Junior linebacker Chase Raiford enjoys hitting and he is notafraid of being hit. Raiford, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs in at180 pounds, plays outside linebacker for Coach Ricky Deere’sEnterprise Yellow Jackets..

“I love the contact,” smiled Raiford. “If there wasn’t anycontact, it wouldn’t’ be that much fun.”

Raiford finished last Friday night’s game with 14 tackles and afumble recovery in the Jackets’ 42-20 Region 4-1A win over theStringer Red Devils.

For his accomplishments, Raiford has been named TheDaily Leader Defensive Player of the Week for the sixth week ofthe 2001 football season.

“I’m excited,” said Raiford. “I’ve wanted something likethis for a while. I was kind of surprised.”

Raiford runs the 40-yard dash in 4.7. In the weight room, hebench presses 250 pounds and squats 420 pounds.

“He (Raiford) can play anywhere on defense,” said Deere. “Heis a competitor. He loves to hit. He is always around thefootball.”

Last year, Raiford played noseguard. He was moved tolinebacker this year.

When asked about the Jackets performance last Friday againstStringer, Raiford was direct. “Our defense stepped it up. Stringerwas a tough, hard team. Our offense did better this week. Ouroffense and defense are getting better each week.”

Joining Raiford at linebacker for the Jackets are seniorBobby Smith at outside and senior Shermaine Vaughn at insidelinebacker.

In the Jacket secondary are Caleb Smith at strong safety,Monti Crotwell at free safety and Pierre Harthorne and Whit McGrawat cornerback.

Raiford also mentioned his teammates on the defensive line.They include Kody Burns at defensive end, Jamail Vaughn at tackle,Josh Pruden at nose guard, Dale Holmes at tackle and Rufus Allen atdefensive end.

‘We work well as a team,” Raiford said about the defense’ssuccess. “Our defense is a team effort.”

Raiford said that the team is working on their goal to makeit to the state playoffs this year.

“We are trying to get better ever day,” stated Raiford. Hesaid Coaches Deere and Leggett alternate working with the defense,one specifically on one thing like pass defense and otherareas.

Enterprise ((5-1, 4-0) has a big Region 4-1A game Fridaynight with the Natchez Cathedral Green Wave. Cathedral (2-3, 1-3)lost to district foe Mt. Olive 33-13 last week.

“We need to continue what we have been doing,” explainedRaiford about the game with Cathedral. “We must play ourbest.”

Raiford said he appreciates all the support he and histeammates get. “My parents support me in playing football. My wholefamily likes football. This is where I get my support and fromCoaches Deere, Leggett and Moak.”

Raiford also participates in varsity baseball. He playedcenterfielder last year.

Outside of school, Raiford said he likes to hunt and fish.He said he had no big kill or catch to tell about.

When he graduates from Enterprise, Raiford said he plans tocollege and hopes to play college football. He is unsure about amajor right now.

Raiford likes the Florida State Seminoles. In the NFL, hisfavorite team is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Linebacker Ray Lewis ishis favorite football player.