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Saints Honored at Banquet
Football
DeKalb Saints Football Banquet Award Winners - Pictured from left - Wesley Kent, Andrew Dakas, Alex Lemons, Wyatt Carter, Ty Webb, and Jordan Parker. Not pictured- Axel Aranda. Chris Tramel photo
Cheerleaders
DeKalb Saints Football Banquet Cheerleader Award Winners - Pictured from left - Allison Estes, Lily McDerman, Deanna Agee, Annabella Dakas, Madeline Martin, Macy Anderson, and Brylee Kirby. Chris Tramel photo

Saints Honored at Banquet

By Chris Tramel

 

The 2020 football season has been a challenge in more ways than one. During the time of Covid-19, the DeKalb Middle School Saints Football Team and Cheerleaders faced adversity this year both on and off the field. Though the season did not turn out the way had hoped, the teams came together last Friday night to celebrate the accomplishments they did have this year. 

 

Held at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center, the Saints held an awards banquet, where coaches honored their teams and individuals for their outstanding achievements. The Saints went 6-3 this season.

 

The Saints' Most Valuable Player award was split this year, going to both Ty Webb and Axel Aranda. Webb and Aranda were also named All-Conference. “We decided to award Co-MVP’s this year," Head Coach Justin Poteete told the crowd. "I feel like these two guys left it all on the field. They busted their tails each and every day and it has been an honor to coach them. I believe they have big futures in football if they stick with it and work hard.”

 

“I didn’t know what to expect coming in as far as kids who were going to play," hecontinued. "We had 43 kids in the beginning, who signed up to play, but then the Coronavirus concerns started and we wound up with 22 players, and they contributed to our program, and showed up each and every day."

 

"I am just blessed we were able have a season. At times we didn’t look our best while at other times we looked pretty good. We went six and three and didn’t accomplish what we wanted to but we had a chance and put ourselves out there. To our 8th graders I just want to say you left your mark and you set the foundation for the next group coming up.”

 

Other football players recognized were Andrew Dakas for Defensive Player of Year and All-Conference, and Jordan Parker for Offensive Player of the Year and All-Conference.
Alex Lemons was named Best Lineman and All-Conference, Wyatt Carter for Most Improved, and Wesley Kent received the Saints Award for Best Model Player On and Off the Field.

 

Saints Cheer Coach Janie Roberts named Annabella Dakas as Most Valuable Football Cheerleader during the banquet, while Allison Estes received the Most Improved award.
Lily McDerman was recognized for Best Jumps, Deanna Agee for Best Dancer, and Madeline Martin received an award for Outstanding Leadership. Macy Anderson was named Most Spirited, and Brylee Kirby got the Best Attitude award.