The Selma Times-Journal

Through it all, Southside running back Kevin Rowe just kept on running.

Rowe was rewarded for a stellar season by being named the MVP of the Dallas County All-Star football team during a banquet held Thursday night.

“Coming off last year, I knew I had to work real hard,” Rowe said. “We haven’t had the season we hoped we’d have, but you learn a lot when you lose. I think all of us have taken a whole lot away from this season.”

The Panthers have finished 3-7 the past two years, but Rowe has also had consecutive seasons of 1,200 rushing yards. He played everywhere except for the line for the Panthers, probably only because they averaged 6-foot-4, 280 pounds on either side.

“I have to thank my line. Without them, I wouldn’t be getting all this glory,” Rowe said.

Tim Wood, a graduate of Morgan Academy and former player at Auburn, offered words of encouragement during an introductory address. He also told the players a story reminding them they should be proud of their accomplishments, but not take themselves too seriously.

Wood started at linebacker for Auburn when the Tigers played Tennessee in 1980. His big moment came when he got his hands on an errant pass – and promptly let it hit the ground.

“Here I was, little old Tim Wood from Dallas County, starting at linebacker for Auburn; I was somebody,” he said. “Life has a way of humbling you.”

Donovan Lewis of Keith High took home the Scholastic Award with a GPA of 3.89. Teammate Brandon Waller was named Defensive MVP, and Southside quarterback Xavier Brown was named Offensive MVP.

Other members of the team were Andrew Mahan and Jeremy Powers of Dallas County High; Ricky Lewis, Donovan Lewis, Antonio McCall and William Pasley of Keith; and Marcus Ishman and Frank Vasser of Southside.