MONTICELLO – Lawrence County head football coach Mike Davis andhis Cougar team had an exceptional year. LCHS finished 10-2 on theseason and captured the Region 6-4A title. The Cougars advanced tothe second round of the South State playoffs.

For his accomplishments, Davis has been named The DAILY LEADER’SAll-Area Coach of the Year.

“It’s an honor for my coaching staff,” said Davis. “Our guysdidn’t make it happen. Our staff is as great as I have beenaround.”

Serving as assistant coaches are Jesse Anderson, Jay Livingston,Eric Booth, Lester Magee, Cory Keyes and Cory Rogers. Clint Atwoodis a special assistant.

Having the same coaching staff for several years has helpedLCHS.

“The past four years, we’ve all been together,” stated Davis.”You start knowing how everybody thinks. It’s been a good fouryears. It’s like a family.”

This year, the Cougars were able to attain one of their goals,winning the Region 6-4A title.

“Our goal was to win the district,” said Davis. “Brookhaven andMcComb are always favorites. Things seemed to go our way at times.The kids prepared themselves every week. They played hard andconcentrated on hard-nosed football.”

One of the biggest games of the year for LCHS was themuch-anticipated matchup with their arch rivals, the BrookhavenPanthers.

“The Brookhaven night was a big one,” stated Davis. “You have togo through Brookhaven. It seemed like it was our night to win. Thekids played hard in the fourth quarter.”

His Cougars beat Brookhaven 63-21.

“Forrest Hill was special,” added Davis. “It was a very goodnight.”

Davis appreciates the support the Cougars receive from thecommunity. “I’d like to thank the student body. They were great.And all of our supporters. Our administrative has been supportiveof our athletics. And we have had good support from ourcommunity.”

Davis complimented his coaching staff.

Davis said the players are a special group who have stucktogether.

“Our kids, over the last three years, are a special group ofkids who have come through here,” added Davis. “They’ve all down toearth. They are team orientated. They work hard.”

Davis, age 43, is a Southern Miss graduate. He has been coachingat Lawrence County for 15 years. Davis just completed his fifthyear as head coach.