Residents of Yazoo County are banding together to show support for the Yazoo County High School Panthers after they won second place in the MSHAA State Football Championship Game in the Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium at the University of Mississippi.
Yazoo County fans packed the stands to cheer for the Panthers in their first title game appearance. Students and alumni from public and private schools were there as well as representatives from local law enforcement and Yazoo businesses.
Becky Fisher, superintendent of the Yazoo County School District, said that they are proud of their students and coaches for their accomplishments.
"This was the first time in history that Yazoo County has gone to the championship," said Fisher. "Ken Gainwell was named Mr. Football for the first time. We got Coach of the Year for the first time. We are thankful and proud of our faculty and students."
Fisher added that the trip to Ole Miss to play in the stadium was a treat for the players, and she was pleased with the diverse group of people in attendance to support the team.
Juanita Collum, fondly known by all the players as "Grandma", has been supporting the players for years.
"When I began with the Panthers, they had a record of 1-10," said Collum, "They've come a long way. Some of the players shed tears after the championship game, but I think if they had won, there would have been tears there too.
"I really cant express how proud I am of the players and coaches," Collum continued, "I want the guys to keep their heads up and know that they made history for our entire county and for that we thank you."
Monica Gainwell, mother of Yazoo County star athlete Kenneth Gainwell, said she was happy for all the players on the team.
"I think it was a good season," said Gainwell, "All the boys worked together to get there. It made me feel so good! We didn't get the trophy, but in my eyes, we were champions!"
Sylvia Newman-Green, the mother of Yazoo County Panther Dontrell Green, said her family is proud of the young athlete.
"He has worked very hard to be a positive leader for his team. Dontrell is a special kid with a big heart who cares about how he makes people feel," said Newman-Green, "Yazoo County's Football team made history this year and we’re happy he is a part of it. We are proud of him because he works hard to do his very best! The football team has made all of us proud. "
Dustin Wadford, a deputy with the Yazoo County Sheriff's Department, has been following the team’s progress all season, providing motivational activities along the way.
"I would like to congratulate the Yazoo County High School Football Team on the phenomenal season they've had this year and becoming District and North State Champs of 2017." said Wadford, "The team as a whole truly united the biggest county in the state of Mississippi."
Yazoo County Sheriff Jacob Sheriff also had a few words for the team.
"The Yazoo County Sheriff's Department would like to congratulate the Yazoo County High School Football Team on a historic season," said Sheriff, "Victory is in having done your best. If you've done your best, you've won. Be proud of your accomplishments this season and God Bless."
