At first glance, Brookhaven Academy’s Price Sessums doesn’t looklike a typical football player. There are no bulging biceps, bullneck and tree-trunk legs.

What the 5-foot-8, 155-pound junior does possess is uncannyquickness and explosive speed. His durability and toughness areexceptional, too.

In BA’s latest victory, a 35-21 win over Columbia Academy Mondaynight, Sessums rushed for 222 yards and 3 touchdowns on 13 carries.He also caught a 21-yard TD pass. That performance earned him TheDAILY LEADER’s Offensive Player of the Week award.

Awards are nothing new for Sessums. The youngest son of Kristyand Dr. Kim Sessums was the DL’s 2004 Offensive Player of the Yearon the All-Lincoln County Football Team.

“This was our first district game and that made it moreimportant,” said Sessums. “Our main goal is to make the stateplayoffs.”

The Cougars are 4-1 overall and 1-0 in District 4-AA action.They play at Silliman Institute in Clinton, La., Friday night.

Sessums, a veteran at quarterback, got his first start attailback against Columbia. “I had never tried tailback before. Thecoaches had confidence in me. The holes opened up and everythingworked out.”

According to Sessums, his offensive line blocked well. Workingin the trenches are left tackle Corey Bailey, left guard PatrickWallace, center Sawyer Smith, right guard Wesley Taylor, righttackle Chad Caldwell and tight ends Chip Wells and StevenCovington.

“They all did a good job blocking,” said Sessums. He had TD runsof 67, 93 and 30 yards.

A member of Faith Presbyterian Church, Sessums said he and hisfamily have been assisting with the group of Hurricane Katrinaevacuees who are housed at the facility. “My dad helps out with themedical side.”

In school, Sessums said his favorite subject is accounting,”because it comes easy.” In his spare time he enjoys playing videogames. He has joined an NFL Fantasy Football League.

BA offensive coordinator Andrew Hickman said Sessums is astudent of the game. “Price is a pleasure to coach. He studies thegame films. He’s a coach on the field. He can check off on the lineof scrimmage.”

Hickman said Sessums is an unselfish player. “He’ll do whateverit takes to help our team be successful. He was willing to trytailback in practice last week.”

BA head coach Ray Ishee has watched Sessums make steadyimprovement since he began playing varsity football. “Price hasalways been a good runner. His throwing game has improved alot.

“Price is really a tough kid for 150 pounds,” Ishee pointed out.”When he gets past the line of scrimmage and reaches the secondary,he makes people miss him.”

Sessums has two older brothers, Jake (quarterback) and Stewart(wide receiver) who played football for BA. He also has an oldersister, Joey, who is at Ole Miss with Stewart. Jake has transferredto Southern Miss.