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McKENZIE (January 9) — The McKenzie Rebels celebrated a successful high school football season with a banquet Thursday in the MHS cafeteria.
Principal Kelly Spivey welcomed everyone, then senior Evan Jarrett delivered a blessing before a delicious meal catered by Big Daddy’s BBQ.
As everyone finished dessert, Spivey introduced cheer sponsor Lauren Flannery, who thanked supporters and said that her cheerleaders were “hard workers” who “really enjoyed cheering on the team.” She then recognized each cheerleader individually.
Head Coach Wade Comer then took the podium and said that it was “a special night for the seniors and the 2019 team.” He said he was very proud of their accomplishments, leadership, work ethic and teamwork and proud that they got the team back into the playoffs after missing the previous two seasons and advanced to the second round. On display was the legacy banner reading “2019 State Playoffs, 2nd Round” which will hang in the stadium. He called the seniors “a special group” and lauded the team for heading back in the right direction.
He said he was proud of the way the underclassmen responded to the pressure and demands. He advised them to look forward and not be satisfied and said, “They have big shoes to fill, but I expect them to be able to step up.”
He thanked all of those behind the scenes, noting that it takes a whole community to have a successful program. He offered appreciation to the Touchdown Club, Michelle and Van Vinson, Mark Anderson, Wayne Christian and the chain gang, drone operator Chad Brown, public announcer Larry Joe Smith, the cheerleaders, the band, the McKenzie Maniacs, the bus drivers, Jon Davis and Craig Lunn, athletic trainer Rob Eldredge, Baptist Ambulance Service, the newspapers, Jim Steele, the junior high coaches, Principal Spivey, the board of education and the coaches’ wives.
He introduced and thanked assistant coaches Randy Thomas, Chris Wall, Kentrell Diggs, Alex Hayes and Jerry Hayes.
Next, Coach Comer recognized each player and manager, and the other coaches presented them with a team photo and a certificate. Each player who played in at least half of the quarters during the season was announced as a letterman.
He lauded the freshmen, noting that as many started games this year (five) as had in the previous 24 years he’s coached at McKenzie. He complimented their mental capabilities and their willingness to show up every day.
Comer announced that senior Witt Mitchum was named to the Tennessee High School Football Coaches Association Class 2A All-State Team and noted that he has signed to play for Division I school Kansas State University.
Then, players were recognized who were named to the All-Region 7-2A team: Micah Austin, Chris Barnett, Logan Lyles, Kyle Maxwell and Witt Mitchum. Earning All-Region Honorable Mention were Evan Jarrett, Eli Surber, Will Latimer and Jordan Woods.
Next, the coaches presented individual awards:
Most Valuable Offensive Back — Micah Austin
Most Valuable Offensive Lineman — Kyle Maxwell
Most Valuable Defensive Lineman — Chris Barnett and Witt Mitchum