Loyd Star linebacker Michael Britt described the Hornets’ 17-7win over Enterprise as a team effort. Britt played a major role inthe victory, accounting for 10 tackles, a pass interception and afumble recovery.

For his performance, Britt has been selected The DAILY LEADER’sDefensive Player of the Week for the second week of the 2004campaign.

“Our defense really stepped it up and did a lot,” said Britt.,recalling last Friday’s Sting Bowl. The Hornets concentrated onstopping Enterprise tailback Terrell May who had rushed for 156yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries in the Yellow Jackets’34-32 win over Wesson. He also had a 31-yard touchdownreception.

“We had a goal to stop No. 33 (May’s jersey number),” saidBritt. “He’s real fast and he runs hard but our defense did a goodjob stopping them.”

For the game, May was limited to 35 rushing yards on 13 carries.As a team, Enterprise managed just 40 yards rushing and 76passing.

“Our ends (Philip Maher, Justin Warren and Blain Reid) did agood jog squeezing him (May) down and keeping him inside,” saidBritt.

Loyd Star head coach Wade Henderson said Britt is an importantpart of his team, especially in leadership. “Michael is ahard-working kid. He not only leads verbally but he leads byexample. He’s very coachable. He’s one of my main leaders on ourteam.

“He’s a voice in the organization of our team,” Hendersoncontinued. “He’s a smart player also.”

Loyd Star’s linebackers stayed busy Friday night against theYellow Jackets. Outside linebackers Jared Rogers and Gary Johnsonhad 10 and 8 tackles respectively. Johnson also intercepted apass.

Britt (6-0, 192), a junior, plays an important role on defense.”I like playing middle linebacker. There’s a lot of hitting goingon.”

Asked about his pass theft, one of three collected by Loyd Star,Britt said, “The quarterback rolled out. I saw a back drifting outof the backfield. Somebody tipped it (pass). I barely caught it inbounds.”

Loyd Star defensive linemen Jared Reid and Kenneth Johnson attackle helped plug the middle. Johnson had 7 tackles. “They take alot of pressure off the middle linebacker when they do their job,”said Britt.

Henderson inherited a major rebuilding project at Loyd Star whenhe replaced Sidney Wheatley last spring. Henderson installed adisciplined off-season conditioning and weight trainingprogram.

“I like playing for Coach Henderson,” said Britt. “He’s got usin a lot better condition than last year. We are watching film andthat helps us a lot.”

Britt also played fullback against Enterprise and had 13 carriesfor 68 yards.

Loyd Star hosts a battle of unbeaten teams Friday night when theFranklin County Bulldogs (2-0) invade William E. “Sambo” SmithField.

“Franklin County has some real good backs,” said Britt. “We aregoing to have to work harder in practice to shut down the optionand the mid line runs. They’re all fast.”

Asked about his favorite team, Britt said, “I like some of theTampa Bay players, especially John Lynch. They always come up andhit somebody.”

He said U.S. history is his favorite subject. He plays centerfield in baseball. In his spare time, Britt enjoys fishing andhunting. He’s an active member in the youth group at Mt. ZionBaptist Church.