Senior Bainbridge High School Bearcats offensive and defensive lineman Maurice Smith won the prestigious Thomas Livingston, Jr. Hustle Award, the highest honor a Bearcats football player can receive highlighting Tuesday’s annual football awards banquet at the Kirbo Center.
Former Bearcat Navy Lieutenant J.G. Smith died Nov.27, 1961, staying with his plummeting disabled aircraft to steer it away from a densely populated area near the Naval Air Station in Atsugi Japan. When he ejected from his aircraft it was too low for his parachute to open. The award goes each year to a player who demonstrates the same qualities of character, leadership, academic development and hustle that Lieutenant J. G. Smith demonstrated.
The most valuable offensive player award went to freshman running back Dameon
Pierce who had 910 rushing yards, averaged five and a half yard per carry, 51 receiving yards, 308 kickoff return yards and seven touchdowns.
The most valuable defensive player award went to senior linebacker Dalin Mack who had 61 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and four pass interceptions.
Bearcat Awards, which go annually to players who best exemplify the team qualities of constant production and doing what is right, went to senior offensive and defensive lineman Demetrius Edwards and senior defensive end and tight end Hudson Reynolds.
Academic awards for the highest grade point averages went to freshman Ben Moley and sophomore Clark Wiggins.
The Iron Man Award for outstanding play on offense, defense and special teams went to senior wide receiver and defensive back Victor Bodison who was first team All Region 1-AAAA, honorable mention All State and most valuable player in the recent Georgia-Florida Border Wars Game in Moultrie.
Hard hat awards for outstanding hustle, desire and hard play went to sophomore running back Malique Pate, sophomore lineman Ryan Adams and sophomore wide receiver Andre Jackson on offense and sophomore linebacker Donovan McCray, sophomore linebacker Tremayne Campbell and sophomore linebacker Lerone Broadnax on defense.
Academic awards for the highest grade point averages in the four classes were senior Hudson Reynolds, juniors Evan Oldaker and Curtis Keaton, sophomore Clark Wiggins and freshman Ben Mulkey.
Subregion B Awards were given to wide receiver Victor Bodison, offensive lineman Demetrius Edwards, defensive lineman Hudson Reynolds, linebacker Dalin Mack and punter Clark Wiggins.
Bearcats head coach Jeff Littleton thanked all of his players for their improvement during the past season. “We played hard and showed improvement every week” he said.  “I especially want to thank our seniors for their contributions and I wish them success in whatever field they decide to follow.”
Guest banquet speaker RV Brown, founder and president of Outreach to America’s Youth, Inc., and a former defensive lineman at South Carolina State University, challenged the Bearcats players to work hard in the class room, and on the field.
Brown, who wore a cap and gown to emphasize his message, said he is dedicated to spreading the gospel and helping youth, said students’ dreams start in high school.
“There are five things that you must do to be successful,” he said. “First you should have a positive attitude. Second you should be willing give your all in the classroom, in the weight room and on the practice field every day. Third you should accept responsibility for your actions. Fourth you should set your goals high and be willing to overcome obstacles to achieve them and fifth you should be determined to be the best person you can be every day.”
“When I went to South Carolina State University, I weighed 159 pounds. I worked hard in the weight room and became a 260-pound starting defensive lineman. You can achieve your goals if you are willing to work hard.”