Sophomore quarterback Price Sessums is becoming more comfortablewith each varsity game he plays at Brookhaven Academy. Sessumsstepped into the starting role for the 2004 season opener and madean immediate impact.

Five games later, Sessums (5-8, 145) was lighting up Woodvillewith his passing and running skills. He passed for 245 yards and 2touchdowns, rushed 1 yard for a TD and returned a kickoff 80 yardsto paydirt, directing the Cougars to a 47-13 trouncing of theWilkinson County Christian Academy Rams.

For his performance, Sessums has been selected The DAILYLEADER’s Offensive Player of the Week for the fourth week of the2004 football season.

Brookhaven Academy head coach Ray Ishee said he has watchedSessums develop into a competent quarterback. “Price is learningthe offense. He is becoming more attuned to what we are doing. Heis really throwing the football a lot better.

“He’s a talented runner but he has worked hard on his throwing,”Ishee continued. “He’s an exciting player to watch.”

Against WCCA, Sessums shouldered some additional responsibilitywhen senior running back Cole Hodges was injured early in the game.Hodges was kicking an extra point when a WCCA defender crashed intohim, causing a sprained ankle.

“Price had a good game passing the ball,” said Ishee. “It wasone of his best efforts. He was without the services of Cole Hodgesso he had to take on more of the game plan.”

Sessums was happy to share the glory with his teammates. Widereceiver Cameron Achord caught 3 passes for 115 yards. Paul Davishad 2 catches for 63 yards and 1 TD. Dusty Bratton caught a 23-yardTD pass in the fourth quarter.

“My receivers did a good job running with the ball after theycaught it,” said Sessums. “Cameron Achord turned a 15-yard catchinto 90 yards.”

Sessums said BA’s young offensive line is getting better withage. “They are blocking better every game.”

BA’s front line includes Chris Falvey and Trey Allred at center,Corey Bailey at left tackle, Chip Wells at left guard, WesleyTaylor at right guard, Chad Caldwell at right tackle and Davis andBratton at tight end.

Asked about his first kickoff return of the season, Sessumssaid, “It was a return to the right. It was a squib kick and Icaught it over my shoulder. I came back across the field and beatthe first guy to the (blocking) wall. There was a hole big enoughto run a truck through.”

Sessums said he enjoys running the offense which is overseen byoffensive coordinator Andrew Hickman. “I like the shotgun andspreading out the receivers. I can get outside and see thereceivers better. I have the option of running or throwing.”

His two older brothers, Jake and Stewart Sessums, have providedhim with advice. Stewart is a senior wide receiver and Jake was astandout quarterback, graduating in 2001.

“Stewart and I watch the game film together when we get home,”said Price. “He’ll point out things I should have done.”

His older brother Jake is a junior at Ole Miss. “I’ve watched ahighlight film my mother put together and it’s just amazing towatch Jake scramble,” said Price. “I hope I can do some of hisstuff by my senior year.”

The Cougars are off to a 5-0 start this year. They begin thedifficult stretch of District 4-AA games Friday night at ColumbiaAcademy. “Our team is doing a lot better than people expected,”said Sessums. “We have a good group of coaches.”

The son of Kristy and Dr. Kim Sessums, he runs a 4.5 in the40-yard dash. His father played basketball at Belhaven and his lategrandfather, Howard Sessums, was a multi-sport star at MississippiCollege, later playing minor league baseball.

In his spare time, Sessums enjoys playing sports video games. Heplans on making the basketball team as a point guard. He playscenter field in baseball.

Asked about his favorite college team, Sessums admitted, “I’mhard-core Ole Miss.” He enjoys watching Ole Miss grads DeuceMcAllister (Saints) and Eli Manning (Giants) play NFL ball onSundays.

BA fans enjoy watching Sessums play on Friday nights.