Loyd Star senior middle linebacker David Fields has a knowledgeof the game and a nose for the football. Those gifts helped Fieldsaccount for 13 tackles in Loyd Star’s 13-0 upset of the FranklinCounty Bulldogs in the 2009 season opener for both teams.

For his performance, Fields has been selected The DAILY LEADER’sDefensive Player of the Week.

Loyd Star coach Ryan Ross said Fields studies game film withdiligence and reacts well on defense. “David is a cerebral player.He’s very instinctive and has good technique. He’s a very unselfishplayer, too.”

A 3-year starter, Fields (5-11, 185) knows the linebackerresponsibilities and alignments by heart. Loyd Star defensivecoordinator Josh Thibodeaux appreciates the wisdom.

“David is our quarterback on defense,” said Thibodeaux.

Ross agreed. “David is our Mike linebacker. He’s our quarterbackon defense and gets our guys lined up. He is one of the bestexamples we have as a team leader and a team player. He’s veryreliable.”

On offense, Fields plays tight end. He rotates with 2 othertight ends.

Fields began his varsity career as a backup freshman quarterbackbut quickly discovered he liked defense best. “I found my niche ondefense.”

Loyd Star’s season opener on William E. “Sambo” Smith Fieldattracted a large crowd, estimated at 1,500. Thunderstorms delayeda portion of the game and some fans stayed home.

“We were the underdogs,” said Fields as the Hornets hosted thepowerful Class 3A Bulldogs. “We were trying to focus on what thecoaches wanted us to do. We wanted to fly to the football ondefense. We had a good game plan.”

Fields said Loyd Star’s senior team members are a close-knitgroup. “We are tight. We focus and play together.”

He likes his responsibility at middle (Mike) linebacker. “I havea lot of freedom in the middle. I can roam around a lot. I’m alsovulnerable to the interior linemen.”

His favorite defensive play is slanting off the nose guard andstopping the runner in the backfield.

Fields said he has plenty of help on defense. Also working atlinebacker are T.J. Floyd on the strong side and Travis Sorrells onthe weak side.

Cody Langham starts at nose guard. Clint Scott is defensivetackle. Anthony Thompson and C.J. Ducksworth are the ends.

In the secondary, DeAndrea Butler is at strong safety. AdrianNewton, Marquis Sims and Marquis Hayes play free safety.Cornerbacks are Fred Clark and McKinley Hamilton.

Looking to the future, the 18-year-old son of David and ReneFields wants to earn a scholarship to Harding University in Searcy,Ark. He plans to major in criminal justice. He has a 10-year-oldsister, Thea.

In his spare time, Fields said he enjoys pulling for the AuburnTigers. He follows the New Orleans Saints on Sundays. His favoriteNFL player is linebacker Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens.

The Hornets hunt their second win of the season at NatchezCathedral Friday night.