Three Dougherty football standouts sign

ALBANY — Sewonjai Henderson paused for a brief moment, then gathered his thoughts in front of his classmates in the Dougherty High School auditorium.

The senior wide receiver, who signed a football scholarship with Point University, spoke of how he quit after the death of his mother when Henderson was just in sixth grade.

“I was playing before she died, but I kind of stopped,” Henderson said. “I wasn’t feeling it anymore. But when she died, I felt like I needed to play.”

He was rewarded on Thursday.

A three-year starter at wide receiver for the Trojans, the 5-foot-10, 165-pound Henderson was one of three Dougherty standouts to sign letters of intent. Henderson joined linebacker Keithtavious Cobey in continuing their football careers at Point University in West Point, Ga.

Meanwhile, linebacker/wide receiver Terrius Whitehead decided to stay home and signed with Albany State.

The trio were leaders on a Dougherty squad that helped the Trojans back to the state football playoffs in 2016.

“I had butterflies, but I’m happy now to get it behind me,” Whitehead said. “It’s been a very good day. I’m proud.”

Whitehead, a 6-2, 215-pounder, is part of an Albany State signing class that coach Dan Land hopes will compete for playing time right away.

Cobey played on both offense and defense, but the senior made his mark on defense. The Albany Herald first-teamer and All-Region 1-AAA selection finished with 122 tackles with seven sacks. He also forced four fumbles.

The 6-1, 195-pounder said he’s excited to continue his career.

“Point University, why not?” Cobey said. “It’s a Christian college man, builds your character, it’s a great place to be.”

Dougherty coach Corey Joyner said the trio’s efforts were heavily appreciated.

“They had a big part because we knew this was going to be the group,” Joyner said. “When we get smarter as a team, we’re going to be better people. I just believe that smart people, they know how to figure things out. You don’t have to coach them as hard as you do guys who aren’t as academically-sound. This is a big thing for our program. We ended up sharing the title as city champs and we ended up making the playoffs. That was a five-year goal I set.”

Joyner said he could have several more players sign scholarships in the next few weeks, something the Dougherty program is excited about.

“It’s always a big deal because they get to further their education,” he said “You get to further their chances of getting exposed to something different. That’s our motto, we may not win many games, but we say we’re getting them out of the school. You have an obligation as a coach to help get them kids in school.”

Giving Henderson, Cobey and Whitehead a reason to celebrate.