By By Matthew Nascone
The First National Bank &Trust decided to take football game sponsorship a step further in 2007 with the First National Bank &Trust Points Club.
The idea was the brainchild of FNB&T president Shep Marsh and it took flight this year to rave reviews.
"I think this program was a great idea," ECHS head coach Kyle Davis said. "FNB&T has been one of our biggest supporters since I have been here and this was a great way for them to show their support of the local schools. I hope to keep this great relationship going the next couple of years."
The schools involved with the points club were, Escambia County High School, Escambia Academy and Northview High School in the Atmore area, and Excel, Monroe County and Frisco City high schools and Monroe Academy also.
Each football program received $50 per touchdown and $25 per field goal scored during each home game of the 2007 season.
The big winner across the board was Northview, with a total of $1,300 donated to the school. The Chiefs scored 26 touchdowns at home to garner that check.
"I think this program is outstanding and we appreciate the support," NHS head coach Cody Keene said. "It is great for the bank to support high school sports like they do and we certainly appreciate all their efforts."
The Cougars grabbed a donation of $725 with 14 touchdowns and one field goal. The bank donated $650 to ECHS for its 13 touchdowns scored.
"It is wonderful that the bank would do something like this program," EA head coach Heath Gibson said. "It shows that they are active in the community and that is great that they are willing to help support the local schools."
The only other schools besides NHS to crack the $1,000 mark were Excel with $1,150 and Monroe Academy with $1,100. J.U. Blacksher received $800 and Frisco City and Monroe County each received $650.
FNB&T vice president Rene' Godwin said the bank was happy with the response to the program.
"I thought this program was well received by all the schools," she said. "This all started as a brainstorm of our president and it worked out well. But if any of the participating schools have any way we can make it better we would love to hear about their ideas."
Godwin and representatives from the bank traveled to the schools to deliver the checks in person Monday and Tuesday. Melissa Ward presented Keene, NHS athletic director Sammy Day and assistant principal Mike Sherrill with the check Monday. Kathy Holland presented the check to Gibson and some of the football players Monday.
Murlie Johnson accompanied Godwin to ECHS Tuesday to present Davis with the check.
Godwin said the plan is to continue the program next year since this year's program was such a success.