Franklin County standout linebacker Gary Rogers helped set thetone for the Bulldogs defense on their way to a MHSAA Class 3AState Football Championship.

Rogers, a 6-foot, 245-pound senior, led Franklin County with 150tackles. He intercepted 4 passes, recorded 2 sacks and recovered 2fumbles during his senior year. Rogers has announced he will signwith Mississippi State University on Feb. 7.

For his accomplishments, Rogers had been named The DAILYLEADER’SMost Valuable Player and Mr. Football on the 2006All-Area Football Team.

Named to the All-Area Team as Co-Defensive Players of the Yearare linebacker Jake Guess of Copiah Academy and lineman Jazzmen Guyof Hazlehurst.

Also selected to the defensive line are Bo and Aljoshua Tillmanof Franklin County and Will Turnbo of Wesson

Joining Rogers and Guess in the linebacker corps are Mike Huntand Brandon Collins of Franklin County and Beau Wilson ofWesson.

The defensive backs are Damien Anderson of Hazlehurst, MurphyPeyton and Julius Magee of Lawrence County and Kent Miller ofCopiah Academy.

The punter is Dylan Boyd of McComb.

Franklin County head coach Grady McCluskey said he will missRogers’ talent and leadership. “Rogers was a 4-year starter atlinebacker for us. He was a big reason why our defense did so well.He was a good leader.”

Rogers was also named the Mississippi Association of CoachesAll-State Team as MVP on defense. He was also selected the MVP onthe Region 7-3A team.

“It’s an honor,” said Guess. “It’s been a great year winning thestate title.” Guess also plays basketball and is a member of thetrack team.

Guess was named to the South All-Star football team.

Copiah Academy coach Mitch Mitchell said Guess has the potentialto become a good college football player. “I hope he gets theopportunity to play where he wants to. They’ll be getting a greatplayer and a good guy. Jake’s best football is ahead of him.

“Jake is a leader on and off the field,” added Mitchell. “He wasa good example. He has done a great job for us.”

Bo Tillman (6-6, 310, jr.) helped FranklinCounty to the 3A state football title. Tillman recorded 75 tackles,4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 1 pass interception.

Aljoshua Tillman (6-4, 245, sr.) finished hissenior year at Franklin County with 80 tackles.

Jazzmen Guy (6-5, 250, sr.) was instrumental tothe defending state champ Hazlehurst Indians making it to the Southfinals of the Class 3A playoffs where they lost to Franklin County.Guy led Hazlehurst (10-3) with 136 tackles and 11 sacks.

Guy has verbally committed to Mississippi State University.

Will Turnbo (6-2, 270, sr.) was a two-waystarter for Coach Tommy Clopton’s Cobras. As a lineman, Turnbo wasgraded at 95 percent. He finished the year with 70 tackles.

Mike Hunt (6-3, 210, sr.) is another FranklinCounty standout player who has verbally committed to MississippiState University. Hunt collected 92 tackles, intercepted 3 passesand broke up 12 passes.

Brandon Collins (6-0, 210, sr.) helped FranklinCounty with 100 tackles and 17 sacks.

Beau Wilson (5-9, 170, jr.) played linebackerfor Wesson and led the Cobras with 127 tackles.

Julius Magee (6-1, 240, jr.) contributed toLawrence County’s 5-5 season with 54 tackles, 2 blocked punts and 2intercepted passes.

Damien Anderson (5-11, 120, sr.) starred forHazlehurst on offense and defense. He intercepted 6 passes. Onoffense at quarterback, he had 1,129 yards passing and rushed for800.

Murphy Peyton (6-1, 170, sr.) finished up hislast year at Lawrence County with 54 tackles, 2 blocked punts and 2passes intercepted.

Kent Miller (6-1, 190, sr.) sparked AA statechamp Copiah with 75 tackles, 6.5 sacks and intercepted 4passes.

Dylan Boyd (6-0, 170, sr.) helped the 8-3McComb Tigers as a kicker and punter. He punted the football 56times for 2,037 yards (58 yards the longest) for a 36.4 yardsaverage.