Sophomore defensive end Bailey Hodge has come a long way withthe undefeated Brookhaven Academy Cougar football team. LastFriday, Hodge and the Cougars staged a second-half comeback to takea 25-21 win over the Trinity Episcopal Saints at Natchez.

Hodge (5-10, 165) collected 13 tackles and recovered a fumble tolead unbeaten Brookhaven Academy (8-0) to the win.

For his accomplishments, Hodge has been named The DAILY LEADER’SDefensive Player of the Week.

“It a big honor for me,” said Hodge, speaking from theBrookhaven Academy field house Monday afternoon.

BA head coach Herbert Davis said Hodge has an exceptional workethic. “Bailey plays hard. That’s probably the best thing he does.He’s still learning. He makes a lot of plays for us.”

Hodge takes his job as a starter seriously.

“I try to do my best,” stated Hodge. “I do what the coaches tellme.”

When asked what he does at defensive end, Hodge replied,” I stayin my gap.”

Hodge credited the coaching staff for all his success.

Hodge runs a 40-yard dash in 5.0 seconds. His time is slowbecause he spent most of the summer recovering from an injury andcouldn’t’ work out a lot with his teammates.

According to Davis, Hodge worked out a little differently thanthe rest of the team last summer. “He makes up for his lack ofspeed with an excellent effort. He does not stop.”

Joining Hodge on the defensive line at end are Jamison Powell,Will Gatlin and Colby Kent. At tackle are Hunter Franklin, ClintStewart, Hunter McCullough and Cameron Barry.

The linebackers are Alan Michael Allred, Donovan Lorraine andJennings Mills. Working in the secondary are Tripp Jolly and BubbaKeen along with Myles Melancon and Logan Pace. Playing at safetyare Jeff Rushing, Mark Rushing and Jacob Philipp.

Hodge said he felt the defense was playing well, “but we canalways get better.”

Despite the terrible, muddy field condition at Trinity lastweek, Hodge said Brookhaven Academy played well.

“We played pretty good,” said Hodge. “We had a couple of missedtackles near the end.”

Hodge said he wanted to thank everybody on the field for theCougars’ success.

Hodge is a also a member of the Cougar baseball team and playedin the outfield last year. He is the son of Don and DonnaHodge.

In his free time, Hodge likes to hunt and fish. His biggest buckwas a 7-point.

Hodge said he enjoys playing for Davis. “Coach Davis gives usgoals to work for. He wants us to get better.”