Submitted photoThomas County Middle School football players, front row, left to right, Griffin Taylor, Adam Hopkins, Ricky Fulton, Tyler Floyd, and Aaron Witcher celebrate their 8th grade championship season with their coaches, back row, Jarell Jones, Cam Colvin, Philip Moore, Todd Wilson, Frankie Ponder and Ryan Manard.

On Tuesday, January 22, Thomas County Middle School held a banquet to honor its eighth grade football team for its championship season.

Thomas County Central High School and Valdosta State University graduate Gavin Wilson was the guest speaker. Wilson encouraged players by telling how he and fellow classmates Malcolm McLenton, Adam Choice, and Austin Bryant, who all once played football for Thomas County Middle School and Thomas County Central High School, recently ended their collegiate football careers with national championship titles at Valdosta State University and Clemson University.

“We have great coaches at all levels with championship experience,” said head middle school coach Lamar Landing. “When you have players who want to work, parents who are supportive, and administrators and board members who back the program, you don’t need to be anywhere else.”

Thomas County Central head coach Ashley Henderson said, “I’m really proud of these young Jackets and the season they’ve had on and off the field. They are the foundation of our program and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for us.”

Players were awarded medals that read, “Don’t just win. DOMINATE!” and signed letters of intent committing to the Thomas County Central High School football team.  

“These players know how to win and it’s time for them to step up to the next level and dominate every game,” added Landing.