GHS football banquet honors team members
By Tommy Howard
thoward@gtowntimes.com
Glued to the tube, millions of people were set to watch Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday.
Meanwhile, a little earlier the members of the football squads at Georgetown High School recognized their own top players.
The kids, the coaches, moms and dads gathered in the commons area at the school for their annual football banquet.
Even though the team record for the 2009 football season was just 2-8, coach Tyronne Davis and his assistants agreed, it was a learning year.
The Bulldogs celebrated their time together, the games they played, won and lost, and the up-and-coming young men who will likely join the varsity team in the fall season.
Among those recognized were Brandon Lambert with the Academic Award, Darius Brown as the Tommy Smith Offensive MVP and Leshawn Cromedy as the Joe Isaac Defensive MVP.
Also recognized were: Tyler Marsh, offensive lineman; Leonard Leak, offensive back; Trenton Grate, defensive lineman; Jasmar Hayward, defensive back; Tevin Johnson, spirit award; Jason Myers, most improved; T.J. Drayton, coaches award; and Patrick Ward, most dedicated weightlifter.
Three Bulldogs were named to the All-Region Team: Leshawn Cromedy, defensive lineman; Darius Brown, offensive lineman; and Brandon Lambert, punter.
"Can't be selfish"
Pastor Van Arrington talked about the time he was so wrapped up in himself that he missed out on playing in a bowl game.
Clemson had an 11-0 record in 1981, and went to the Orange Bowl. They won the national championship over Nebraska that year.
Arrington was suited up, just knew he was going to have the play of the game and everybody would admire him, but he didn't get called on by the coach when he thought he would.
His daydream was hurt, his feelings were hurt and he took his helmet off even though he was subject to being called onto the field at any moment.
When the call finally came, Arrington told the Bulldogs, he ignored it.
"I got a dumb streak."
"The coach cussed me out. I was worried about me, not the team."
"I learned you cannot be selfish."
"When you're selfish, you can't be trusted. I learned the hard way.
"Be a team player. Build people up. Support others, and they will support you," Arrington said.
Look ahead
Coach Davis thanked the JV team for their hard work and their 7-3 season. "It gives us a lot to look forward to next year," he said.
Principal Mike Cafaro told the players "Don't quit. I don't care if it gets tough. Don't quit."