Three Isabella seniors are reaping the rewards of their successful high school football careers.

Blake Lawley, Hunter Mims and Willie Stacy all have opportunities to play college football, coach Lanny Jones said.

Stacy, a 6’1,” 215-pound running back and defensive end, has been accepted to The Apprentice School in Newport News, Va., where he will play Division III football.

“They saw him one day, and a few days later, they wanted to get him up there,” Jones said.

Stacy’s opportunity is one most college athletes only dream about. Because The Apprentice School is operated by Northrop Grumman, which builds commercial and U.S. Navy ships, students are paid to attend class instead of having to pay tuition.

Mims, meanwhile, will play at Huntingdon.

A three-year starter on the Isabella offensive line, Mims said he will likely play tackle in college also. Mims stands 6’1” and weighs 240 pounds.

Mims recently was awarded the $1,500 Dan Washburn Scholarship, which is given to a student who is going to college to become a coach.

“Football is a big part of it, but I’m going for more than just football,” Mims said.

Lawley is still undecided about his college destination.

He will likely choose between Huntingdon and South Alabama, Jones said.

“He can play linebacker and defensive end,” Jones said. “I just think he’s a good football player, period.”