MADISON- The moment his hand was raised, Drew Lawson felt redemption and his comeback nearing completion. The talented wrestler for Bob Jones High, one year to the day of suffering a horrific knee injury that ended his 2019-2020 wrestling season, defeated the state’s No. 1 ranked 285-division wrestler in a gut wrenching match.

Lawson edged Dawson Ray of Vestavia Hills in a hard-fought 3-2 overtime match giving the Patriot a perfect 8-0 record in this 2020-2021 abbreviated season schedule.

“I was confident in myself due to my training and ability, and when I had my hand raised as the winner, it felt great as I knew the match was going to be a tough one,” said Lawson.

The 6-foot-2, 285-pound senior two-sport athlete has also been named to the Class 7A, Region 4 All-Region Team in football as the squad’s starting center and second team 7A All-State selection. In addition, his recent participation in the annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic gave him additional time to showcase his football talents. His hard work and excellent participation in the elite game paid off as he was contacted by Southern Miss.

“They’ve talked to me and watched my play in the All-Star game and offered me a preferred walk-on status,” added Lawson, who wants to study education and exercise science. “I won’t make a decision until I get a chance to visit the Southern Miss campus.”

Lawson’s football teammates Brian Vaughn (DL, 6-3, 240, Sr.) and K.J. Fields (WR, 6-0, 180, So.) were also selected for the All Region First-Team.

For Lawson, the one-year comeback began last wrestling season when he was in a strong match versus Vestavia Hills. At preciously at 6:42 p.m. just 39 seconds into the second period, the heavyweight athlete went down with a torn ACL and meniscus and a strained MCL of his right leg. One of the most severe injuries an athlete can suffer ended his junior year of wrestling. He underwent surgery on Jan. 6 and the rehabilitation was underway.

“In some ways my comeback is complete as I went through all of the rehabilitation and recovery, which was really difficult, and played through the football season and earning All Region honors says a lot,” said Lawson. “I’m proud of being named to the elite squad in football, especially since I was named All-State after my junior season. This honor feels great, just to be recognized and to have my hand raised once again.”