BOGUE CHITTO — Twin brothers Jermaine andJeremy Blackwell of Bogue Chitto each had 16 tackles in lastFriday’s 39-26 Region 4-1A victory over the Hinds AHS War Dawgs.They also have something else in common: sharing The DAILY LEADER’sDefensive Player Of The Week award.

    Born to James and Yvette Blackwell on June 24, 1991, the twinssmiled often and bantered during their Tuesday interview. Jeremy(6-2, 265) is two minutes older than his brother, Jermaine (5-11,220). The talented sophomores have an older brother, James “Perow”Blackwell who is a junior defensive end and running back for theBobcats. Their father is a 1993 BC graduate who played running backat Bogue Chitto.

    “They both played good,” said Bobcats head coach Gareth Sartin.”Jermaine is one of the hardest hitters we have on our team. Everyweek he comes up with some big hits, at least three or four.

    “We call Jeremy, J.B.,” Sartin continued. “When J.B. wants to gohard, he’s tough. He has really improved. He has done a good job ondefense for us.”

    Jermaine, who wears jersey No. 60,  plays both ways. He’s an offensiveguard and handles the kickoff duties on special teams. He’s anoutside linebacker on defense. Jeremy, wearing No. 59, works attackle on both sides of the football.

    “Both of them have improved tremendously,” said Sartin. “Ourdefense is doing a better job. Coach (Chad) Norton and Coach (Adam)Moak are doing a good job coaching them.”

    The Bobcats are off to a 6-0 start this season and they havevisions of winning the Region 4-1A crown before entering the stateplayoffs.

    “We are both more experienced this year,” said Jermaine. “We gettogether and have a good time on defense. There’s a lot ofcompetition between us.”

    Jeremy described his twin brother. “Jermaine is quick on his feetand he tackles hard.”

    Jermaine said, “Jeremy knows how to use his strength.”

    The brothers often cut firewood and pulpwood with their fatherwhose nickname is Joe. Their favorite hobby is fishing. The aremembers of BC’s powerlifting squad.

    In the weight room, Jermaine benches 205 pounds and he deadliftS485. Jeremy can bench 265 and perform a 518-pound deadlift.

    “It’s fun playing for Coach Sartin,” said Jermaine. “When hehollers, it helps get us motivated.”

    Jermaine also plays baseball and basketball for the Bobcats. Jeremyplays a post position in basketball. They both follow the NewOrleans Saints.

    Asked about their favorite NFL players, Jermaine favored Saintsrookie running back Percy Ingram. Jeremy likes following New YorkGiants veteran defensive end Chris Canty.

    When the Blackwells gather around the dinner table, they talksports, especially football. It’s a friendly rivalry between thethree brothers. They critique and encourage one another with verbaljibes. They all want to play college football.

    Coach Norton elevated Jeremy to the varsity offensive line in theeighth grade. Jermaine was promoted after the junior high seasonwas completed and earned a starting berth on defense. The15-year-olds are 3-year starters.

    Currently, Jeremy ranks second on the tackle charts with 65 stops.Jermaine is third with 61 tackles.

    “There’s a lot of competition on defense to see who can make themost tackles and the biggest hits,” said Norton. “The kids haveenthusiasm and they feed off each other.”

    Salem is the next region foe for the Bobcats Friday night at Salem.No doubt, the public address announcer will be busy calling theBlackwell names during the game.