The newly crowned Class 4A state football champion Cherokee County Warriors and Class 3A state champion Piedmont Bulldogs were both formally honored on Monday morning.

Cherokee County defeated Jackson 31-27 on Dec. 4 for its first state championship. Piedmont defeated Cordova 35-28 in overtime on Dec. 3 for its first football title.

Both schools were presented their respective state championship trophies by Alabama High School Athletic Association Executive Director Steve Savarese. Several other special guests were also part of both ceremonies.

The Bulldogs’ gymnasium was Saverese’s first stop, followed by a short trip north on Alabama Highway 9 to Centre and the Warriors’ gym.

“We always enjoy these days where we get to come to our schools and see them at their best,” Saverese said. “This is just a way to recognize them. Students need to be uplifted. It’s a great uplifting to recognize them for their achievements. This is what builds school spirit and unity. It’s the entire community. It’s a big moment in these towns.”

Savarese also commended both schools for the class and sportsmanship they demonstrated while winning in Tuscaloosa.

“They’re two first-class programs,” Savarese said. “They conducted themselves with sportsmanship and won with dignity and honor. I think that speaks volumes.”

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While we’re on the subject of football, the Class 1A, Region 6 coaches recently selected their All-Region team.

Defensive Player of the Year went to Spring Garden senior linebacker T.J. Brittain. Brittain set the school record for tackles last season with 147 (85 solo, 56 assists). He averaged 12 tackles per game and also had two sacks.

Offensive Player of the Year went to Valley Head quarterback Greg Blansit. Gaston’s Swane Morris was named Coach of the Year.

In addition to Brittain, Spring Garden had all-area selections in Tyler Smart, Bryant Law, Trey Littlefield, Jake Scott, Casey Steward and Kaleb Morris. Panther honorable mentions are Corey Anderson and Brad Heath.

Cedar Bluff seven selections in Jim Nelson, Kyle Crane, Kai Wen, Nick Reed, Marcus Reese, Zach Taylor and Tyric Scales. Honorable mention went to Kyle Beck.

Gaylesville had five selections in Luke Murphy, Michael Zuber, Paul VanPelt, Levi Morgan and A.J. Dean. The Trojans also had two honorable mentions in Brian Sanford and Justin Jennings.

Collinsville had four selections in Sharrard Crawley, Justin Irvine, Ryan Chamblee and Dustin Johnson. Honorable mentions were Luis Perez, Shon McElrath, Tray Reed and Kenny Orr.

Gaston had eight additional selections in Collin Jarbo, Kyle Burnell, Dustin Isbell, Wes Patterson, Power Ragan, Jordan McCartney, Craig Brown and Demont Buice. Honorable mentions went to Nathan Pridmore, Adam Anderson and Josh Night.

Valley Head had three other selections in Ethan Crider, Gerry Bradbury and Zack Dean. Honorable mentions were Levi Hulgan and Derrick McMahan.

Skyline had two selections in Josh Beam and Chad Richey. Honorable mentions went to Chris Dulaney and William Perry.

Woodville’s Grant Ball rounded out the 2009 All-Region team selections.

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The Cherokee County Basketball Invitational gets underway on Saturday at the Gadsden State-Cherokee Arena. Admission is $5.

In boys opening-round games, Chattooga, Ga., takes on Sand Rock at 10:30 a.m. Glencoe faces Cedar Bluff at 1:30 p.m. Cherokee County takes on Gaylesville at 4:30 p.m., and Piedmont battles Spring Garden at 7:30 p.m.

In girls opening-round contests, Spring Garden takes on Chattooga at 9 a.m. Glencoe faces Cedar Bluff at noon. Woodland battles Sand Rock at 3 p.m. Cherokee County takes on Gaylesville at 6 p.m.

The girls championship is Tuesday at 6 p.m., followed by the boys tournament title game at 7:30 p.m.