Even in the abbreviated, hurricane-affected 2005 season the Bowling Green Buccaneer football team still managed to accomplish quite a feat, improving from 1-9 to a 6-3 record (4-2 in district play) and third place finish in their Mississippi Private School Association district.
The return of former head coach Gary Hendry helped to spark the turnaround, with a new attitude and focus on discipline for the young team.
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And with the improved play it comes as no surprise that the team is better represented on this year's MPSA 4AA All-District Team. The Bucs placed 14 players on the squad, including seven first-teamers.
Quarterback Chad Champagne, who struggled as a passer but proved to be a tough and durable option runner, was selected as the quarterback.
"He did as much for our football team as anybody did," said Hendry. "Chad had some injuries, and we were clearly better when he was in the game."
Joining him in the all-district backfield is running back Justin Jones, who averaged 103 rushing yards in each of the eight games he played. Brian Barber, who Hendry credits as one of the team's best playmakers at any position, made the first team at split end, while Grant Carruth was selected at offensive tackle.
On defense, tackle/end Carley King made the first team as did linebacker Michael Blair and defensive back Eric MaHorney.
"Eric was as good a cornerback as anybody I saw in our league," said Hendry. "Michael Blair moved to middle linebacker in the Centreville game and that made a noticeable difference for us."
Five more Bucs made the second team: tight end Nick Goings, running back Lee Hunt, offensive linemen Augie King and Lucas Lindsey and defensive end Tyler Varnado. Center Travis Mauthe and linebacker Jonathan Alford earned honorable mention.
King also earned a spot in the MPSA All-Star squad.
Even more encouraging to Hendry is the fact that six of the players selected are underclassmen that will be returning. With Carruth, Hunt, Augie King, Lindsay, Mauthe and Alford back he feels he has a good nucleus for 2006.
"I felt like for us, coming in here with these kids who went 1-9 last year, to go 6-3, we did a real good job getting these kids on the team," said Hendry. "It's a testament to how these kids played."
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