NATCHEZ — Education and hard work were the two major themes at the Natchez Falcons Mississippi Youth Football Association awards banquet.

It was the first year for the league, which consisted of three teams, the 6- to-8-year-old age group, a 9- and 10-year-old age group, and an 11- and 12-year-old age group.

Every player got a participation trophy and four players for each team got a special honor.

Awards were handed out for most improved player, sportsmanship and defensive and offensive most valuable players.

The 6-to-8-year-old awards were, Chadrick Woods, most improved player; Cedrick Green Jr., sportsmanship; Ernest Woods Jr., defensive MVP; and Jakarius Caston, offensive MVP.

The 9-and-10-year-old awards were, Gerald Wiley Jr., most improved; Kevontaye Caston, sportsmanship; Ty’Darrius Terrell, defensive MVP; and Samuel Butler, offensive MVP.

The 11- and 12-year-old awards were, Kedaja Blanton, most improved; Dakota Mackel, sportsmanship; Nehemiah Ford Jr., defensive MVP; and Jordan Johnson, offensive MVP.

Defensive MVP of the 6- to 8-year old team Ernest Woods Jr., 8, said his favorite part of playing football was tackling, which was key to him receiving his award.

“It was the first time I played other than in my backyard,” Woods said. “It was fun getting the uniform.”

But before the players received their trophies, they listened to Natchez High football coach Lance Reed, who was the keynote speaker.

Reed spoke about the importance of a football league in Natchez because it was an investment in the community.

“We need to put an investment in our youth,” Reed said. “This is it right here. (A football league) has been across town, but not on this side of town, and now it’s here. This is an investment in the youth of our community.”

Reed also spoke to the players about representing their community.

“You’ve got to step and represent the community and let everyone know we’re taking charge in our community,” Reed said. “Wherever you go, you should represent your community with pride and class.”

Part of representing the community is doing well in the classroom, and director Darryl Smith made sure that players were doing well in school.

In order to play in the league, players had to maintain a C average, and Smith went to every school that had students participating in the league and checked on student’s grades.

He handed out certificates at the end of the banquet to students who had an A average.

“We really stress education in the league,” Smith said after the banquet. “You can’t do anything in life without an education. Sports can only carry you so far. Everyone can’t play football or basketball, but you can succeed in life with an education.”

Smith said the first year of the league was a big success and he is looking forward to next season starting up in March.

“We had a lot of kids come out and learn the game,” Smith said. “They worked hard all year long. They played hard from start to finish. We can’t wait to get started next year.”