The West Lincoln Bears needed a team effort to contain Dexter’sexplosive speed. Linebacker Kolby Burris helped the Bearsaccomplish that goal and they edged the Dexter Bulldogs 15-12 lastFriday night, ending a 20-game losing streak.

Burris stayed busy, making 11 tackles and recovering a fumble.For his efforts, Burris has been selected The DAILY LEADER’sDefensive Player of the Week for the eighth week of the 2006football season.

A versatile player, Burris (6-0, 220, soph.) works at defensivetackle, end and linebacker in West Lincoln’s scheme. He playedinside linebacker Friday night against Dexter.

West Lincoln head coach Brooks Burns said Burris is a teamplayer. “Kolby has a great attitude. He’s very unselfish. He hasplayed three different positions for us this year and hasn’tcomplained about it once.”

Asked about his favorite spot on defense, Burris said he likesmiddle linebacker the best. “You keep the blocks on your insideshoulder and fill the gaps. I like the all-out blitz the best.”

West Lincoln defensive coordinator Luke Addison said Burris hasa strong pass rush. “Kolby is a very effective pass rusher. He putspressure on the quarterback.”

Addison said Burris possesses the right mentality to playlinebacker. “He plays with a lot of heart. He will hit you when hecomes through the gap.”

Burris isn’t the fastest player on the team but he has a nosefor the football. He bench presses 250 pounds and squats with320.

Coach Burns said Burris has devoted himself to improving hisoverall strength. “Kolby’s strong. He has good leg strength andgood upper body strength.”

Working in West Lincoln’s defensive line are Lee Jones and JoshReno at end and Keith Jent and Cole Wallace at tackle. Burris isjoined at linebacker by Jamie Rushing, Nathaniel Pruski and KevinLofton.

The Bears’ secondary includes Jamie Byrd and Steven Adams atcornerback and Jeremy Byrd at free safety.

Burris is the 16-year-old son of Tyrone and Mandy Burris. Hismother played basketball and softball at West Lincoln. Hisgrandparents, Decatur and Sarah Rushing, have West Lincoln roots.He has a little brother, Lucas, 11, who plays tight end in the WestLincoln peewee football league.

“Our defense stepped up a lot against Dexter,” said Burris. “Wecontained the quarterback, kept him inside.”

Burris said the Bears should make another strong showing whenthey visit Stringer Friday night for a Region 4-1A test. “It feltgood to beat Dexter. Our team is getting better every week.”

He said he enjoyed playing for West Lincoln. “I like thecoaches. They’re teaching me a lot about football.”

Burris said he used to ride rodeo bulls for a hobby. He’s takenup a less violent pastime, hunting and fishing. On the footballfield, he enjoys hunting quarterbacks.

FAVORITES

Birthday: June 14, 1990.

Food: Pizza.

Dessert: Cake with ice cream.

TV Show: Buckmaster.

Movie: Junction Boys.

Book: none.

Subject: Physical education.

College: Auburn.

NFL: New Orleans Saints.

NFL Player: Teddy Bruschi.