All-Lakelands Banquet

Blake was honored tonight for being selected for the 2008 All-Lakelands football team. Each position is filled by a high school football player from Greenwood, Abbeville, McCormick, or Saluda Counties in South Carolina. Blake was selected to be the punter on the defensive squad, with an average of 40.1 yards per punt. That's quite an accomplishment for a high school punter. Seven of Blake's other Ninety Six High School team mates were also recognized.

Newberry College head coach, Zak Willis, was the keynote speaker and gave a very inspirational speech. One of the memorable parts of his speech was the poem below:

When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'.
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say ."I am a Christian,"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble,
And need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak,
And need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed,
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible,
But God believes I am worth it.

When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches,
So I call upon His name.

When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not holier than thou.
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace somehow.