MONTICELLO – Lawrence County faculty, coaches and family members honored football players and cheerleaders at an athletic banquet Thursday night in Lawrence County’s cafeteria.

Head football coach Jaymie Palmer thanked his assistant coaches, coaches’ wives and several others for their hard work and contributions to the team to this season.

“Everyone did a great job and played a huge part in our team success on and off the field this season. I just want to say thank you and I appreciate everything that everyone has done to help this season be a success,” he said.

Lawrence County finished 13-2 on the season, with a 5-0 record in the Region 7-4A race. The Cougars won the division championship and finished runners-up in the Class 4A South State championship.

Palmer and his assistant coaches handed out special awards that were voted on by the players. Each player received a participation certificate.

Several players were also recognized for their achievements in the classroom. John Rutland was the overall winner of the Scholar award.

Quitten Brown was recognized as the Most Valuable Offensive Player. Marcus Atterberry earned the Best Receiver award. Brandon Armstrong captured the Best Offensive Lineman award. Charl’Tez Nunnery received the Best Offensive Back award.

T-Tez Cole was voted the Most Valuable Defensive Player. Azar Myles earned the Best Linebacker award. Marcus Kees captured the Best Defensive Lineman award. Rykendrick Harness took home the Best Defensive Back award. Josh Stephens received the Special Team Player award.

Kejuan Brown was honored with the Cougar award. Blake Williams won the Kenric Grandberry “Heart of a Champion” award. Kemarcus Brown earned the Most Improved award. Oliver Moreman captured the Rookie of the Year award. John Rutland and T-Tez Cole were recognized as the teams’ Permanent Captains.

Athletic Director Corey Keyes opened the ceremony welcoming the crowd to the event that honored the athletes. Keyes gave the invocation. During the meal, everyone enjoyed a highlight film of the Cougars’ football season.

After the meal, LCHS Cheerleader coach Roshanda Alexander began the award ceremony and recognized her cheerleading squad. Even though Alexander did not hand out any special awards, she praised her girls for their efforts in having a great season. Several members of the cheerleading squad received medallions for a job well done in their summer cheer camp.

LCHS Principle Darrell Turner closed the ceremony thanking the athletes, coaches and families.

Lawrence County Football Awards 

Scholastic Award:  John Rutland

Best Receiver:  Marcus Atterberry

Cougar Award:  Kejuan Brown

Best Defensive Back: Rykendrick Harness

Most Improved:  Kemarcus Brown

Best Offensive Back: Charl’Tez Nunnery

Rookie of the Year: Oliver Moreman

Best Linebacker:  Azar Myles

Best Special Teams Player:  Josh Stephens

Best Offensive Lineman:  Brandon Armstrong

Best Defensive Lineman:  Marcus Kees

Kenric Grandberry “Heart of a Champion” Award:  Blake Williams

Most Valuable Offensive Player:  Quitten Brown

Most Valuable Defensive Player:  T-Tez Cole

Team Captains:  John Rutland, T-Tez Cole

All-Region 6-4A Selections

 Offensive Player of the Year: Quitten Brown

Defensive Player of the Year:  T-Tez Cole

All-Region First Team:  Brandon Armstrong, Kemarcus Brown, Rykendrick Harness, Azar Myles, Charl’Tez Nunnery, John Rutland, Blake Williams.

All-Region Second Team:  Marcus Atterberry, Kejuan Brown, Corbin Lewis, A.J. McLaurin, Oliver Moreman, Mark Rhodes, Josh Stephens, Will Thurman.

All-State Athlete of the Year:  Quitten Brown

All-State Linebacker of the Year:  T-Tez Cole