Southern Miss linebacker Antoine Cash (42), an Anguilla native, prepares to tackle North Texas running back Jamario Thomas during the Golden Eagles’ 31-10 win in the New Orleans Bowl on Tuesday. (Jon GiffinThe Vicksburg Post)

[12/16/04]NEW ORLEANS As Michael Boley hoisted his Most Valuable Player trophy following Southern Miss’ dominating 31-10 win over North Texas on Tuesday, a chant of “Boley, Boley, Boley” began to circulate through the throngs of Southern Miss fans.

It was a final tribute to the latest in a long line of supertstar linebackers that roamed the M.M. Roberts Stadium field over the last decade.

Tyrone Nix, T.J. Slaughter, Rod Davis and Michael Boley; all left a indelible mark on a defense consistently ranked near the tops in the nation.

“It’s funny,” Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower said after the game, “I just got off the phone with another great linebacker, T.J. Slaughter, saying he watched the game. You hate to lose guys like that, and Rod Davis and Michael Boley. But someone will step in and become a playmaker.”

Bower is not losing just one star linebacker. In Boley’s shadow for his entire career, former South Delta standout Antoine Cash also played his final game in a Golden Eagles’ uniform.

“Michael’s been my best friend ever since I’ve been here,” Cash said of Boley. “I love that guy. I wish him the best in his career.”

Boley stole Tuesday’s New Orleans Bowl, recording eight tackles, four tackles for loss two sacks and a game-changing interception return for a touchdown.

Cash, meanwhile, finished second with seven tackles and recovered a fumble to set up the last Golden Eagle touchdown.

“Antoine’s been a heck of a leader for this team,” Bower said. “He’s a do-right, work hard player. He’s one of my favorites.”

Cash played in every Southern Miss game after being redshirted his freshman season. He spent time as a safety, but had to be moved early in his career after his desire for the football found him out of position on many occasions.

He ended his career with 266 tackles and 8 1/2 sacks.

While most teams keyed on Boley, Cash became as consistent a linebacker as the team had seen.

“You have no idea how important that kid is to this program,” Bower said. “He’s a great player on the field, but also so valuable off the field as far as being a leader for this team.”

Cash grew up in Anguilla, playing for then-coach James Denson at South Delta. The 6-foot, 2-inch, 228-pounder ran for almost 1,400 yards as a senior in high school and played outside linebacker for three seasons.

“There are so many people there that I want to thank for supporting me my whole career,” Cash said of his hometown.

Cash helped lead a Southern Miss defense Tuesday night that held the nation’s leading rusher, Jamario Thomas, to two yards rushing in the second half and 92 total.

“We knew we were going to have our hands full, he’s a great back,” Boley said.

Following Boley’s acceptance speech of his MVP award, he and Cash lifted the New Orleans Bowl trophy, then embraced one last time on the field. Two more linebackers that will go down in the history of a football program known for its defense.

“I’ve had four great years here, with no regrets,” Cash said. “It’s been some really good years.”