In an apparent  first for DCHS football, a father and son have won the Most Valuable Player award.
Senior defensive lineman Eli Gill took the honor at the Tigers’ football banquet Saturday night, and his father, Darrell Gill was awarded the big trophy for his play in the 1987 season. Tiger Coach Steve Trapp presented  the trophy to the younger Gill, whose work on the line helped take the Tigers to the state play-offs for the third consecutive year in 2013.
Senior cheerleading Captain McKenzie Poteete was presented the Most Valuable Cheerleader award by Cheer Coaches Amanda Fuller and Sonya House.
The Coach Clay Edwards Memorial Tiger Pride Award went to Sarah Edwards, a senior manager and the late Clay Edwards daughter. Coach Trapp and Sarah's brother, Abram, presented the award.
The D.E.A.R. Award (for Dedication, Enthusiasm, Attitude, and Responsibility), went to Brooke Martin.
Other Tigers who took awards at the banquet included:
• Jonathon Munoz, Most Improved
• Lane Ball, Defensive Player
• Hunter Stone, Defensive Lineman
• A.J. Mooneyham, Defensive Back
• Patrick Spare, Linebacker
• Devonta Milan, Offensive Player,
• Cameron Rhea, Offensive Lineman
• Steven Jennings, Offensive Back
• Aaron Patterson, Receiver
• Matthew Poss, Special Teams Player
Other cheer awards included:
• Lexie Bates, Best Stunts
• Elizabeth Mason, Most Spirited
• Kaitlyn Roller, Best Jumps
• Carlee White, Best Dance
• Grace Odom, Most Improved
• MaKayla Redmon, Best Motions
The banquet was held at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center, and was sponsored by Liberty State Bank.
Additional photos are on page 3B.