The Brookhaven Academy Cougars needed a touchdown in overtime tobeat Simpson County last Friday night. BA head football coachHerbert Davis Jr., put the football in the best hands possible,senior Kolby Byrd.

In took two plays to set up a 4-yard touchdown run by Byrd thatgave BA a huge 20-14 District 4-AA win over rival Simpson CountyAcademy. Byrd, who ran 6-yards on the first play, finished thenight with 9 rushes for 63 yards.

Byrd also sparkled on the other side of the line of scrimmage.At linebacker on defense, Byrd (6-0, 230) led BA with 14 tackles,including several for losses.

For his accomplishments, Byrd is The DAILY LEADER DefensivePlayer of the Week.

“It’s a privilege,” said Byrd about being named Defensive Playerof the Week. Byrd played 3 positions that night, running back,quarterback and linebacker.

Byrd talked about the Wild Hog play that he scored thegame-winning touchdown on. “I’m in the backfield alone. The lineblocked for me. Fullback Nathanael Sbravati helped block for me. Ifnot for the line, I couldn’t have scored.”

Coach Davis installed a Wild Hog alignment and BA scored in twoplays. “We have played him (Byrd) at slot receiver, running back,quarterback and fullback.”

Byrd was happy to name the BA offensive line. They include WillGatlin at left tackle, Clint Stewart at left guard, Caleb Williamsat center, Caleb Covington at right guard and Garrett Posey atright tackle.

“If it weren’t for these five, the Wild Hog wouldn’t work,” saidByrd.

When asked about how good it felt beating Simpson, Byrd replied,”We didn’t have any choice. We had to beat Simpson. It wasdo-or-die. It did feel good to beat Simpson.”

Davis said Byrd had adjusted to the new defensive scheme and isdoing better each game. “Kolby is real instinctive. He moves welland has good feet. He understands the game.

“This week, it finally just clicked for him. He was able to seethings better. He got comfortable with our new system.”

Byrd runs the 40-yard dash in 4.9. In the weight room, he benchpresses 365 pounds and squats 545.

“Kolby is the strongest bencher I’ve ever coached,” addedDavis.

Byrd said Coach Davis is a big motivator. “He bringsintensity.”

Friday night, BA celebrates homecoming with visiting Riverfield,La. Game time is 7 p.m.

“We are playing good right know,” said Byrd. “I hope we can keepit going.”

Byrd said he also appreciated the efforts of assistant coachesKenny Williams (offensive and defensive lines) and Robert Young(linebackers).

Working on the defensive line are Gatlin and Austin Barnett atend and Covington at nose guard. Clint Stewart and Caleb Williamsalso rotate at nose guard.

Byrd, Sbravati and Caleb Dorman work at linebacker. In thesecondary, Ryan Burt, Scottie Peavey and Chandler Rogers work atsafety. Allen Michael Allred is the Tiger. Jennings Mills and MarkRushing are the cornerbacks.

Byrd is also an all-star catcher for the baseball team. Lastyear, he finished with a .391 batting average and collected 11 homeruns.

Byrd has proven to be a team leader.

“Kolby is real quiet, but he leads by example, ” addedDavis.

Byrd could have a future in either baseball or football. He wasthe DL’s 2007 All-Lincoln County Defensive Player of the Year as acatcher in baseball and a linebacker in football.