“I wanted to talk to them, I didn’t want to god a speech,” Ratliff said following the banquet. “I was thinking, if I was sitting in those seats and somebody came out and just read a speech to me, I wouldn’t take what he said serious. I wouldn’t believe a word he said. I thought I would share my experience, and tell them exactly how it is.”

The eyes looking back at the third-year pro told him that it might have hit home.

“Some of these guys have been through the same thing,” Ratliff said. “I’m just trying to prevent other guys form going the same route.”

Following the evening a large line gathered to shake hands and receive autographs from the ’99 state champion, but during the event it was all about the ’07 state champs.

After Ratliff’s speech McPherson handed out the only individual awards of the evening to Paul Johnson, Daniel Swain, Jamie Cornelius and Thomas Weekly for the top grade point average in their respective classes.

Each varsity position coach then acknowledged the players they coached, followed by the presentation of the championship rings.

Each player, coach, cheerleader and support staff, including each coach’s significant other was given a ring, which was funded by Pinnacle Prime.

“It was a good banquet,” McPherson said. “It was a really close-knit team. They gave it their all. They played as a team, that’s how we won it.”