When Dawson County Park and Rec sought nominations for a volunteer coach of the year, the criteria was simple.

The recipient of the Lombardi Award had to show great leadership, teach valuable life lessons and be dedicated to youth sports.

Josh Watson, a youth football coach with a 51-1 record, stood out above the rest, according to athletic director Kristi Creegan.

“It’s the way that he carries himself everyday. He never says he’s perfect. He just strives to do what’s best for the kids,” she said.

Watson said he was honored to receive the award, which is chosen by the park’s other coaches.

“It’s very humbling that they would vote for me,” he said.

Watson said the team’s success over the last few years is a result of the vision his coaching “family” shares.

“I’ve had an awesome group of coaches. It wasn’t like I had all the responsibilities,” he said. “We had six coaches that knew what they were doing and it wasn’t all on one man’s shoulders. We won it all together and we lost all together.”

Watson said he coaches because he believes football can change lives.

“I want to change kids’ lives and try to show a good Christian character,” he said. “I also want to try to teach them how to play and teach them that it’s okay to win, but to win the right way.”

Also honored Friday night were Coaches Patrick Johnson, Tim Waddell, Natasha Berry, Paige Sweany, Sara McCollum, Eric Toal, Jessica Edwards, Andrew Lovingood and Tina Brady.