Enterprise linebacker Chris Moak made a major impact inEnterprise’s win over Gulfport St. John last Friday night.

Moak was credited with 19 tackles, earning him The DAILYLEADER’s Defensive Player of the Week award for the ninth week ofthe 2006 season.

“It’s an honor,” said Moak, referring to the award.

“Chris is a hard-working player,” said Enterprise head footballcoach Roe Burns. “He’s very dedicated. He’s at practice every dayand he’s a leader on the field.”

This was the first win for Burns over St. John in the past fouryears.

Moak, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 150 pounds, runs a 40-yarddash in 4.7. In the weight room, he bench pressed 275 pounds andsquats 365.

According to Burns, he moved Moak from strong safety to insidelinebacker. “Simply, because we were getting run over. He’s smallfor a linebacker but he does an extremely good job. He has no fear.He reads the key and steps up in the hole.”

Moak says he has enjoyed the move from strong safety to insidelinebacker.

“I like it a lot more,” smiled Moak. “I get to play the wholefield now.”

What if Chris Moak was 6 feet tall and 200 pounds?

Burns answered, “He would be a terror.”

Moak said he was pleased with his play against St. John.

“I thought I played pretty good,” stated Moak. “Coach told us togo out and play Friday. And have no regrets when we leave thefield.”

When asked about the Enterprise defensive line, Moak replied,”They started getting after it a little more. They move a lotbetter now.”

The starting line on the Jacket defense includes Zach Reynolds,rush end; Trey Boyd and Ky Mathis, tackles, and Jake Walker, noseguard.

Moak expects the Jackets to bring the strong intensity level toDexter this week that they had against St. John.

“We have to play the same way as we did Friday night,” explainedMoak. “It we do, I don’t think anyone can beat us.”

Burns said Moak sets a strong example for his teammates. “Chrisworks extremely hard. He has self-determination. He bounces offpeople and keeps on going when he carries the ball.”

Against St. John, Moak made his last home game one to remember.He rushed 22 times for 164 yards, including a 38-yard TD run in thethird quarter.

His parents are Vicki and Marshall Moak. Chris’ older brother,Zach, played football at Enterprise before graduating lastyear.

Away from school, Moak loves to fish.

Following graduation, Moak said he would like to attend college,but is still undecided on a major at this time.

Moak added, “I’d like to thank my coaches and teammates. And mymom and dad.”