Linebackers Marlon Dixon and T.J. Qualls and safety OrlandasChapman were leaders on Ole Brook’s defense in 2005. They have beenrewarded with football scholarships to area community colleges.Dixon signed with Copiah-Lincoln while Qualls and Chapman joinedSouthwest Wednesday on National Signing Day.

Family and friends gathered in the BHS field house for thesigning ceremony. Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey praised thetrio for their contributions to the team. The Panthers won theClass 4A state championship in 2004 and advanced to the stateplayoffs in 2005, finishing 6-4.

“All three of them contributed a lot to our success,” saidPeavey. “I expect them to be successful in the future.

Ole Brook defensive coordinator Rod Henderson agreed withPeavey. “They are great kids. You couldn’t ask for a better groupof young men. T.J. played cornerback but he made a big adjustmentand moved to linebacker where he did a good job, too.”

Dixon (5-11, 180), recognized for his speed and aggressiveness,was named Ole Brook’s overall MVP at the team’s annual awardsbanquet. He also was named Most Valuable Defensive Player on theAll-Region 6-4A squad and Co-Defensive MVP on The DAILY LEADER’sAll-Lincoln County Team.

“It feels great to sign with Co-Lin,” said Dixon. “It will be agreat experience.”

The son of Renard and Shelia Dixon plans to major in computerengineering.

Co-Lin head coach Glenn Davis said he was happy to have Dixonjoin the Wolfpack. “Marlon has strong character and he’s a realgood player. We are counting on him being a team leader forus.”

Qualls (5-9, 200) was among the leading tacklers on the OleBrook defense. He said he was looking forward to playing forSouthwest.

“I’ve got a great chance of playing down there,” said Qualls.”Coach (Ryan) Ross (of Southwest) was like a friend to me,” duringthe recruiting process.

Qualls is the son of Victor and Terria Green.

Chapman (6-1, 175) starred in the secondary for Ole Brook. Heand Qualls also were named to the DL’s All-County defense andAll-Region.

“I’m excited to keep on playing football,” said Chapman. “I lookforward to playing at Southwest. Then I can go on to seniorcollege.”

Chapman’s mother, Carla Chapman Short, agreed. “I’m proud ofOrlandas. This is a good future for him.”

Chapman said he appreciated his high school coaches and theirleadership. He wants to eventually enter the coaching field.

“I love my high school coaches. I wish I could take them withme.”

Ross coached Chapman during his sophomore season at BHS. He andDoug Lucas of Southwest recruited him.

Southwest coach Dom Green and his staff have many positions tofill on defense. Their recruiting trips covered most of theMagnolia State.

“I think Orlandas Chapman is a hard-hitting free safety,” saidGreen. “We lost three of our four starters in our secondary.

“T.J. Qualls can help us at linebacker,” Green continued. “Werun a 3-4 alignment so we need a lot of linebackers and secondaryplayers. Both are blue-collar guys and they work hard.

“Coach Peavey has said a lot of good things about them and theycome from a great program.”

Green said that Southwest has signed Anthony Williams, adefensive back and wide receiver from Jefferson County.