Besides playing college football, most high school scholarshipsignees have a game plan for a future career. Their academic lifebecomes just as important as athletics.

Such was the case Wednesday, when players from Brookhaven andWesson signed college football scholarships. Most of them haddefinite plans when asked about their career goals.

“I’m thinking about a career in business,” answered Ole Brookdefensive end Larry Winters, Copiah-Lincoln Community Collegesignee. “I feel good about playing for Co-Lin. I hope to playdefensive end. I plan to work hard.”

Winters (6-2, 215) was recognized for his fierce pass rush. Hehad 11 sacks and 38 tackles as a senior, helping the Panthers reachthe state playoffs.

He is the son of Larry and Gail Winters.

Ole Brook punter/Will Thibodeaux (6-3, 175) was pleased to signwith Co-Lin. The Wolfpack finished 9-3 last season and wasrunner-up in the state playoffs. They defeated Georgia MilitarySchool in the Golden Isles Bowl Classic in Brunswick, Ga. and wereranked No. 6 in the nation.

“Co-Lin has a good team and I want to help them out as much as Ican,” said Thibodeaux. He said he’s leaning toward a career in themedical field.

Thibodeaux, the son of Buddy and Sheri Thibodeaux, averaged 39.1yards per punt. He made 44 of 45 extra points and 9 of 10 fieldgoal attempts.

Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey said Winters and Thibodeauxwill help Co-Lin’s program. “Larry is very athletic for a big guy.Will is consistent and a very hard worker. I don’t think he hasreached his potential yet.”

Cobras Sign Pacts

Five Wesson seniors signed scholarships Wednesday in theschool’s library.

Timothy (Bubba) Thompson (6-3, 267) is an offensive lineman. Heand fellow signee, defensive back Daniel Watson (6-2, 180), areboth planning a career in veterinary medicine. They can take careof the basics at Co-Lin.

“I’m really excited about playing for Co-Lin,” said Thompson. “Iget to play with some of my Wesson teammates.” He is the son ofBooky and Kim Thompson. As a blocker, he graded 95 percent in theCobras’ state playoff season.

“I’m excited abut playing for Co-Lin,” said Watson, the son ofHugh and Kaylon Watson. He accounted for 85 tackles in 2006.

John Knight (6-2, 270), a redheaded offensive lineman, said hewas undecided on his major but was looking forward to the collegeexperience. He is the son of Tony and the late Jewel Knight.

“It will take a lot of hard work and commitment on my part to besuccessful at Co-Lin,” said Knight. Recognized as the strongestplayer on Wesson’s team, he was a 2-way starter. He graded 90percent as a blocker.

Will Turnbo (6-3, 275), also was a 2-way starter for the Cobras.He graded 95 percent as a blocker. He was credited with 70 tackleslast season.

Turnbo is signing with Panhandle State (Okla.) University, basedin Goodwell. He is following the footsteps of his father who playedfor Panhandle after 2 years at Co-Lin.

Panhandle State is a NCAA Division II school. Turbo said hewants to become a mechanical engineer.

“Panhandle has a nice campus and they have some great barbecuefood out there.”

Quarterback Micah Davis (6-1, 185) directed Wesson’s offense. Heaccounted for over 1,500 yards passing and rushing the football,scoring 20 touchdowns. He also saw action in Wesson’s secondary,making 38 tackles and intercepting a pass.

Davis said he wants a career in architecture and business afterfootball. “It’ll be another challenge but I’m up for it.

“I’ll learn a lot at Co-Lin,” he added. “It will be fun hangingout with some of my high school teammates.”

He will be playing for his father, head coach Glenn Davis, atCo-Lin. His mother, Minta, will watch from the stands.

“My dad coached me in LIttle League baseball,” said Davis. “I’mexcited about getting to play for him again.”

Wesson head football coach Tommy Clopton said he would miss the5 signees. “They will leave a large void in our team. They all workhard, on and off the field.”