Congratulations to the Morgan Academy Senators football team for bringing home the AISA State Tournament Championship. Selma should be proud to have a group of young men who have accomplished the ultimate goal in high school football. Selma should also be proud to have these young men showcase Selma’s talent on a state level.

If you ask any of the Senators, they will tell you that it wasn’t an easy task by any means. They, along with their coaches, would say that winning the state championship was downright tough to do. But with perseverance, hard work and a handful of talent, the Senators were able to bring the 11th football championship in 18 years to John T. Morgan Academy, according to the AISA (Alabama Independent School Association) Web site.

It could be said that this group was a special one, considering that a number of the seniors have played together on the football field since grade school. These athletes have developed bonds that are sure to carry on past the halls of Morgan Academy.

The lessons learned from being able to realize the pay off for hard work will embody the futures of many of these students. The teachings of discipline and character building will enable them to succeed in college and into the workforce.

It is important, though, to give credit to the teachers, coaches and parents for at least some of the success that this team has had. Without a strong supporting cast it is difficult, sometimes considered impossible, to win a state championship and even to win in life.

While we are giving out praises, there is a need to thank the community for their support. Just drive down Dallas Avenue and you will see the support Selma showed for their Senators. Banners streamed across our city this past week in addition to signs hanging in businesses windows carrying a common theme.

In honor of their accomplishments, the Times-Journal is working on a special edition to show ours and Selma’s appreciation for the feat of winning the state championship. Inside the edition, readers will receive a recap of the season beginning with the first game against Edgewood and every game since that surprising loss to their final game on Friday in Troy, Ala., inside Movie Gallery Stadium. The edition will also have a number of pictures illustrating much of the hard work and hard hits that helped them bring home the state trophy.

This edition will be one for parents and fans alike to hold onto for years to come. If you are a business and would like to show your appreciation, please call an advertising representative at 875-2110. The edition will publish in next Sunday, Nov.

27 Times-Journal.

Congratulations, Morgan Academy!

JESSE LINDSEY is publisher of The Selma Times-Journal.