Bobo Rancifer has made a name for himself as a sophomorequarterback for the Ole Brook Panthers. Rancifer has guided thePanthers to a 6-3 record and a berth in the Class 4A stateplayoffs.

In his latest outing, Rancifer rushed 15 times for 80 yards and2 touchdowns, helping the Panthers whip Lawrence County 35-0. Healso completed 9 of 14 passes for 137 yards and 1 TD, giving him217 yards total offense.

That performance has earned Rancifer The DAILY LEADER’sOffensive Player of the Week recognition.

Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey said he has been pleased withRancifer’s progress this year. “Bobo did a lot of stuff that ourquarterback needs to do. I think he is getting a lot morecomfortable with the game. He did a good job running the offensethe way we need to have it done in our system.

Peavey said running back Charles Wilson and the Ole Brookreceiving corps also played well against Lawrence County. “We hadsome guys who made some plays. Bobo’s a good athlete and he throwsthe ball well.”

Rancifer (6-1, 180) has been called Bobo since he was a yearold, thanks to a doting aunt. His parents, Charles and Tiffany,both BHS graduates, liked the nickname, too.

Over the season, Rancifer has compiled some impressivestatistics but he prefers focusing on team goals. “As long as wewin, I don’t care how I do.”

In 9 games, Rancifer has completed 73 of 146 passes for 963yards and 6 touchdowns, throwing 11 interceptions. As a runner,he’s gained 438 yards and scored 13 touchdowns.

The rivalry with Lawrence County has intensified over the years.Rancifer anticipated another hard-hitting contest.

“I knew going into the game that it would be tough,” saidRancifer. “I knew we had to play hard and physical.”

Ole Brook’s offensive line had to be completely rebuilt afterthe Panthers won the 4A state championship last season. Newstarters like center Taylor Newman, guards Skyler Smith and DavidNguyen, tackles Darion Smith and Jerry Dickey, and tight end SimmieYarborough have shown steady improvement.

“My offensive line did extremely well against Lawrence County,”said Rancifer. “Their defensive line was doing a lot of last-secondadjustments, and slanting. Our line picked it up real well.”

Asked about his favorite play, Rancifer said, 16-17 QuarterbackCheck. “It’s like a quarterback draw. I fake a run to the runningback. I get behind the tackle when he pulls.”

Looking ahead to Friday night, Rancifer said Picayune wouldpresent a strong playoff challenge for the Panthers. “Picayune doesa lot of blitzing and they use man coverage. We have to execute onoffense. Our receivers need to catch the ball well.”

His primary receivers are tight end Simmie Yarborough, widereceivers Montral Smith, Marcus Smith and Jake Williams. “Ourreceivers do a good job catching the ball.”

Overall, Rancifer said he was pleased with his team’s progress.The Panthers finished 5-1 in the region race. They are riding a5-game victory streak.

“We have to take it one game at a time,” said Rancifer. “Ourdefense is doing a great job, too.”

Asked about his favorite football player, Rancifer said he likesAtlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. His favorite college teamis Virginia Tech, Vick’s alma mater.

After the football season, Rancifer will move to the basketballfloor where he sparkles as a shooting guard.