By Brad Greer
Pope Junior High School held its annual athletic banquet Thursday night in the school cafeteria. A total of 15 awards were given in football as well as girls and boys basketball. Guest speakers were Grenada High School Offensive Coordinator Curtis Hardy and South Panola head football coach Lance Pogue.

Hunter Sawyer received the Bulldog Award from Pope head football coach Houston Ealy to open the evening’s festivities.

The Best Offensive Lineman award went to Steve Sturgis while Garrett Barefoot took home the Best Defensive Lineman award. Gabriel Lloyd garnered two awards by winning the Best Offensive Player award in football and the Bulldog Award in boys  basketball.

Other winners included: Hunter Pitcher – Best Defensive Player; Tyler Galladay – Best Defensive Back; Austin Redwine – Best  Linebacker; Landon Fullilove – Academic Achievement Award.

Head girls and boys basketball coach Luke Kiihnl presented awards in seven categories. Bob Smith was named Best Defensive Player  while Cardarius McMurry won the Best Offensive Player award.

Laken McGee was named Best Defensive Player on the girls basketball team.  Moesha Benson  received the Best Offensive Player. Shelby Mitchell garnered the MVP award while  Makayla Mussleman received the Sportsmanship Award.