The fact that none of the county’s four finalists brought back a winner’s plaque from the Alabama Sports Writers Association 2005 Mr. Football/Back/Lineman of the Year banquet in no way tarnished their respective gridiron achievements this season.

Cedar Bluff senior running back Jeremy Bryant, Cherokee County receiver Damion Chambers, Cedar Bluff lineman Austin Hayes and CCHS lineman Brad Weaver came up short in the final voting last Tuesday (Dec. 13) at Birmingham-Southern College, but each student-athlete was thankful for the opportunity to share the spotlight with other standout football players from around the state.

“I have to give credit to God, my family, friends, teammates and coaches who’ve helped me,” said Class 1A back of the Year finalist Bryant. “It’s their support that puts you in the position to succeed and get an award like this one.”

“I’d like to thank my coaches for teaching me and my parents for giving me the discipline I needed to make it this far,” said Class 3A Back of the Year finalist Chambers. “Of course, all the glory goes to God.”

“I had a whole lot of people that I’ve played with and who’ve coached me over the past years that I have to give credit for,” said Class 1A Back of the Year finalist Hayes. “I want to thank my friends, family and especially God for all the support that I’ve received to get to this point.”

“My coaches, my teammates and my parents all helped me become the player that I am, but it’s by the grace of God that I’m here,” said Class 3A Back of the Year finalist Weaver. “I’d also like to thank [CCHS assistant] coach [James] Blanchard, who really helped me out with my technique as a lineman.”

Huffman’s Andre Smith made history as the first lineman to be named Mr. Football. The Class 6A Lineman of the Year is considered the nation’s No. 2 recruiting prospect.

American Christian quarterback Chris Smelley was named 1A Back of the Year, while Autaugaville lineman Brian Motley was selected 1A Lineman of the Year.

Oneonta’s Anthony Mostella was named 3A Back of the Year, while Colbert County’s Jermarcus Ricks was selected as 3A Lineman of the Year.

Other winners included Southern Choctaw’s John Pascley (2A back), Southern Choctaw’s Brandon Anderson (2A Lineman), Alexandria’s Chris Evans (4A back), UMS-Wright’s Preston Dial (4A Lineman), Homewood’s Austin Hubbard (5A Back), Homewood’s David Ross (5A Lineman) and Hoover’s Cor-nelius Williams (6A Back)