By Angie Ledbetter

South Panola had its second player of the year named to the 2011 Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen list as defensive lineman Temario Strong was named as the last on the list Sunday afternoon.

The Clarion-Ledger has been picking the top 12 football players in the state since 1989.

Strong 6’2”/220 pounds was the 20th player from South Panola to be named, giving the school the most players ever chosen. The school has had two players named on the list three other years.

His junior year Strong racked up 79 tackles, 14.5 sacks and recovered three fumbles.

Strong was surprised when he received the call from Tiger head coach Lance Pogue.

“I didn’t expect it,” he said. “I didn’t think we’d have two players on it. It’s a big honor because my cousins have made it. My uncle is Eddie Strong and my cousins are Chris Strong, David Conner, Marvin Burdette and Tig Barksdale.”

Strong credits his family for influencing him throughout the years.

“All my cousins made a huge influence on me growing up. They used to come pick me up and take me to the games so I could watch them play. I loved watching them play.”

Strong always wanted to play for South Panola since his childhood days.

“Since I was a little boy I always wanted to play. All the players that I play with now played together in a little league.”

Strong and some teammates were members of the Panthers youth football team.

Strong plans to be a leader his senior year.

“Leadership is the number one thing,” he said. “We have a lot of young players on our team this year that need leadership from me. I’ve got to step up and be a leader to those young players.”

Strong’s predictions is winning another national championship his senior year.

“South Panola has never done that so we want to win two in a row. We’re going to try our best to win it again.”

As far as summer workouts, Strong said he hass been working out really hard.

“It’s been good. All of us have been working out hard. The young players have been coming and working out hard also.”

The season could not come soon enough for Strong.

“I’ve been ready to start the season for awhile,” he said. “The team is going to depend on me a lot this year. Now making dandy dozen will make me work even harder. I know people will be looking at me more. I’ve got to be the best leader that I can and help my team work harder.”

Pogue said, “Strong is a three-year starter. He’s the best pass rusher I’ve ever coached. He has a non-stop motor that comes with a great attitude. He also comes from an outstanding family.”

Coach Eddie Maxon has been coaching Strong the last three years.

“Strong is a great person whose parents have done a great job raising him,” Maxon said. “He has always wanted to be a South Panola Tiger since he was old enough to watch and hear about his family members that played here. Right now he’s a good player that can be a great player one day as long as he keeps putting God first, stays obedient and stays focused. That means listening to his parents and coaches and being a leader for our football team on and off the field.”