When opportunity knocked, Charles Wilson took advantage of it.In Brookhaven’s 48-6 Region 6-4A win over Terry last Friday, Wilsonrushed the football 22 times for 190 yards and a touchdown for thePanthers.

Wilson, a 5-foot-8, 170-pound sophomore, replaced injured seniorRonnie McNulty last Friday. McNulty is Brookhaven’s top rusher withover 900 yards but he sustained a shoulder injury the previous weekagainst McComb.

For his accomplishments, Wilson has been selected The DAILYLEADER’s Player of the Week for the seventh week of the 2004football season.

“It’s an honor,” smiled Wilson. “I appreciated getting thestart. It was tough. it was muddy and wet.” Despite the muddyconditions, Wilson didn’t fumble in the Terry game.

Wilson runs a 40-yard dash in 4.8. He bench presses 190 poundsand squats 356 pounds.

“Charles is learning as he goes,” said Brookhaven head footballcoach Tucker Peavey. “He is a hard runner. He has good vision. Hehas a bright future.”

Wilson was asked what he thought was the key to beating Terry.”We stayed on our blocks. We stuck with our assignments. The holesopened up. If 11 people do their job, good things will happen.”

The play Wilson scored his touchdown on was also his favoriterunning play. “8 sweep right,” he smiled. “The lines blocked.Fullback Garion Crockett blocked for me and I follow theblockers.”

Working in the offense back field are quarterback Jimmy Johns,and wide receivers are Bud Chatman and Brandt Hinton. The linemeninclude tackles Tyler Gatlin at right guard, Zach Ray at lefttackle, David Nguyen and Kody Perrett at right guard and AaronMoore at left tackle, Michael Thrasher at tight end and GrantMcDonnieal at center.

Wilson said the support he gets from the Panther offensive lineis important. “If our line does what they need to do, nobody canstop our running game.”

Wilson said McNulty has helped him a lot. “Ronny told me holdingonto the football is important. Always get positive yards.”

Wilson appreciated Coach Peavey giving him the start last weekagainst Terry. “He helps me a lot, He teaches me I’m not differentfrom anyone else. You play hard. You work hard. The way youpractice is the way you play.”

The Panthers know they have their toughest game of the seasonFriday night at Magnolia against the undefeated Region 6-4A SouthPike Eagles. “They have a real good team,” said Wilson.”They runreal well to the ball. They tackle well. We’ll have to do what wehave to do.”

His parents are Charlie and Brenda Wilson. He has a youngerbrother, Tyron, age 12. He and his family are members of the Mt.Wade Missionary Baptist Church in Brookhaven.

Wilson talked about some advice his father gave to him. “Hetaught me no matter what you play, don’t ever be scared ofanything. And have confidence in yourself.”

Wilson’s father was a standout running back for BHS in the early1970s. He signed a scholarship with Jackson State.

In school, Wilson’s favorite subject is biology II under MissTaylor.

Wilson’s favorite college football team is California. Hisfavorite NFL team is the Atlanta Falcons and quarterback MichaelVick is his favorite football player.

Wilson added, “I want to thank my offensive line and CoachPeavey for giving me the chance to run the ball. I’d like to thankmy family for supporting me. And thank God.”