Brookhaven defensive end Larry Winters left a permanentimpression on South Pike quarterback Tavorrious Marsalis. He sackedMarsalis three times Friday night, helping the Panthers march to a20-0 shutout of South Pike at Magnolia.

Winters, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior, finished with 8 tacklesand 3 sacks, plus a caused fumble on Colee Field. He helped limitthe Eagles to just 160 yards total offense. For his performance,Winters has been selected The DAILY LEADER’s Defensive Player ofthe Week for the second week of the 2006 season.

“It felt good to beat South Pike,” said Winters. “I like puttingpressure on the quarterback. You have to come off the ballhard.”

Winters has made a strong comeback from knee surgery. He missed thefirst half of last season recovering from repairs to his leftknee’s ACL. In the weight room, he squats with 435 pounds and benchpresses 320. He runs a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash.

Winters said an extra week of practice helped the Panthers reboundfrom a 35-34 overtime loss to Franklin County in the season opener.”We understand more what we are doing on defense. Our youngerplayers are doing good.”

Winters was a member of the 2004 state championship team andproudly wears his championship ring on a chain around his neck. Twoof his buddies on the front line are Virgil Sanders and BartSias.

Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey said Winters made majorimprovements since the season opener. “Larry played a much bettergame this week than he did the week before. He played faster andharder. He has a good combination of size and speed.”

Winters is the 18-year-old son of Gail and Larry Winters Sr. He hastwo brothers, Jason and Craig Dean; plus a stepsister Crystal Clarkand a stepbrother, Courtney Clark, who is a varsity teammate.

Winters wants to play college football next year. His favorite teamis Southern Miss. In the spring, Winters stays in top condition bythrowing the shotput and the discus.

Wearing jersey No. 89, Winters has caught the attention of opposingteams with his strength and speed. Unbeaten Clinton visits KingField Friday night and the Arrows boast an outstandingquarterback.

“I heard their quarterback (Wesley Mounger) is fast and prettyquick, too,” said Winters.

He said he enjoys playing defense for Coach Rod Henderson. “I loveto be around him. He’s always teaching us new stuff.”

Winters also does well in the class room. His favorite subject ismath. In the NFL, he follows the Indianapolis Colts and defensiveend Dwight Freeman.