By JENNIFER JARVIS

WOODVILLE — Cheered on by family, friends, coaches and teammates, three Wilkinson County High School student-athletes signed their letters of intent on Feb. 5 for National Signing Day at the Wilkinson County High School gymnasium.

Freddie Byrd III signed his letter of intent to play football at Mississippi Delta Community College located in Moorhead. Byrd plans to pursue a degree in social work. In his senior year, Byrd was the quarterback for the Wildcats. He threw for 2,133 yards and rushed for 20 touchdowns. 

Anthony Thompson Jr. signed his letter of intent to play football with Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit. Thompson was a defensive lineman for the Wildcats last season. Thompson said he plans to study business at Southwest Mississippi Community College.

Marquise Robinson, who was highly recruited by all of Mississippi community colleges, signed his letter of intent to play at East Mississippi Community College in Scooba. Robinson played as the defensive back for Wilkinson County High School last season. Robinson said he plans to pursue a major in sports medicine.

Kenneth Brown, head coach of Wilkinson County High School, said he marveled at the leadership that all three of the young men displayed on and off the field. He said others should never give up on their hopes and dreams.

This past season, WCHS finished tied for first with Jefferson County High School in the MHSAA Class 3A-Region 7 standings with a 3-1 record against other Region 7 opponents. The Wildcats finished with an 8-3 overall record and played in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs against West Marion High School. West Marion won 56-6.