Brookhaven’s 2007 football team was cheered and applauded Mondaynight during the school’s awards banquet. Senior quarterbackCharles (Bobo) Rancifer was named the team’s Most ValuablePlayer.

Held at the Brookhaven Parks & Recreation Departmentbuilding located on Highway 51 North, the banquet was catered bythe Bowie Smokehouse. The conference area was decorated with redand blue balloons.

Stan Patrick, Ole Brook public address announcer and a schoolboard member, served as the emcee. He welcomed the crowd. The Rev.Mike Brister, team chaplain, delivered the invocation and blessingof the meal.

While the large crowd enjoyed their barbecue meal, they wereentertained by a video highlighting the Panthers’ 8-2 Region 6-4Achampionship season. The Panthers finished unbeaten (6-0) in theregion.

Cheerleaders were honored and recognized first, starting withthe junior varsity squad that was sponsored by Spanish teacherTiffany Strain. The varsity squad, sponsored by Amy Spring andJerralyn Seals, received awards and praise for their efforts duringthe football season.

“Cheerleading is a year-round sport,” said Spring. Sherecognized the squad’s 5 All-American Team cheerleaders. Springsaid senior Rachel Montalvo was invited to become a member of theNational Cheerleading Association staff after her graduation.

BHS head football coach and athletic director Tucker Peaveythanked the parents for allowing their sons to be part of thefootball program. He also thanked the school’s administration andprincipal Susan Chapman “who understands the unique demands ofathletics.”

Peavey said he appreciated enthusiastic support provided by theOle Brook Booster Club. Stan and Suzi Patrick, and Buddy and SheriThibodeaux were singled out for their efforts in directing theclub’s fundraisers.

“There’s no place like King Field on Friday nights,” saidPeavey. He thanked the volunteers who help inflate and deflate thegiant mascot, Prowler, which is set up in the end zone before eachhome game.

Peavey said Patrick did a tremendous job on the PA, plus runningthe jumbo message board video screen during games.

Thanks also went to the Brookhaven Police Department and localphysicians who provide medical assistance during the footballseason.

Each football team member was presented with a certificate and apatch recognizing BHS as the region champion. Peavey said he wascounting on the 44 ninth graders to make a big impact with thevarsity next season.

Peavey praised the 17 senior members of the squad. “Theyfollowed a great football team (2004 state champion) which hadseveral outstanding players.”

He said the senior group has compiled a 15-3 region record,which was labeled “a great accomplishment,” drawing a round ofapplause from the crowd.

Offensive line coach Mike Powell presented the Best OffensiveLineman award and it went to Darion Smith.

Defensive Coordinator Rod Henderson presented the Panther Awardto Bud Britt and Grady Autman.

Offensive coach Dustin Lott presented the Scholastic Award toAaron Ayers.

Special teams coach Eric Stokes presented the Best ReceiverAward to Simmie Yarborough.

Offensive coordinator Jaymie Palmer presented the Best OffensiveBack Award to Semmie Smith.

Trevor Brister presented he Best Defensive Lineman Award toCordai Henderson. Pat Hardy presented the Best Defensive Back Awardto Keyondray Powell. The Most Improved Player honor went to VictorBailey.

The Therrell-Tanner Award, named in honor of longtime coachesR.L. Therrell and C.O. Tanner, went to Powell and Ayers.

Peavey presented the MVP award to Rancifer. Yarborough, Ranciferand Smith were named to the Mississippi Association of CoachesClass 4A All-State Team. Rancifer and Yarborough participated inthe Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Classic last month, helpingMississippi to victory.

Elected Ole Brook’s Permanent Team Captains were Rancifer,Ayers, Yarborough and Smith.

In closing, Peavey challenged the team, “No matter what you doand wherever you go, treat people with class and respect.”

The Rev. Philip Hamilton of Mt. Wade Baptist Church deliveredthe closing benediction.