Vince Lombardi once said, “Football is like life. It teaches work, sacrifice and perseverance, competitive drive, selflessness and respect for authority,” all of which come together to form good sportsmanship.

The Opp Bobcats have taken Lombardi’s advice to heart, and were recently honored for their sportsmanship by the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

OHS was one of 97 schools that completed the 2011-12 school year without a fine or an ejection, and was recognized at the fifth annual AHSAA summer conference sportsmanship luncheon in Montgomery on Friday.

“We’re proud,” OHS athletic director Jack Whigham said about the award. “We’re proud of the way our kids behaved and the class they showed.”

OHS principal Ron Snell said the school received a $1,000 grant for making the list three out of five years.

“Al.com recognized these schools for star sportsmanship,” he said. “And they are very strict on the rules. You can’t call in late; your coach can’t get thrown out. It’s pretty remarkable.”

OCS superintendent Michael Smithart said it was “quite an honor.”

“I think it goes to show that the way we conduct business is good,” he said.