BOGUE CHITTO — Running back Byron Kersee exploded for fivetouchdowns in leading the Bogue Chitto Bobcats to a 35-0 trouncingof West Lincoln’s Bears in a key Region 4-1A game last Fridaynight. Kersee rushed for four TDs and caught a pass for anotherscore.

Kersee, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 180-pounds, carried thefootball 18 times for 217 yards. He also caught an 87-yard pass fora TD from quarterback Javier Gee.

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

“It feels pretty good,” said Kersee Monday afternoon in CoachGareth Sartin’s office, as he accepted the weekly honor.

Kersee said he appreciates the coaches, the team and the facultyfor all their support. “The coaches always keep us in the rightdirection. They do a lot for us.”

Because of his rushing success, Kersee is the target of a lot ofdefenses.

“Byron is our main running back this year,” said Coach Sartin.”A lot of people are keying on him to try to stop us. He has been arunning back for four years. He’s a 4-year starter for us.”

Sartin said Kersee has a strong work ethic. “You know what youwill get out of Byron. He will run the ball hard every time andgive you a good effort every week.”

On the season, Kersee has rushed the football 109 times for 874yards and scored 7 touchdowns. He has caught 3 passes for 131 yardsand 2 TDs.

Sartin said Kersee has a strong lower body. “He’s strong in hislegs and keeps his legs churning after contact. He does a good jobof seeing holes and making good cuts. His main strength is that heplays with a lot of heart.”

Kersee said he has been working on his speed and strength. “Iworked on breaking through tackles and holding onto thefootball.”

Kersee runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. In the weight room,he bench presses 235 pounds, squats 456 and dead lifts 550.

Kersee says he has scored a lot of his touchdowns on the playcalled Spin 35 Tag. “I fake and spin to the right then I go to theleft.”

Asked about the win over West Lincoln, Kersee said, “We playedreally good. We worked on some things we needed, too.”

Kersee said he appreciates his teammates on the offensive line.”We have a young line. Some are inexperienced. But they’reimproving.”

Starting in BC’s offensive line are Robert Bonds at left tackle,Shaun Wallace at left guard, Kevin Tobias at center, JeremyBlackwell at right guard and Shane Lewis at right tackle. AdrianHolmes-Mingo is BC’s tight end. Emanuel Magee splits time withWallace at left guard. Brandon Kent also works at center.

“Our offensive line is getting better each week,” said Sartin.”We had three new starters up front. We haven’t had the sameoffensive line all year,” due to injuries and illness.

“We have moved them around this season,” said Sartin.

When asked about his quarterback, Javier Gee, Kersee smiled. “Hehad some big shoes to fill (replacing graduated standout SethAvants). He has confidence and he keeps the team up.”

His parents are Laura Denise Kersee and Byron Kersee, Sr. Kerseelives with the grandmother.

His favorite NFL player is Minnesota running back AdrianPeterson..

The Bobcats (3-3, 2-0) are at Sebastopol this week. Sebastapolis 4-2, 2-0.losing to Union and Scott Central.

FAVORITES

Birthday: Nov. 27, 1990

Food: Chicken

Dessert: Strawberry Cheesecake

TV Show: CSI

Movie: Life

Music: Anthony Hamilton

Subject: U.S. Geography

College: Ohio State

NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys

NFL Player: Adrian Peterson