Cornerback Greg Sims and his Brookhaventeammates stepped up their game Friday night and knocked off theClass 6A Petal Panthers 30-16 on King Field. Sims provided a sparkon offense and defense, returning a punt 72 yards for a touchdownand later intercepting all-state quarterback Anthony Alford twicein the fourth quarter.

    That performance has earned Sims The DAILY LEADER’s DefensivePlayer of the Week honors.

    Sims, a 6-foot, 180-pound senior, is the 17-year-old son of GregSims Sr., and Patricia Jenkins. His father once played high schoolfootball at Loyd Star.

    “Greg has always been a humble kid and he has worked hard,” saidBHS defensive coordinator Kelby Bowman. “He has real quick feet andhe has a lot of potential. He can change directions.”

    Sims displayed his quickness and speed against Petal with thedazzling punt return. He also had a 55-yard kickoff return justbefore halftime.

    “Greg is a great person and a complete player,” said Ole Brook headcoach Wade Henderson. “He’s a leader on and off the field. He’s aDivision I player who will have a lot of opportunities at the nextlevel.”

    Henderson said Mississippi State and Memphis have invited Sims forcampus visits later this fall.

    In the meantime, Sims has goals closer to home. “I want us to havean undefeated season and go back to the big house,” meaning theClass 5A state championship game at Mississippi Veterans MemorialStadium in Jackson. Sims and his teammates were state runners-up toWest Point last December.

    Sims said the win over Petal was encouraging. Petal took a 13-0,first-quarter lead and appeared on the verge of a blowout.

    “After every series we would go to the sideline and make someadjustments,” said Sims. “Our coaches did a good job. Our youngerplayers are stepping up, too.”

    Against Petal, there were plenty of leaders on Brook’sdefense. EndThevis Cooper had 8 tackles, 1 fumble recovery and 5 quarterbackpressures. End Jaboree Poole had 6 tackles,, 1 sack and 3 QPs.Tackle Malcolm Stewart had 7 tackles, 2 assists, 1 tackle for aloss and  5 QPs. LinebackerTy Hill had 7 tackles and 2 assists.

    Besides 4 tackles and 2 picks, Sims stepped up on offense, too. Hehad three carries for 55 yards, helping to fill the void left byrunning back Justin Blue who was sidelined by an ankle injury.

    He said the grueling summer workouts helped him improve. “I got mytime down and I got stronger.” He runs a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash.He can bench press 265 pounds and squat with 385.

    This past summer, Sims participated in a skills camp at theUniversity of Alabama. He worked under Crimson Tide boss Nick Sabanin the defensive secondary.

    Asked about his head coach, Sims said, “Coach Henderson is cool. Wetalk a lot.”

    Sims said Coach Bowman is highly respected by his teammates. “CoachKelby is the father of our defense.”

    A solid student in the classroom, Sims said his favorite subject isscience.

    After the football season, Sims said he wants to play basketball.In the spring, he runs the 100 and 200-meter dashes andparticipates in the long jump where he has a career-best leap of 23feet.

    In his spare time, Sims said he enjoys hanging out with his friendsand playing basketball. He is considering a career in automechanics or construction. His older sister, Jorianna Jenkins, isin the Air Force and currently stationed in Illinois.

    Sims said he likes following the New York Jets and cornerbackDarrelle Revis. Panther fans enjoy following No. 6 (Sims) on Fridaynights.