Brookhaven Academy senior Dusty Bratton is one of the keyreasons the 2004 Cougar football is undefeated with a 6-0 record.Bratton is a positive leader and believes this Cougar team can dobetter than have so far.

Bratton and the Cougars have won their last 10 games, going backto the final 4 from the 2003 campaign.

In last Friday’s 32-13 District 4-AA win over Columbia Academy,Bratton collected 8 tackles, returned a pass interception 34 yardsfor a touchdown and blocked a punt.

For his accomplishments, Bratton has been named The DAILEYLEADER’S Defensive Player of the week for the fifth week of the2004 football season.

“It’s an honor,” smiled Bratton who has played linebacker forthe last 3 years.

Bratton, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 190 pounds, runs a40-yard dash in 4.7. In the weight room, he bench presses 315pounds and squats 450.

“Dusty has good speed,” said Brookhaven Academy head coach RayIshee. “Dusty has good instincts because he has played there for along time. He’s a strong kid, a weight lifter.”

Bratton says he plays linebacker like a quarterback on defense.”I make sure we have the defenses called.”

Bratton credits good team play and hard work for the last week’swin over Columbia Academy.

“We had a lot of players step it up,” stated Bratton. “We had ahard week of practice.”

Joining Bratton in the defensive backfield are Chris Falvey atinside linebacker; Paul Davis and Steven Covington at outsidelinebacker; Cameron Achord at safety, and Cole Hodges and StewartSessums at cornerback.

“Dusty is really smart,” said Brookhaven Academy head coach RayIshee. “He’s got a 29 on his ACT. He knows defense. He’s been athree-year starter. He’s a leader for us. He’s an overachiever.He’s one’ of the reasons we are 6-0.”

Asked about being undefeated this season, Bratton said, “I reelreally good about it. This is just the beginning.”

Friday night, Brookhaven hosts Silliman Institute (0-5) forhomecoming. Bratton and his teammates are not looking past thewinless Wildcats.

“Silliman has played a tough schedule,” explained Bratton. Weare not going to underestimate them.”

Bratton had nothing but compliments for sophomore quarterbackPrice Sessums who stepped in and filled the big shoes of CollinsCase.

“Price Sessums has stepped up and played some good ball games,”Bratton said. “He stepped up and filled some big shoes like heneeded to.”

Bratton is the son of Doyle Bratton and Cathy Twiner. He has ayounger brother and a younger sister.

Other sports Bratton competes in is track. He throws the discusand shot put.

His favorite class is accounting, taught by Mrs. KelliAllen.

I”m going to college,” said Bratton. He said he would like toplay football at the next level.

Bratton said he likes to watch football on TV but he doesn’treally have a favorite college or NFL team.

“I’d like to thank Coach Ishee, Coach (Andrew) Hickman and Coach(Stephen) Cooksey, ” added Bratton. “All of the seniors havestepped it up. And a lot of the sophomores have really steppedup.

“This is the just the start of the year,” said Bratton. “We planon going all the way with them.”