In Jan. 24-30, 2008 issue
By Derek Aaron
Times Journal Sports Editor

The 2007 Russell County Mighty Laker football team held their annual end-of-the-season banquet last Thursday at Lindsey Wilson College’s Cramner Dining Center.

After a meal, Coach Bill Sharp wished the 13 departing Laker seniors the best of luck in their future endeavors and spoke boldly about his aspirations for the 2008 team.

The departing Laker seniors are David Wooldridge, Ray Ray Johnson, Cody Polston, Richie French, Timmy Coffey, Derek Popplewell, Heath Tarter, Derek High, Austin Lafavers, T.J. Ellis, Marcus Tucker, Zac Coffey and Andrew Thomas.

Mighty Laker assistant coaches Vince Stephens, Charlie Anderson, Ryan Richardson, Scottie Weston, Brad Crowe and Anthony Darnell presented numerous awards and gave praise to the players for their hard work on and off the practice field last season.

Academic awards were given to upperclassmen whose GPA was 3.5 or higher. Lakers that received Academic Awards were Derek Popplewell, Zac Coffey, Cody Polston, David Wooldridge, Heath Tarter, Cody Stephens, Bryon Ellis, Quinton Warriner, Bryce Bailey, Michael Lawless, Zac Scott, Austin Hill, Logan Clark and Chad Beard.

Receiving the freshman award for defensive lineman was Nathan Irvin while Jeron Hammond took home the freshman offensive back award.

The freshman offensive lineman award went to Jason Davis while Martin Cross took home the freshman most valuable player award. These four sophomores-to-be will no doubt contribute to the success of the 2008 Mighty Laker football team.

Varsity awards were given as well and the winners of those are as follows: Scout Team award – Chad Beard and Luke Burton. Defensive lineman award – Cody Polston. Linebacker award – Chandler McGowan. Defensive back award – Bryon Ellis. Offensive lineman award – Derek High. Offensive back award – Timmy Coffey. Wide Receiver award – David Wooldridge. Earl Aaron Award of Excellence – Heath Tarter. Coaches award – T.J. Ellis. Most Valuable Player – Bryon Ellis.

Ellis returns at quarterback for the 2008 season as a senior. The past two seasons he has accumulated more than 2,000 yards passing and with a crop of young receivers around him next fall, the future of Laker football looks bright.