Linebacker Kevin Brothern helped make BogueChitto’s homecoming game a Friday night to remember. Brothernaccounted for 14 tackles, intercepted a pass and recovered a fumblein the Bobcats’ 46-22 victory against Resurrection Catholic.

    That effort has earned Brothern The DAILY LEADER’s Defensive Playerof the Week accolades. Brothern (6-1, 220) is the son of HelenFairman. He celebrates his 19th birthday today.  He has four sisters. Brianna is theyounger sibling. Regina, Sabrina and Ieashia are older.

    The Bobcats are unbeaten in five games this season and ranked No. 3in the latest Associated Press Prep Poll.

    Bogue Chitto coach Gareth Sartin said Brothern has been a fixtureon defense for the Bobcats ever since his freshman year. “Kevin hasbeen starting for me since the ninth grade. He always comes up witha big hit in every ballgame. He loves to be a physical player.”

    Sartin said Brothern is a student of the game. “Kevin does a goodjob studying the film of who we are playing. It is very unusual forhim not to have double-digit tackles. He’s a big playmaker for uswhen it comes to turnovers. He had an interception and a fumblerecovery Friday night.”

    In a major rebuilding year along the offensive line, Sartin calledon Brothern to lend a hand. He had to abandon his No. 26 jersey infavor of No. 56.

    “Kevin’s doing a great job at guard for us,” said Sartin. “He hasworked hard to get himself in shape.”

    Brothern rarely comes off the field.

     “I ran more and did extraworkouts this summer” said Brothern.  “I lost a good bit of weight.”

    He said he enjoys working at offensive guard. “You get to pull outand hit people.”

    In previous seasons, the Bobcats relied mainly on their potentoffense to outscore opponents. The focus has shifted more todefense.

    “We are pretty tough on defense,” Brothern pointed out. “We arequicker. Everybody worked hard to get stronger and faster thissummer.”

    Working in BC’s defensive line are Devonte Bracey, Terrance Butler,Devin McEwen and Jeremy Blackwell. Joining Brothern at linebackerare Brock Roberts, Jermaine Blackwell and James Blackwell.

    Eli Holmes and Timmy McNulty are at cornerback for BC. DennisRogers and Germie Martin control the secondary.

    Brothern said he enjoys playing for Sartin and defensivecoordinator Chad Norton. “Coach Sartin is tough and he makes uswork hard but I love him. Coach Norton is a good coach. He teachesus about defense.”

    Region 4-1A consists of 10 teams. The Bobcats are 3-0 in the regionbut stronger opponents await them. Brothern believes his team has ashot at the region title.

    “Our chances this year are really good,” said Brothern. “I think wewill make a big run in the playoffs.”

    A first baseman in baseball, Brothern helped lead Bogue Chitto tothe South State 1A finals last season. His outdoor hobbies arehunting and fishing. He also enjoys hanging out with friends.

    He wants to play college football.