Junior Danny Powell and his Lawrence County Cougar teammatespulled off a big 14-7 Region 6-4A win over the McComb Tigers lastFriday night at McComb.

Powell (6-0, 175), who plays linebacker on the weak side, ledLawrence County with 9 tackles. He sacked Tiger quarterback DominicThompson on the final play of the game to preserve the win.

For his achievements, Powell has been named The DAILY LEADER’sDefensive Player for the fourth week of the 2004 footballseason.

“I feel good about it,” said Powell about being named DefensivePlayer of the Week.

Powell runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds. He has extremelypowerful legs.

“Danny can cover a lot ground,” added Lawrence County head coachMike Davis. “He can run laterally and move well. He has a lot ofathletic ability, too.”

In the weight room, Powell bench presses 185 pounds, dead lifts340 pounds and squats 380 pounds.

“Danny has struggled some running the ball but he really steppedup on defense,” added Davis. Powell is a 2-way starter forLCHS.

Powell said hard work has helped the Cougars achieve theirsuccess.

“Practice,” said Powell. “Everybody plays their positionswell.”

Powell listed his teammates on defense. They include KellyPowell, linebacker; J.P. Lewis, free safety; Chris Jefferson,strong safety; Stevie Carr and Taebyus Smith,cornerbacks; MichaelPreston, Keenan Barnes, Justin Lee, Thomas Marrero and KendrickMoore are the linemen.

New LCHS defensive coordinator Larry Courtney has enjoyedworking with Powell. Courtney was coaching at French Camp lastyear.

“He (Powell) is our best overall defensive player,” saidCourtney. “He has good speed and execution. He runs real well tothe ball. And he is a ferocious player.”

Powell said he has enjoyed working with Courtney. “He keeps uscompetitive.”

When asked about the Cougar defense allowing just seven pointsin the last three games, Powell replied, “Practice. And hardwork.”

Powell is approaching the game Friday with Region 6-4A leadSouth Pike as just another game.

“They are just another team to us,” added Powell. “We’ll getready for them.”

Powell says he will be running track for the Cougars in thespring. His favorite subject in high school is science.

Powell follows the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Former LCHSstandout Wayne Hardy plays fullback for Southern Miss.

In the NFL, Powell enjoys watching Atlanta Falcons quarterbackMichael Vick.

“I would like to thank God, my mother and my family for alltheir help,” said Powell.