By REED DESALVO

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Students, faculty members, family and friends gathered in the Natchez High School auditorium Wednesday morning to recognize four football standouts continuing their academic and athletic endeavors.

Dalvion Jackson and Keenan Johnson signed scholarship papers with Southwest Mississippi Community College, while Travez Lyles and Gerald Wiley signed on with Mississippi Delta Community College.

“It’s just a blessing to see them move on to the next level because they really deserve it,” Natchez High football coach Henry Garner said. “They worked hard for this. They bring a lot to the table, because they have knowledge of the game and athletic ability. But they also have a lot of heart and a desire to be better.”

Lyles said it was a day he has been eying for some time, serving as a culmination of his work these past few years.

“It’s cool to see all my hard work pay off,” said Lyles, who will play wide receiver in college. “After all my years in high school, to finally get to go to the next level to play, I’m looking forward to it.”

Jackson said he couldn’t have reached this point without the guidance from his family and coaches and is eagerly looking forward to what the future holds.

“Everything is coming together,” the linebacker prospect said. “I like it. I’m very excited for college life. “

Wiley said he is all the more excited to share the experience with close friend Lyles.

The offensive and defensive line prospect is particularly looking forward to college life and showcasing his all-around talents at the collegiate level.

“(Lyles) is someone that I grew up with,” Wiley said. “I’ve played sports with him all my life. It’s going to be great to have somebody like that around … It’s a big day, and I’m just ready to go fulfill my dreams and get my degree.”

Johnson said he is proud of what he and his teammates have achieved and is fortunate to have the opportunity to set an example for those following behind them.

“A lot of people said we weren’t going to be anything,” Johnson said. “(Wednesday) showed them that we can amount to something … If (the younger players) work hard, then they can be right up here with us. I hope they do and I know they will.”

While Wednesday served as a day of celebration, the defensive end prospect said there is still work to be done in achieving future aspirations.

“We’re just chasing our dreams right now,” Johnson said. “College is going to be fun, but we have to keep our heads straight. We can’t do what everybody else is doing, because we’re on a mission.”