“Pooooole!”

That was the response of the crowd Monday night when Brookhaven senior defensive end JaBoree Poole was named the team’s Most Valuable Player. The award culminated Monday night’s Brookhaven Football/Cheerleader Awards program held at the Brookhaven Parks & Recreation Department’s headquarters.

Poole, a Southern Miss commit, plans to sign with the Golden Eagles next Wednesday, Feb. 6. He also was a first team selection on the Mississippi Association of Coaches Class 5A All-State Team. He played in the Alabama-Mississippi Classic in December.

BHS head coach Tommy Clopton praised Poole’s accomplishments on the field as well as in the classroom. “There’s not a teacher in school that doesn’t think highly of him. The bigger the game, the bigger he plays.”

Poole also was named The DAILY LEADER’s Most Valuable Defensive Player on the 2012 All-Lincoln County Team.

Clopton welcomed the crowd, estimated at 250, to the celebration of BHS football. “Obviously, we had a lot of fun this year. I want to thank all of you for your support.

“Being an Ole Brook football player is a special thing,” Clopton added. He thanked his assistant coaches for their endless hours of work, and their wives, for their support.

The Rev. Phillip Hamilton provided the invocation prior to the meal. The Rev. Jason Holmes concluded the evening with the invocation. Both men serve as team chaplains.

Recalling the season, Clopton said, “We started slow but we finished strong. We started playing Panther Football about midway through the season.”

The Panthers finished 5-6 and advanced to the state playoffs. Clopton is the third head coach in three years at BHS.

Clopton recognized the 26 senior members of the squad. “These guys have been through three head coaches in three years. This group of seniors has stepped up. They are a great bunch of young men.”

Each senior received their white game jersey and a gift bag, provided by the Gridiron Club. Clopton presented letterman certificates to the players. Each player received a participation certificate and the line of recipients circled the room.

Clopton recognized Genoa Sartin and Austin Montgmery as winners of the annual Therrell-Tanner Award. It is named in honor of deceased coaches R.L. Therrell and C.O. Tanner, who coached many successful teams at BHS and Alexander respectively.

Marcus Coleman, sporting 96.95 grade point average, received the Scholastic Award. Poole and Zach Smith were recognized as permanent team captains.,

The Most Valuable Offensive Lineman Award went to Rayshun Smith. Justin Blue was named Most Valuable Offensive Back and Jonah Hill Most Valuable Defensive Back on a vote by team members. Hill and Blue played in the Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game.

Cheerleader sponsor Amy Spring recognized her 20-member squad and praised their accomplishments during the season and at summer camp.

Brookhaven Football Awards

Team Captains: JaBoree Poole, Zach Smith.

Most Valuable Offensive Lineman: Rayshun Smith.

Most Valuable Offensive Back: Justin Blue.

Most Valuable Defensive Back: Jonah Hill.

Most Valuable Defensive Lineman: JaBoree Poole.

Therrell-Tanner Award: Genoa Sartin, Austin Montgomery.

Panther Award: Norlando Veals, Rahjavian Fox.

Scholastic Award: Marcus Coleman.

Overall MVP: JaBoree Poole.

MAC Class 5A All-State Team: First Team-JaBoree Poole. Second Team-Fred Trevillion.

All-Region 3-5A Selections

Most Valuable Defensive Player: JaBoree Poole.

Most Valuable Running Back: Justin Blue.

Most Valuable Tight End: Genoa Sartin.

Most Valuable Wide Receiver: Fred Trevillion.

All-Region First Team: Zach Smith, Rashun Smith, Leo Lewis, Jonah Hill, Billy Thomas.

All-Region Second Team: B.J. Robinson, Markus Coleman, Anthony Wilson, Josh Thomas, Joey Williams, Greg McNulty, Marquis Price.

All-Region Honorable Mention: Rahjavian Fox, Treviaunte McDaniel, J.J. Stepney, Kardale Clark, Austin Montgomery, Chris Calcote.