Football, volleyball teams honored at annual banquet

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Andalusia’s football and volleyball teams held their annual fall sports banquet Monday night at the Bulldog Bistro.

Each program recognized players from both the junior varsity and varsity teams, along with players from each grade.

In addition, special awards were given to athletes that excelled during their sports’ respective season.

Since the basketball season is still in full swing, the cheerleaders were recognized as well.

Volleyball

The Andalusia Lady Bulldogs volleyball team capped off a successful season with an appearance at the Elite Eight state tournament in Birmingham last October.

Earlier in the season, Andalusia won its own tournament, was crowned Class 4A, Area 3 champions, and advanced to the sub-state round after finishing runner-up at the South Regional tournament in Mobile. The Lady Bulldogs then defeated Jemison at sub-state before falling to eventual champion Guntersville at the Elite Eight tournament.

The Lady Bulldogs finished with a 25-14 record.

Andalusia coach Angie Grimes presented individual awards for the seniors, permanent captains, offensive player, defensive player, academic (highest GPA) and most valuable player.

Seniors,

permanent captains

Airyesha Jenkins

Amber Anderson

Offensive player awards

Amber Anderson — Anderson had 192 points, 40 aces, 141 kills, 91 digs and 40 blocks. She was named to the Providence Christian All-Tournament team, AHS All-Tournament team and the All-State volleyball team in 2009.

A.C. Riley — Riley had 277 points, 80 aces and 950 assists as a setter, as well as 42 blocks. She was selected to the Dothan Eagle Super 12 team.

Defensive player awards

Shi’Amber Townsend — Townsend had 112 points, 40 aces, 150 kills, 51 blocks and 112 digs. She was an honorable mention on the Alabama Volleyball Coaches Association team and the Super 12 team.

Academic award

Amber Anderson

Most Valuable Player

Airyesha Jenkins – Jenkins had 150 kills, 135 blocks and 31 digs. She was the MVP at the AHS tournament, selected to the All-Tournament team and the Alabama Volleyball All-State team.

Football

In 2009, the Andalusia Bulldogs ended the season in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs.

The Bulldogs finished with a 6-5 record.

Players from each grade were given certificates and the six seniors were given their jerseys.

Andalusia coach Brian Seymore gave awards to players for most improved player on offense and defense, top offensive and defensive lineman, Bulldog award, special teams award, 2009 offensive most valuable player, 2009 defensive most valuable player, academic and permanent team captains.

Most improved player

Offense — Jahkelus Mathews

Defense — Joe Flowers

Top offensive lineman

Keontae Freeney

Top defensive lineman

Jacard Townsend

Bulldog award

Tyler Raines

Special teams award

Demetrius Reed

2009 Offensive MVP

T.K. Bullard

2009 Defensive MVP

Johnnie Jones

Academic award

Nate Mack

Permanent team

captains

Shane Dorsey

Aaron Norris