Every window inside of Straughn High School’s cafeteria was covered with senior football jerseys and cheerleader uniforms as the Tigers held their annual banquet Sunday afternoon to celebrate another incredible run to the Class 3A state semifinals.

SHS cheerleaders were recognized and given certificates for all of their accomplishments on and off the sidelines. All of the seniors were recognized as well.

The Tigers’ football team finished the 2013 season 10-3 overall, and in the state semifinals, where they lost 19-7 to Leeds.

SHS head football coach Trent Taylor thanked those — the solo cup designers, the Gridiron Moms, the Quarterback Club and his assistant coaches — who contributed to the team this season.

On the field, SHS outscored its opponents in every quarter this season.

“This was a group of men who worked extremely hard and worked together,” Taylor said. “No. 1 — they do love their school. No. 2 — they love each other and played just as hard as they can play.”

Taylor recognized each underclassman on the team with a certificate.

The head coach also announced that SHS senior Devin Scott finished fifth all time in team history in rushing; senior Johnny Owens finished first all time on the team for total tackles at 448; and Austin Bozeman finished third all time on the team for total tackles with 143.

Additionally, Taylor thanked the two managers, Brian Barnes and Cole Grant.

Then, Taylor said something about each of the 22 graduating seniors, who received a watch and a certificate of thanks.

Special awards were then presented to those players who stood out on and off the field.

Dalton Watson received the academic award; Steven Twitty received the Kevin Hutton Award; Owens, Nick Stepp, Watson and Scott were named captains; Owens received the Keith Schiver Pound-for-Pound Award; and Owens and Stepp received the Craig Franklin Leadership Award.

At the end of the banquet, three members of the Covington County Board of Education — Jeff Bailey, president; James Prestwood; and John Thomasson — presented each football player a miniature plaque replica of the Tigers’ state semifinal trophy.

When the banquet was all said and done, every senior present made sure they got their uniform that was hanging for all to see.