Oh, what a night! Fox 6 All-Stars Banquet

12 players were chosen, one from each division 1A-6A for offense and defense.  My dark boy was the only JUNIOR in the group chosen for this honor. Of the other 11 players sharing the night with him, 7 had already committed to play football at the next level, for Murray State, Jacksonville State, Vanderbilt, Southern Miss and Alabama to name a few! 

Oh, yes, here's the nice hardware, but don't forget to enjoy the other photos from the evening!

In the parking lot knotting ties and touching up collars before the big show....

Guest speaker was DeMeco Ryans --played for Jess-Lanier High School, University of Alabama, was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and currently plays with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a great speaker, highly motivational and very down to earth.  After the banquet and photo opportunities, DeMeco took the 12 athletes into a room to talk with them alone, really nice guy. Very committed to making a difference and encouraging other young athletes to achieve their goals.

Next up on the two big screens, my dark boy's highlight reel  (Baby Girl was excited to see she made the highlight reel with him during one of the games this past season) and snippets from his interview conducted a couple of weeks prior to the banquet.

He did a fantastic job and everyone enjoyed his story of how he received the nickname "Tank"--given to him by his grandmother.

Head Football Coach did a great job as well, when asked to describe Tank in one word: "physical".  

On stage receiving his award, a bit nervous, but he did well.

The group of All-Star top athletes with DeMeco Ryans.  Look, I know I'm partial, but dark boy is the cutest and sweetest and best dressed and best smile of the whole bunch!!! Hands down favorite. :)

Of course we all had to have a few pictures made with

 THE 1A Offensive Player of the Year!!!

And of course all the kids could care less, dark boy is just one of them with a big gold football otherwise, but they did want a picture with DeMeco Ryans....not every day you get to stand with an NFL player!

And of course, Middle Child couldn't resist getting a single shot with his new BFF DeMeco.

Nor did he miss an opportunity to snap a quick shot with the pretty Fox 6 Sideline reporter for the news station.  He was quick to tell us that SHE asked for her picture to be made with him. :)

Note to self: when having your photo made with dark boy in the dead of winter,

try the tanning bed next time so you don't look so pasty white!

Couldn't be any prouder of this fine young man, the hard work he has put into using the talents God gave him, and his heart to try even harder in the classroom and on the field. A blessing indeed. Congrats Tank!

If you can receive Fox 6 news station out of Birmingham, Alabama, they will broadcast a condensed version of the banquet on Saturday, February 9th, 2013 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.  I'm not sure if the highlight reels and interviews of the players will be aired or what they will use from the evening, but it's worth a look!