By By Matthew Nascone
The fun began around 11 a.m. and did not end until a little after 1 p.m. The Northwest Escambia football program held its annual banquet Nov. 19 celebrating the accomplishments of the players.
Charles Williams, president of NWE, said the event was a fun time for the children and parents to gather and enjoy each other's company.
"It went real well," Williams said. "We had a large turnout of around 200 people. That is a good thing."
The event was held in the Northview High School cafeteria.
Williams said it was a good thing because the event was held on one of Alabama's sacred holidays, the Iron Bowl. Even with the Iron Bowl kickoff only three and a half hours from the banquet start time parents still supported their children.
The scene as the banquet ended, however, was a whole different story as people headed for Auburn.
Anyways Williams said he was happy with how the season ended up for all the teams in the program.
"Our Mites and Midgets won the most games, but I know everyone had fun playing football," he said. "And we gave every child an award because they all did a great job this year."
Williams said awarding every child is a good way to get the children to compete and know that their efforts were appreciated. Williams said the parents participated a lot this year and one in particular did a lot of work for the children.
"We gave our volunteer of the year award to Melissa Chavers this year," Williams said. "She went above and beyond what she was supposed to do. She was always helping us out on her own time."
Mite's coach David Bell presented the award to Chavers during the banquet.
The drop-off rate for the league this year was not extremely high and Williams said he was happy with that. He said the league started with 100 children and ended the season with 80 participants.
"We had a great turnout this year and we are excited for next year," Williams said.
A special award was given to Juniors team member Kenneth Hopper at the banquet. Williams presented Hopper with a check for $75 for his dedication.
"I watched him all year as he couldn't play in but one game because he was over the weight limit and his dedication was like no other," Williams said. "He suited up and practiced all throughout the season and that is respectable."
Williams said he was especially happy with the play of the Mini-Mites and Mites as they played Atmore last week and had a chance to go to the playoffs, but barely missed the cut off.
He said the children were disappointed, but they will try harder next season to get better and make it to the playoffs. Williams said he knows the children are waiting to start the baseball season in the spring time.