Santa Rosa County's Big Three

Most young men dream of playing on Saturday’s while they are playing on Saturday night.

Wednesday, three Santa Rosan’s will get to fulfill that dream after signing national letters of intent on National Signing Day, which is the next biggest holiday to Christmas for them.

Jay, Pace, and Milton all got into the act, with two of the three going to Division I college football programs.

Wednesday’s kickoff occurred at Pace High’s new football field house and ironically it was the Patriots’ kicker/punter Greg Peranich who got things rolling.

Peranich committed to play next season for the Bulldogs at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala.

“They are looking at me to be more of a punter,” said Peranich, who has a career best punt of 59 yards. “But there is a chance I could do some kicking.

“But I didn’t get to this day on my own. I have been very fortunate to play with a great snapper, holder, and kick behind an awesome line blocking for me.”

The four-year letterman in soccer and three year varsity kicker kept the thought of kicking in college in the back of his head since he tried out for football as a kicker/wide receiver.

“I have been going to camps over the summer and have kept the thought of kicking in the back of my mind,” Peranich said. “The fact is there are only so many kickers in the country who are getting this kind of opportunity like I am (Wednesday).”

Pace coach Mickey Lindsey knows he is losing a weapon he depended on when it comes to Peranich’s strong leg.

“He has been a very key part to our program, with his kicking and punting” Lindsey said. “It is great to see him joining another fellow Patriot at Samford in Riley Hawkins.”

Peranich is excited about rejoining with his former teammate.

“When I went for my visit I could tell he was excited to see me,” Peranich said. “We only played one year together, but it was a great year.”

If Peranich does get to kick at Samford, he is looking forward to the taller uprights as a some of his kicks in games could have gone either way, including a four over time loss to Nease High School two years ago.

While Peranich kept the thought of college in the back of his mind, a young man in Jay grabbed the brass ring his senior year.

Tailback/linebacker Rush Hendricks had his mind made up a long time ago about his athletic career and college.

“College football has been number one for me and I told my mom and dad I would sign to play football if I got the chance to play Division I,” said Hendricks prior to committing to the University of South Alabama.

Hendricks is a member of signing class number two for Jaguars head coach Joey Jones, but the decision wasn’t easy for Hendricks who it appeared would get his dream no matter what.

“It came down to USA or Troy,” Hendricks said. “I picked South Alabama because I was going to be a part of getting the program started that should be a top of the line program in the next couple of years.

“The way Coach Jones has jump started the school, community, and fan base is just amazing.”

Jay head coach Elijah Bell knew this day would come, but as the door closes on Hendricks career at Jay, another one has opened up.

“I am real excited for Rush,” Bell said. “This is a great opportunity and he has everything mapped out ahead of him to achieve all his goals.”

Many thought Hendricks’ chances at college football could have been placed on hold during the game against Vernon after a horse collar tackle at the start of the second quarter against the Yellowjackets.

Hendricks missed several weeks due to a knee injury many thought was the end of his season.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen,” Hendricks said concerning the tackle.  “At that point I didn’t know if I was out for the rest of the season or what.

“I was hoping I would get the opportunity to come back. I think I got lucky it was not as bad as it could have been.”

In Milton many saw the tale of two seasons; a 5-0 start followed by an 0-5 finish.

But the hard work and effort of offensive lineman Kody Lunsford paid off as he earned his stripes to play at the next level.

Lunsford signed to play next season for the University of West Alabama Tigers.

“I am excited about this opportunity,” Lunsford said. “(UWA) has a chance this season or next to challenge for a national title in Division II.

“They have all their skill guys coming back and they are in need of a few lineman.”

That is where Lunsford’s signing could pay dividends.

During the last two seasons at Milton Lunsford has played tight end, guard, tackle, and even center for the Panthers.

“From here on out the skies the limit for Kody,” said Milton assistant coach Jason Summers, who doubled as Lunsford’s position coach. “It is just what he wants to put into it.

“I think it is an awesome opportunity for Kody. West Alabama plays in a great conference and they are really turning the program around.”

Listening to Lunsford, he has a chance to continue in helping with the turnaround, as the Tigers prepare for another tough year in the Gulf South Conference.

“They said I will have a chance to start as a freshman,” Lunsford said. “They are in need of a right tackle.”

So what directed Lunsford to West Alabama instead of a college like Carson-Newman, Delta State, or Weber International?

“During my visit to West Alabama it felt like home to me,” Lunsford said. “The people on campus and the team made me feel so welcome.

“I went on other visits, but at West Alabama they really made me feel like they wanted me there.”

The day after National Signing Day Lunsford watched fellow Panther lineman Blake McGee join the ranks of those who are college bound.