What Brookhaven senior Thomas Barlow lacks in size, he makes upfor in heart. At 5-foot-5 and 150-pounds, Barlow has become one ofthe key players in the Panthers’ success this season.

In last Friday night’s 28-6 win over the Humphreys CountyCowboys, Barlow led the defense with 11 tackles. He made a keytackle on Cowboy runner James Field behind the line of scrimmage atthe Panther 2-yard line, causing a fumble that was recovered byteammate Perry Brumfield.

For his accomplishments, Barlow has been named The DailyLeader’s’ Defensive Player of the Week.

Barlow said the recognition was appreciated but football isa team sport. “It doesn’t mean that much. It shows me that I amdoing well,” Barlow said.

Barlow runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 and is a member of thePanther track team. He bench presses 200 pounds and squats with 315pounds.

“He made a couple of tackles behind the line of scrimmage,”said Brookhaven head coach Greg Wall. “He made some big hits forus. Thomas is an aggressive player. He gets to the football well.He reacts real quick.”

“His responsibility was good on the toss-sweep,” added Wall.”His reaction is good.”

Barlow comes from a family blessed with athletic talent. Hisbrother is running back Marcus Corley of Wesson and his firstcousin is return specialist Tracey Barlow ofWesson/Co-Lin.

When asked about the improvements on the Panther defense,Barlow said, “Everybody came together.”

Coach Wall has been Barlow’s coach and Barlow appreciateshis help. “He gives us pep talks and does small things.”

According to Barlow, Brookhaven was well prepared forHumphreys County last Friday night. “We knew what they wererunning. They passed a lot. Two slots and one I-Back.”

Playing at cornerback, Barlow has to keep his eye open onthe passer as well as the runner. “A lot depends on the passes. Iplay the pass and the run.”

Barlow and the Panthers are preparing for a trip to CrystalSprings Friday and a matchup with the Division 6-4A Tigers. It isthe first division test of the season for the Panthers.

“We have to play the way we did last Friday,” saidBarlow.

Barlow’s favorite subject is mathematics. Followinggraduation, he wants to attend college and become a computerprogrammer.

If he has an opportunity to play college football, Barlowsaid he would like to pursue it. “I would like to play but it isnot my highest priority,” he said. “If I could get a scholarship toplay, then I would.”

Mississippi State University is where Barlow said he wouldlike to attend school.

Barlow’s favorite college football team is Florida State. Inthe NFL, he likes Champ Bailey of the Washington Redskins.