Brookhaven Academy quarterback Price Sessums is recognized asone of the most talented offensive stars in southwest Mississippi.His darting moves and explosive speed have made him a nightmare fordefensive coordinators in the Mississippi Private SchoolAssociation.

In his latest outing, a 35-20 win over Wayne Academy atWaynesboro, Sessums accounted for 4 touchdowns. He hooked up withCorey Dickerson on a 59-yard pass play. He rushed 52 and 47 yardsfor TDs, plus returning a punt 72 yards for a score.

That performance has earned Sessums The DAILY LEADER’s OffensivePlayer of the Week Award for the ninth week of the 2006 campaign.It is the third time for him to win the award this season.

According to Sessums, his offensive line creates large holes torun through and blocking protection on pass plays. “They’ve beenopening holes for me all year. They give me a place to run.”

The Cougars (8-1) are a close-knit team. They hang out together,especially on Thursdays and Fridays of game week. After practice onThursdays, they head for a local restaurant. On Fridays aftergames, they gather for a parent-sponsored party at varioushomes.

Sessums (5-9, 160) and his teammates watched the movie, “Rudy,”during the long bus ride to Waynesboro. Inspired by the movie, theyrebounded from their first loss of the season and jumped on Wayne,leading 35-6 at halftime.

Sessums finished with 365 all-purpose yards. He rushed for 130yards. He completed 6 of 8 passes for 124 yards. He also had 3kickoff returns for 111 yards.

Coach Bo Milton praised his quarterback’s performance againstWayne Academy. “Price had one of his most consistent games forus.

“Price has done everything we’ve asked him to do with hisoffense,” Milton continued. “He’s kind of letting things happen.He’s not trying to force things.”

For the season, Sessums has accumulated over 1,400 yards rushingand chalked up 20 touchdowns. He has thrown 9 touchdown passes. Healso has four returns for touchdowns: two punts, one kickoff andone interception return.

Sessums said he hopes to play college football. He’s followedthe Ole Miss Rebels for several years.

The 17-year-old son of Kristy and Dr. Kim Sessums, he is theyoungest of three brothers and one sister. Jake played quarterbackand graduated from BA in 2001. Stewart, a 2005 grad, was a widereceiver when Price was a sophomore. Sister Joey graduated in2002.

His father played basketball and Forest High School and BelhavenCollege. He has enjoyed watching his sons grow up and play footballfor the Cougars.

“My dad said he regrets not playing football in high school,”said Sessums. “He really enjoys watching us play.”

A 3-year starter at quarterback, Sessums has shown steadyimprovement. He bench presses 225 pounds and squats with 340. Atthe Ole Miss football camp last summer, he ran a swift 4.5 in the40-yard dash.

As a junior, Sessums won the Class AA state track championshipsin the 100 and 200-meter dashes.

Working under a new coaching staff this season, Sessums and theCougars got off to a 7-0 start before absorbing a 21-20 upset lossat Adams County Christian School in Natchez. Milton and Barry Grayrun the offense. Stephen Cooksey directs the defense.

“Coach Milton is enthusiastic,” said Sessums. “He gets on to youa lot but he gets his point across in a fun way.”

BA senior center Sawyer Smith said the offensive line enjoysseeing Sessums score touchdowns. “We don’t get much attention butit’s important when Price scores. It feels good.”

Senior right guard Russ Thames is enjoying his first year in theoffensive line. “I like it pretty good. Price makes thingshappen.”

Senior left guard Brandon Smith agreed. “I do what I can do tomake the team successful. Price is all over the place,” onpass-option plays. “He’ll tell you when he takes off.”

The Cougars have a lock on first place in the District 6-AArace. They play their final home game Friday night, hosting theAmite School Center Rebels.

“I’m a little surprised by our success, but we still have a longway to go,” said Sessums. “After two more regular-season games,we’ll start the state playoffs.

“This is the first time for me to make the playoffs in mycareer, and I’m looking forward to it,” said Sessums. “Our wholeteam is excited.”

Certainly, Sessums will bring excitement to the playoffs.