SAND ROCK – The qualities of a football team aren’t just limited to how well it knows Xs and Os. There’s also the manner in which it holds itself.

On Friday, a special presentation by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes was made to the Sand Rock football team in the high school gym for being selected as their “Sportsmanship Team of the Year.”

The award is voted on by area high school referees and FCA officials. The criteria for the award is the character and sportsmanship demonstrated by the players, cheerleaders, coaches, student body and fans.

Officials select a team each week during the regular season for the weekly honor and then present one team in a nine-county area with the overall award for the year. Sand Rock (9-2) won the weekly honor earlier this season.

On hand for the presentation were Grace Radio and FCA director Jon Holder, Gadsden Area Officials Association representative Terry Snow and FCA area representative Jamie Strange.

“This is a very special award,” Sand Rock head coach Russell Jacoway said. “Sportsmanship is a huge part of the game. I think this year we showed you can have class, you can win a lot of ball games and win championships and still show sportsmanship. That’s a reflection on our kids and our kids’ parents. I’m really proud of them.”

Holder offered his congratulations and challenged the rest of the Sand Rock athletic teams to maintain the character demonstrated by the Wildcat football team.

“Now, for every school around this part of Alabama for the next year, we’re holding Sand Rock High School up to say this is the best of the best as far as having class, sportsmanship and attitude,” he said.