Running back Marquis Hayes made an impact for the Hornets inLoyd Star’s 41-6 thumping of the Enterprise Fighting Yellow Jacketslast Friday night.

Hayes, who stands 5-foot-8 and weighs 150 pounds, broke loose toscore two touchdowns and return a kickoff 70 yards to paydirt.

That performance has earned Hayes The DAILY LEADER OffensivePlayer of the Week recognition.

“It feels good,” smiled Hayes Monday afternoon in the Loyd StarField House. “It’s a blessing.”

Hayes, who is a sophomore, is making an impression on thefootball field. He runs a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash.

In the weight room, Hayes bench presses 240 pounds and squats380.

“Marquis has a lot of quickness and he sees the field realwell,” said Loyd Star head football coach Ryan Ross. “He’s strongand he has good speed.”

Hayes talked about his two touchdowns last week. “The first wasan outside veer. The second I ran behind our guard.”

His favorite play is the 15-1. “I aim for the tackle and Joseph(Shelby) hands it off to me,” said Haynes.

When asked about the 70-yard kickoff return, Hayes said it washis third of the year; the longest being 86 yards. “They (Jackets)kicked it to the sidelines and I just ran hard up the middle.”

Haynes thanked the Hornet offensive line for helping make iteasy for him to run the football.

“They’ve gotten better each week” said Hayes. “It shows everyFriday. I feel confident running behind them. I thank Coach Rossfor working with them every day.”

In Loyd Star’s offensive line are Trey Reid and Jacob Morse attackle, Grant Britt and Jarius Kelly at guard and Cody Teekel atcenter. Working at tight end are T.J. Floyd, Preston Hebert andC.J. Duckworth.

After an open date, Hayes say the Hornets practice longer lastweek to get ready for Enterprise. “We just worked hard all week. Itgave us what we wanted (win). We tackled good. We ran good. We justexecuted.”

“Marquis is a good student,” said Ross. “He’s interested incollege preparatory courses.”

In the classroom, Hayes said his favorite subject is algebra.His favorite NFL player is running back Adrian Peterson of theMinnesota Vikings.

Hayes said he wanted to thank the coaches, his teammates, hisfamily and his friends for their support and encouragement.

Loyd Star (2-4, 1-2) faces a big Region 6-2A game Friday nightat St. Andrew’s in Ridgeland. St. Andrew’s (5-2, 3-0) is the regionleader and defending champion.