The 31st Annual Dallas County All-Star Football Banquet took place Thursday evening at Martin Middle School as players, their families and coaches from the three Dallas County high schools were honored.

The players were treated to a feast and a motivational speech by former Auburn star James Callier.

The 11-player squad were awarded trophies and special awards were given for Scholastic player of the year, offensive and defensive player of the year and MVP.

The squad, made up of seven linemen and linebackers and four backs included three each from Dallas County High and Keith High and five players from the Southside Panthers.

Representing Chris Raymond’s Southside team were: running back Tony Myles, Mr. Everything Daryl Watts, linebacker Gerarde Shanks, outside linebacker Michael Carter and nose guard Lloyd Perkins.

From Dallas County, linemen Clay Massey and Maurice Carter were chosen along with back Randall Browder.

Jimmie Richardson, Emmette Dukes and Glennid Gaines were named to represent coach Harry Crum’s team.

Massey took home the scholastic award for Dallas County.

Southtrust Bank presented Shanks with the Defensive Player of the Year award.

The Selma-Times Journal presented Browder the Offensive Player of the Year award.

Coca-Cola presented Daryl Watts with the County MVP award.

However, before the trophies were handed out, Callier spoke to the players about achieving their dreams.

Callier who was a Freshman All-American at Auburn and is from Miami told the players to be more than just football players.

Callier’s NFL dreams were sidelined by a knee injury, but he now works with young people.

After Callier’s talk and a brief prayer, the player were given their awards.

Coach Rick Bush presented to the Dallas County players first.

Linemen Massey and Carter were first.

Massey earned both player and scholar honors.

The President of Student Council, Massey has a 4.125 GPA and scored a 27 on the ACT to earn the scholastic award.

His play in the trenches earned the all-star trophy.

Randall Browder, a wing back and defensive back, also earned honors for the Hornets.

He finished with well over 1,000 all-purpose yards and scored 17 touchdowns.

Next was Keith coach Harry Crum who presented to the team’s outstanding linebacker Jimmie Richardson.

Richardson finished the year with 71 solo tackles and 44 assists.

He added seven sacks.

Richardson, who has drawn college interest, could be playing on the next level this fall.

Running back, defensive end Emmette Dukes got his trophy next.

Dukes had 800 yards on the ground and eight scores. He also recorded 76 solo tackles and recovered five fumbles.

A guard in the wing-t, Glennid Gaines stood out for Keith as well. He also was a monster on defense despite dislocating a finger.

Crum said he wrapped Gaines’ hand up, &uot;he looked like a crab,&uot; and the player kept going.

Twice this season, Gaines recorded over 20 tackles.

For Southside, coach Chris Raymond spoke with an obviously heavy heart as he prepared to travel to Mobile for a family funeral.

Watts, who ended up with over 2,000 all-purpose yards was first.

Shanks, who had his fourth 100-tackle season this year was next. The four-year starter is one of the best defensive players in the state according to his coach.

Perkins, a nose guard, drew double teams every night but still had 9 sacks.

Myles led the county in rushing with 1,221 yards and 9 touchdowns for the Panthers.

Raymond said the best thing about Myles is that the junior will be back next season.

Carter was the Panthers’ second player with 100 tackles this season and Raymond credited his improvement with making the Southside defense so strong this season.