FERRIDAY — In a packed Ferriday High School Gymnasium with students, coaches, parents and teachers watching, four Ferriday High Trojans football players signed their scholarships to continue playing football in college on Wednesday morning.

National Signing Day was held on Wednesday around the United States. This is a day where high school senior football players chose which college their going to continue playing for the next four years.

Tevyn Byrd, Roosevelt Davis, Kobe Dillon and Byron Milligan signed their letter of interests to continue their athletic and academic careers at junior colleges.

Byrd, Davis and Milligan all signed to play at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas for the Red Ravens.

“By them being on the same team, we can push each other to go hard,” Davis said. “If you go out state, then you will get homesick. With us staying together, we wouldn’t be homesick.”

During the signing day festivities, Davis’ mom, Atria Rushing, came around the gold and black curtains and hugged Davis. Davis said he was emotional because his mom showed up for the signing day.

“By her showing up like that, it really touched me,” Davis said. “She barely showed up to my football games because she had to work to make money so we can survive.”

Meanwhile, Dillon decided to continue his athletic and academic success at Hinds Community College in Raymond. Dillon said attending a junior college means that he will have a chance to prove himself and have more exposure to attend a Div. I college in the future.

Stanley Smith, Ferriday High School Football coach, watched as the four players from the LHSAA Class 2A state championship team signed their letters of intent. Smith said it’s huge to see all four of his former players continue their success at the next level.

“They were a big part of our program and the reason why we were so successful for the last year,” Smith said. “We’re going to miss them, but at the same time we appreciate that they’re gone, so they can continue to better themselves and be a huge part of our society.”

Lisa Abron, Ferriday High School Athletic Director, also watched from the side at the National Signing Day program on Wednesday. Abron said she’s all for high school student-athletes to continue with athletics in their careers.

“They’re our babies and we watch them grow up in four years,” Abron said. “It’s like your own child leaving and going to the next level. It’s awesome to see that.”