The Calhoun Yellow Jackets had a banner season in 2011, winning their first state football title since 1952.

The team that defeated Buford 27-24 for the Class AA title in December at the Georgia Dome had loads of talent, especially in their senior class.

That talent was rewarded on Wednesday when nine players signed college football scholarships on National Signing Day.

“It’s always gratifying to see kids sign to play on the next level if that’s what they want to do,” said Calhoun coach Hal Lamb. “I’m really happy for all those kids.”

Signing from Calhoun and heading out of state was kicker Adam Griffith (University of Alabama), linebacker Alex Kirby (UT-Chattanooga), linebacker/ long snapper Trent Frix (Air Force), defensive end Reed Allen (Air Force).

The Jackets also are sending five to play at West Georgia, including Lamb’s son Ben, a receiver. Heading to play in Carrollton with him is linebacker Hunter Knight, receiver Chase Rierson, linebacker Gabe Freeman and offensive lineman Tyler King.

“This is the biggest signing class we’ve ever had here,” said Hal Lamb. “It’s fitting for it to come after winning that state title. This is a special bunch of kids, and it’s an exciting time for their families, our program and the community.”

Calhoun wasn’t the only area school to celebrate players taking their talents to the next level as Gordon Central had two players sign and Sonoraville had one.

The Warriors’ CJ Bell, who was a standout linebacker at Gordon Central, signed to play at Tusculum College in Tennessee, and his teammate Matt Chastain, an offensive lineman, signed as part of Mercer University’s first recruiting class as they restart their football program. (Mercer hasn’t had a team in 70 years and is scheduled to play again starting in 2013.)

“I’m excited because both of them get to get an education and play football at the same time,” said Gordon Central coach Chad Fisher. “These are both great kids, and these schools are getting some good players. The Gordon Central community is extremely proud of them.”

Over at Sonoraville, offensive lineman Noah Henson was the lone signee as he inked a scholarship to play at nearby Shorter University.

Both Lamb and Fisher said there could be more players from their programs to sign in the coming weeks.