Knee injuries are an accepted hazard whenathletes compete, especially on the football field. In JacobPhilipp’s case, he’s an expert on knee injuries after two surgeriesin two years.

    Philipp had two healthy knees last Friday night and enjoyed thebenefits. The Brookhaven Academy middle linebacker was creditedwith 14 tackles as the Cougars humbled Silliman Institute 60-13 inthe sweat-soaked season opener for both schools.

    That performance has earned Philipp The DAILY LEADER’s DefensivePlayer of the Week honors for the first week of the 2011campaign.

He (6-1, 170, sr.) is the 17-year-old sonof  Charles and LanaPhilipp. They are  FairRiver Baptist Church members.

     “Jacob is a true leader onour team,” said BA head coach Tripp McCarty. “He’s a smart playerand he’s going to get better every game. He also knows everyoffensive position.”

    Philipp showed promise as a sophomore running back but he tore theACL in his left knee after just three games. The Cougars went on towin the Class AA state championship in 2009.

    He was anticipating a return to the gridiron as a junior but akneecap injury required another surgery. “I was swinging at acurveball and my kneecap popped out.  They (surgeons) had to move mypatella tendon to a right angle so by kneecap wouldn’t pop outanymore. My knees feel fine.”

    Philipp has found a home at middle linebacker.

 “Ilike the contact and blitzing is the most fun.”

     His younger brother, DrewPhilipp, is a junior who plays linebacker. He moves from noseguard, to end, to linebacker.

    Asked about his responsibilities at linebacker, Philippsaid,  “Run is the firstresponsibility.  If thequarterback drops back to pass, I look for crossers or curls,” passpatterns.

    Philipp said he has learned a lot from Coach McCarty and defensivecoordinator Johnny Lane Ball. Also on staff are Hunter Ogden andDavid Dunaway.

     “I like playing for allthe coaches,” said Philipp. “They are all good.”

    Philipp said the Cougars have a solid unit on defense. The startersinclude  Bailey Hodge, KenBritt, Garrett Pace, Cody Culbertson and Hunter Franklin in thefront line.

    Eli Gatlin, Landon Nettles and his brother work at linebacker.Cornerbacks are Matthew Evans and Jeff Rushing.  Bubba Keene and Will Lucas are atsafety.

    “I think we are doing pretty good on defense,” said Philipp. “Westill have things to work on.”

    This week the Cougars are preparing for their first road test, aFriday night rivalry game at Copiah Academy in Gallman.

     “Our offense does a goodjob,” said Philipp. “Coach McCarty likes big plays.”

    He said he is undecided on his future course of study.

    An avid outdoorsman, Philipp enjoys fishing and hunting: deer,squirrel, and dove. He likes bass fishing best.