state champion in the 100 and 200-meterdashes. He was named Most Valuable Player in the MPSA All-Star Gameearlier this month.

Joining Sessums in the DL’s offensive backfield are Charles(Bobo) Rancifer of Brookhaven and Seth Avants of Bogue Chitto atquarterback. The running backs are Donyea Dillon of Bogue Chittoand Charles Wilson of Brookhaven, selected Most Valuable OffensivePlayer.

The wide receivers are Simmie Yarborough and Marcus Smith ofBrookhaven and Mario Addison of Bogue Chitto. Tight end is CoreyDickerson of Brookhaven Academy.

The offensive line includes Taylor Newman, Darion Smith andSkyler Smith of Brookhaven, Sawyer Smith of Brookhaven Academy andFred Tillman of Bogue Chitto.

The place-kicker is Brookhaven’s Will Thibodeaux.

All-purpose players are Chris Moak of Enterprise and Lee Jonesof West Lincoln.

The dream team was selected by the DL’s sports staff, with inputprovided by area high school and college coaches.

Sessums said the Cougars steadily improved as they marched tothe District 6-AA championship and the most wins (11) in theschool’s history. “A lot of senior leadership kept us together. Mywhole offensive line improved as the season went along.”

Sessums said the Cougars had good chemistry. “We had team unity.You can have talent and ability but if you don’t play for eachother, it won’t work.”

Looking to the future, Sessums said he wants to play collegefootball. He may walk on at Ole Miss.

Seth Avants (5-10, 150, so.) accounted for 29touchdowns in leading the Bogue Chitto Bobcats to the Class 1Astate playoffs. He rushed for 1,273 yards and 14 touchdowns. Hecompleted 102 of 192 passes for 1,798 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Charles Rancifer (6-2, 190,jr.) completed 92 of 170 passes for 1,455 yards and 15touchdowns. He rushed for 833 yards and 3 TDs.

Wilson (5-9, 180, sr.) rushed for 1,582 yardsand 27 touchdowns. He also returned 3 punts for 93 yards and 1TD.

“Charles has great vision and really sees the field,” saidBrookhaven head coach Tucker Peavey. “He made some longer runs thisyear, due to good blocking and being in the right place. He becamea better pass blocker, too.”

Donyea Dillon (5-8, 165, jr.) rushed for 741yards and 12 TDs, helping Coach Garreth Sartin’s Bobcats reach thestate playoffs.

Mario Addison (6-1, 175, jr.) was the leadingpass receiver in the county with 58 catches for 1, 273 yards and 7TDS.

Marcus Smith (5-10, 180, sr.) was a keyreceiver for the Panthers. He made 23 catches for 442 yards and 3TDs.

Corey Dickerson (6-0, 190, jr.) was a main cogin the Cougars’ offense. He caught 22 passes for 579 yards and 4TDs.

Will Thibodeaux (6-3, 175, sr.) used his strongright leg to make 9 of 10 field goal attempts. He made 44 of 45extra point kicks for the Panthers.

Taylor Newman (5-10, 230, sr.) worked at centerfor the Panthers. “Taylor plays with a lot of intensity andeffort,” said Peavey. “He did a good job in the middle for us,making calls.”

Sawyer Smith (6-2, 250, sr.) was a leader inBA’s front line., “Sawyer was a great snapper and blocker,” saidMilton. “He got real consistent for us.”

Fred Tillman (5-11, 240, jr.) was a leader onBogue Chitto’s line. “Fred was our best blocker and he has a bigbody, too,” said Coach Sartin.

Darion Smith (6-2, 245, jr.) was a steadyblocker for the Panthers. “Darion is smart,” said Peavey. “He moveshis feet well and has a knack for getting leverage on people.”

Skyler Smith (5-9, 270, sr.) developed into anoutstanding blocker for the Panthers. “Skyler improved as much asanybody this year,” said Peavey. “He moves his feet pretty well anddoes a good job with his hands.”

Chris Moak (5-9, 150, sr.), a 2-way starter forthe Enterprise Fighting Yellow Jackets, made the best of arebuilding season. He rushed for 871 yards and made 117 tackles ondefense.

Lee Jones (6-0, 190, sr.) was a stalwart forthe West Lincoln Bears. He was the team’s leading rusher and a toptackler on defense, too.

HONORABLE MENTION WITH DISTINCTION

Bogue Chitto: Keyouna Perkins, Bubba Bigner,Nick Noworyta, Robert Lewis, Trey Bales.

Brookhaven: Courtney Clark, Chase McIntyre.

Brookhaven Academy: Patrick Wallace, BrandonSmith, Daniel Lofton.

Enterprise: Trey Boyd, Rodney Barker, ZackJackson, Ky Mathas.

Loyd Star: Jared Rogers, Donald Shorter, GarryJohnson, Grant Britt, Nathan Schroeder, Justin Warren.

West Lincoln: Jeremy Byrd, Jamie rushing, KolbyBurris, Jamie Byrd, Cole Wallace.