BOGUE CHITTO – Kevin Brothern is a big, strong physical playerwho enjoys hitting people. That makes middle linebacker a naturalfit for the promising Bogue Chitto sophomore.

Brothern (6-0, 225) accounted for 12 tackles in the Bobcats’thrilling 9-8 comeback victory over the archrival Enterprise YellowJackets last Friday night. That performance has earned him TheDAILY LEADER’s Defensive Player of the Week recognition.

Bogue Chitto head coach Gareth Sartin said Brothern is a naturalat linebacker. “Kevin is a very physical player who loves to hit.That’s a good fit for him at linebacker. He started some games lastyear at middle linebacker as a ninth grader.”

As a freshman, Brothern, nicknamed June Bug by his grandmother,was one of BC’s leading tacklers, making 79 tackles.

“June is getting better,” said Sartin. “Hopefully, he will keepon improving.”

Brothern, the son of Helen Fairman, celebrates his 17th birthdaySept. 21. He has three older sisters, and one younger sister,Breanna, a sophomore at Bogue Chitto.

He enjoys bass fishing in his spare time.

Asked about the Enterprise game, Brothern said be was confidentthe Bobcats could erase the 8-0, fourth-quarter deficit and notch acomeback win. A 24-yard field goal by Garrett Wallace provided themargin of victory with just 5 seconds left to play.

“I felt confident we would come back because we were in bettershape than they were,” said Brothern. “We did a lot of lifting(weights) and running during the summer.”

He said he enjoys playing for Coach Sartin. Brothern gets hisdefensive assignments from defensive coordinator Chad Norton. Inhis classroom, his favorite subject is biology.

Bogue Chitto lost numerous starters off last year’s stateplayoff team but Brothern believes the Bobcats can make theplayoffs again. “I think we will do good when we get to district.We are working on a lot of things to get better.”

The youth-laden Bobcats face a difficult challenge at WessonFriday night. Brothern said, “We have to stop their optionplays.”

Joining Brothern at the linebacker position are senior ShaunWallace and sophomore Carl Green. The defensive linemen are juniorsTevin Tobias and Emanuel Magee at end and freshman James James andeighth grader Jerry Blackwell at tackle. The secondary includessophomore Tyler Saucier at strong safety and sophomore Jake Bradleyat free safety. Sophomore Colton McClendon and senior Byron Kerseeare at cornerback.

In the weight room, Brothern benches 235 pounds. He plans onplaying for the Bobcat baseball team that is under the direction ofnew head coach Jody Britt.

On offense, Brothern can play either fullback or tight end. Hisfavorite NFL player is LaDainian Tomlinson of the San DiegoChargers.