Bobo makes the big plays

Published 6:00 am Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Whenever the Brookhaven Panthers needed a big play, quarterbackCharles (Bobo) Rancifer usually provided the heroics. Rancifer’srushing and passing skills powered the Panthers to an 8-2 recordand the Region 6-4A championship.

For his performance, Rancifer has been selected The DAILYLEADER’s Mr. Football and Most Valuable Player on the 2007All-Lincoln County Team. He is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior wholoves to play defense. He started at safety in theMississippi/Alabama All-Star Classic.

“Bobo has experience at quarterback and he has great athleticability,” said Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey. “He knows oursystem and he gets the job done.”

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Rancifer is one of three Lincoln County quarterbacks who enjoyedoutstanding season. Joining him on the DL’s Dream Team are DanielLofton of Brookhaven Academy and Seth Avants of Bogue Chitto, theDL’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Also in the offensive backfield are running backs Semmie Smithof Brookhaven and Donyea Dillon of Bogue Chitto.

The wide receivers are Simmie Yarborough of Brookhaven, AntoineSmith of Loyd Star and Jeremy James of Brookhaven Academy.

The offensive linemen who make the backs look great are DarionSmith, Quartez Lyons and Grady Autman of Brookhaven, PatrickWallace of Brookhaven Academy and Fred Tillman of Bogue Chitto.

The all-purpose player is Corey Dickerson of Brookhaven Academy.The return specialist is Donald Shorter of Loyd Star. Chris Lowmanof Brookhaven is the placekicker.

A 3-year starter at quarterback, Rancifer accounted for 929yards rushing and 806 yards passing. He completed 58 of 95 passesand 6 touchdowns. He rushed for 12 touchdowns. He also returned twokickoffs for touchdowns.

Big games usually brought out the best in Rancifer. In theBHS/Lawrence County game which determined the region championship,he directed the Panthers to a 43-32 victory, rushing the football18 times for 228 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also completed 4 of 7passes for 68 yards and 2 TDs.

Rancifer thanked the BHS coaching staff and his offensive linefor his accomplishments. “I couldn’t do anything without myoffensive line. Our coaches always have us prepared.”

He runs a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash. In the weight room, hesquats with 405 pounds and benches 260.

Rancifer also excels on the basketball court where he playedguard last year. He also runs track. He enjoys eating his mother’sfried chicken and banana pudding best.

In the all-star game, Rancifer intercepted a pass and returnedit for a touchdown.

Seth Avants (5-10, 165, jr.) was the catalystin Bogue Chitto’s state playoff season. He rushed the football for1,540 yards and 23 touchdowns. He completed 45 of 100 passes for727 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also punted for a 35.2-yardaverage.

Daniel Lofton (6-2, 175, sr.) made the switchfrom wide receiver to quarterback with remarkable ease. He rushedfor 845 yards and 7 touchdowns. He passed for 1,238 yards and 10touchdowns, leading the Cougars to the District 4-AAchampionship.

Semmie Smith (5-10, 175, soph.) enjoyed animpressive season for the Panthers. He amassed 1,485 yards rushingand 14 touchdowns.

Donyea Dillon (5-9, 170. sr.) helped lead BogueChitto to the state playoffs. He rushed for 904 yards and 12TDs.

Jeremy James (6-0, 170, sr.) was one ofLofton’s primary receivers at BA. He caught 20 passes for 483 yardsand 4 TDs.

Simmie Yarborough (6-2, 190, sr.) provided bigplays for the Panthers. He caught 28 passes for 435 yards and 5TDs.

Antoine Smith (6-0, 175, jr.) made big catchesfor Loyd Star. He caught 22 passes for 508 yards and 2 TDs.

Corey Dickerson (6-2, 205, sr.) made a comebackfrom shoulder surgery last summer and made several contributions tothe Cougars. He caught 32 passes for 431 yards and 4 TDs. He alsorushed for 230 yards and punted for a 34-yard average. He made 4tackles on defense.

Donald Shorter (5-10, 175, sr.) was used in avariety of positions at Loyd Star. He passed for 484 yards andrushed for 325, scoring 8 touchdowns. He also caught 5 passes for107 yards.

Chris Lowman (5-9, 140, jr.) used his soccerskills to become Brook’s placekicker. He kicked 3 field goals and30 extra points during the season.

Darion Smith (6-3, 250, sr.) is a 3-yearstarter for the Panthers. “Darion is smart player with a lot ofpotential to play at the next level,” said Peavey.

Fred Tillman (5-11, 260, jr.) is a 2-waylineman for the Bobcats. “Fred is our exceptional blocker and he’sa leader for us,” said Bogue Chitto coach Gareth Sartin.

Patrick Wallace (6-3, 290, sr.) was selected toplay in the MPSA All-Star Game and served as team captain for thevictorious South squad. “I know Patrick can play at the collegelevel,” said BA coach Bo Milton. “He’s been contacted by severalschools.”

Quartez Lyons (6-2, 275, jr.) was one ofBrookhaven’s most improved linemen this year.

Grady Autman (6-4, 255, sr.) was a strong,imposing force for the Panthers at tackle.