A Prentiss Christian fan is now driving around in a new car after winning it at the first home football game Aug. 23.

The Prentiss Christian cheer squad was chosen as the Pine Belt Cheer Team of the Week by Michael “Duck” Griffith and Dean McCrary Kia.

Griffith has been recognizing cheerleaders in the Pine Belt for two years, but this is the first year he has had the contest to give away a car.

Griffith worked for the Universal Cheerleaders Association in college and wanted to make sure the area cheerleaders were given some recognition.

“It is not about me; I am trying to promote the cheerleaders and help them raise a little money,” said Griffith.

Each cheer squad sells $5 chances to win a shot at kicking for a car. One ticket is drawn from those chances and the lucky winner, or the cheerleader that sold them the ticket, can kick from the 30-yard-line.

Wade Mason’s name was drawn at halftime of the Prentiss Christian and Newton game. Mason had on flip flops, but as luck would have it, someone in the stands let him borrow their work boots. Although the boots were two sizes too small, Mason made the 40-yard field goal and won the two-year lease for a new 2024 white Kia Sportage.  This was the first game Griffith held the contest and the very first kick of the season.

Following Prentiss Christian, he went to East Marion, Lumberton and Petal, but Mason is the only winner so far. Griffith plans to visit JDCHS next month and sponsor their cheer squad.

Griffith also provides yellow ducks for the cheerleaders to throw out at each game.

While Griffith was playing golf in his twenties, he hit a duck hook, so the older golfers started calling him Duck. “Thirty years later, I waddle like a duck, so it still fits,” said Griffith.

Griffith is originally from Whitesand and attended Prentiss Christian when he was in high school. Rev. DeAndre Daniels, of Prentiss, is a co-worker of Griffith’s and was also at the game.