Enterprise’s Gerard Vaughn likes to hunt deer, squirrel andturkey in his spare time. When he’s on the football field, Vaughnis hunting touchdowns and rushing yards.

Against the Salem Wildcats last Friday, Vaughn rushed 10 timesfor 204 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Jackets to a 44-12triumph. He scored on touchdown runs of 3, 25. 47 and 98 yards. Forhis performance, Vaughn has been named The Daily Leader’sOffensive Player of the Week for the fifth week of the 2002campaign.

Vaughn (5-11, 227), said he was pleased to win the award. “I’mthankful. I want to thank my offensive line and fullback ChaseRaiford. They made some great blocks for me.”

Enterprise’s offensive line includes Matt Waldrop at center,Dale Holmes and Josh Tanner at guard, Marshall Morgan and BobbyLambert at tackle and Billy Reeves at tight end.

Vaughn leads Lincoln County rushers with 564 yards and 8touchdowns. He has 603 all-purpose yards.

“Gerard has improved a bunch in the last year,” said Enterprisecoach Ricky Deere. “He has gotten a lot bigger and stronger.

Vaughn benches 350 pounds. On the leg press machine, he hassurpassed 600 pounds.

“He has a lot better speed than most people think, said Deere.”Gerard has a lot of character. He’s one of our seniorleaders.”

Vaughn runs the 40-yard dash in 4.8. Deere said he can playnearly every position on defense, if necessary. This season, Vaughnis being used mainly as a running back.

Asked about his favorite play, Vaughn said he likes 44 and 46Power. “Chase (Raiford) and Terrell May go through the holes andblock for me. Then I fight for more yards.”

Looking at this year’s team, Vaughn said, “We want a winningseason. We want to meet our goals. We want to win the region and gopast the first round of the state playoffs.”

Last year, led by tailback Shermaine Vaughn, the Jacketsadvanced to the state playoffs. They lost to Puckett and finished7-5.

This year, Enterprise is off to a 4-1 start, a season-openingloss to Class 2A McLaurin marring their record. The Jackets are 3-0in region play, sharing the top spot with Vicksburg St.Aloysius.

“We have running and passing this year,” said Vaughn. “We have abalanced team.” His personal goal is to surpass his cousin’s(Shermaine) 1,200 yards rushing and 11 TDs of last year.

Vaughn’s favorite meal is fried chicken and cornbread. He saidoffseason work in the weight training program has helped himimprove his strength and speed. “You need to work hard in theweight room.”

How would Vaughn describe his Enterprise team to an unknowingopponent?

“I’d tell them they ain’t ready to play us,” answered Vaughnwith a grin.

Asked about school and his future plans to play collegefootball, Vaughn said he wanted to go to Southwest MississippiCommunity College. “I like science best.” His science teachers atEnterprise are Kathy McKone and Deere.

Vaughn said he likes to follow the Georgia Bulldogs ontelevision. Tampa Bay is his favorite NFL team and his favoriteplayer is Buccaneers’ fullback Mike Alstott.

Like Alstott, Vaughn is a powerful runner.