Senior Matthew Delaughter and sophomore Michael Britt both playlinebacker for the undefeated 6-0 Loyd Star Hornet footballteam.

In last Friday’s huge 40-11 Region 6-2A win over archrivalWesson, Delaughter and Britt delivered 14 tackles apiece for LoydStar.

For their efforts, Delaughter and Britt have been selected asThe DAILY LEADER Co-Defensive Players of the Week for the sixthweek of the 2003 football season. This is the second time forDelaughter to be named Defensive Player of the Week thisseason.

Delaughter is still grateful for the recognition as DefensivePlayer of the Week. “I give all the glory to God. It is a greathonor. We are looking for improvement on the field.”

Britt was equally thankful. “I thank God too. We couldn’t do itwithout Him.”

Both players are members of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church.Delaughter is a leader in the Youth Ministry program.

“He (Delaughter) is some where around that 400-tackle mark for acareer record at Loyd Star,” said Loyd Star head coach SidneyWheatley. “He has great instinct. He reads (offenses) well. He doesa great job there.”

Delaughter (6-0, 200) runs a 40-yard dash in 4.8. In the weightroom, he benches 260 pounds, squats 430 and dead lifts 415. Britt(6-0,190) has been clocked at 4.7 in a 40. He benches 255 poundsand squats 370.

“He (Britt) started for us his freshman year,” stated Wheatley.”He has matured quickly. He is a strong guy in the weight room.He’s a very good athlete.

“He has been able to step in as a 9th grader,” continuedWheatley. “He has really stepped it up. He is a leader on defense.He has a great attitude. He doesn’t miss a practice. He hastremendous work ethic in weight room.”

Joining Delaughter and Michael Britt at linebacker is DuaneBritt. Barry Roberts and Josh Reed play ends on Loyd Star’s frontline. Cory Charpentier, Shaun Broxson and Justin Russell play thetackle positions.

Britt said he enjoys playing outside linebacker. “It’s fun beingout there. I was fortunate I got to play last year. Matthew hashelped with leadership on the field.”

Delaughter enjoys playing with Britt. “He’s coming around realgood. He’s aggressive. And he has gained weight (muscle).”

Delaughter talked about playing linebacker. “You have to havegood containment. You move to the football. You have to beaggressive and want to hit.”

Britt, who plays outside, explained his role. “You have to beaggressive and are expected to contain.”

Against Wesson last Friday, Delaughter and Britt had specialduties. “I looked for the fullback first, then the ball,” saidDelaughter.

“I take the quarterback or the option, then I contain,” addedBritt.

Both players expressed their views on the success of the Hornetdefense this year.

“Our speed and working together as a family,” stated Delaughter.”We have 9 of 11 players that can run a 4.9 (speed).”

Britt said experience has helped the Hornets succeed. “We havemore (players) back from last year. “It helps us with our speed. Wehave more starters back from last year.”

According to Delaughter, the coaches have worked on the defense,especially with making the players faster.

“They (coaches) have worked us in the weight room,” statedBritt. “We have worked extremely hard.”

Delaughter and Britt smiled about playing archrival Wesson lastweek.

“It was very different,” stated Delaughter. “You want to playhard and hit. It’s a good rivalry.”

“It gets you pumped up,” added Britt. “It’s just Wesson.”

Delaughter and Britt want to compliment the Hornet offense fortheir work last week. “(Juron) Collins and (Josh) Townsend havebeen outstanding.”

Loyd Star faces a road trip to Region 6-2A foe St. Andrew’sFriday night. Last year, the Hornets beat the St. Andrew’s Saints14-7. This year, the Saints have a new veteran head coach in DavidBradberry.

“They have a new coach,” explained Delaughter. “He has changedthe program. They have a strong defense. They like to spread it outon offense.”

Both players are members of the Region 6-2A champ Hornetbaseball team. Delaughter is the starting catcher and was .475 atthe plate last year. Britt plays both catcher and outfielder.

In their free time, Delaughter likes to fish. Britt hunts andfishes.

Delaughter is a fan of Nebraska. His favorite NFL player is JohnAlstott, fullback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Britt likes the Ole Miss Rebels and the Buccaneers.

Both players wanted to thank the coaches and their teammates. “Iwant to thank the coaches and our offense,” added Delaughter.

“I want to thank the team,” said Britt. “They do a good job.Townsend and Collins do a great job. (Quarterback Justin) Whatleydoes a good job passing.”

Delaughter knows that the Hornets haven’t reached their peak yetand still have work to do. “We have to improve. We’re not thereyet.”