In helping the Brookhaven Academy Cougars to their first win ofthe season last Friday night, junior middle linebacker Kolby Byrdplayed his best game of the season. The Cougars beat defendingstate champion Copiah Academy 21-7, handing the Colonels (2-1)their first loss of the season.

Byrd recorded seven tackles, intercepted a pass and recovered afumble for the Cougars. He also played running back on offense andrushed the football 24 times for 108 yards and a touchdown andcaught a pass for 3 years.

For his accomplishments, Byrd has been named the DAILY LEADER’sDefensive Player of the Week for the second week of the 2007football season.

“I definitely feel good about it,” said Byrd. “It was myteammates. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have gotten thosetackles.”

According to Byrd, Brookhaven’s players are adjusting well tothe new 3-5 defense. The linemen Byrd was referring to were tacklesWill Gatlin and Reese Smith and noseguard Patrick Williams.

Brookhaven Academy head coach Bo Milton said Byrd is an anchoron BA’s defense. Last year as a sophomore, Byrd was selected TheDAILY LEADER’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year on the All-LincolnCounty Football Team.

“Kolby always seems to be around the ball,” complimentedMilton.. “He has great instincts.

When asked about his linebacking responsibilities, Byrd said itis not just making the tackles. “I make the tackles. But I makesure the players are lined up in the right positions. I try to be aleader on the field.”

Byrd (6-0, 215) talked about the pass interception he madeagainst Copiah. “The quarterback must not have seen me,” explainedByrd who added the Colonel receiver was right behind him.

Although Byrd recovered a fumble at a key moment in the game, hesaid Williams was the Cougar who knocked the ball loose and allowedhim to recover it.

“Kolby knows how to play linebacker,” added Milton. “He’sdownhill and he gets there in a hurry.”

Byrd thanked the coaching staff for helping the Cougars get muchbetter over the summer. “The coaches made us stronger and faster.They installed the new 3-5 defense two weeks ago and it isgreat.”

In his spare time, Byrd enjoys hunting and fishing. He likes tofollow the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturdays. He likeswatching the Indianapolis Colts on Sundays.

“I’d like to thank our defensive line,” added Byrd. “If itwasn’t for this defensive line, I wouldn’t have gotten thosetackles.”

Brookhaven faces district rival Prentiss Christian School Fridayfor a road trip.

Byrd said expects to see a lot of the same speed and skillpeople he did last year at Prentiss this Friday night. The gamebegins at 7 p.m.

FAVORITES

Birthday: March 23, 1990.

Food: Steak.

Dessert: Strawberry shortcake.

Subject: Math.

Book: None.

Music/CD: Rodney Atkins.

NFL Team; Indianapolis Colts.

College: Mississippi State.

TV Show: Dukes of Hazard.