Football: Brandon's Lima named top coach

By JOE SMITH
Published December 14, 2007

TAMPA - John Lima called it "humbling."

The Brandon football coach, accepting the plaque for the Billy Turner county coach of the year award Thursday afternoon, began his speech with a deep breath.

"Wow."

Lima, 39, led the Eagles to a district championship and 7-4 record this season. Brandon took two leads on three-time defending state champion Lakeland before losing in the region quarterfinals.

"The real award goes to the players and assistant coaches for putting in the commitment," Lima said. "They deserve it."

Lima was one of several award winners at the Tampa Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame.

Hillsborough assistant Steve Longfellow, 64, in his 42nd year coaching, received the Roland Acosta assistant coach of the year honor. Terriers coach Earl Garcia Jr. pointed out how Longfellow agreed to fund a scholarship for senior linebacker Marc Thomas, whose father, Earl, died in August.

Sickles coach Pat O'Brien accepted the team sportsmanship award. Turner awarded Chiefs assistant Ray Rairigh with a special award for his longtime contributions.

"Ray could be coach of the year, could be assistant coach of the year - any award that this association gives out," Turner said. "He deserves it."

[Last modified December 13, 2007, 21:28:35]