Brookhaven defensive tackle Malcolm StewartJr., spent more time in the Stone County backfield than some of theTomcats’ running backs Friday night. It was Senior Night on KingField and the 5-foot-11, 229-pound Stewart was fired up.

    Stewart accounted for seven solo tackles, one assist, four tacklesfor a loss, including one quarterback sack; one forced fumble andtwo fumble recoveries. That effort has earned Stewart The DAILYLEADER’s Defensive Player of the Week honors.

     “Malcolm has greatcharacter and he’s a leader on our team,” said Ole Brook head coachWade Henderson. “He’s quick off the ball and tries to make everytackle.”

    Stewart is the son of Barbara and Malcolm Stewart Sr. He has anolder brother, Jeremy Dunnigan; and an older sister, MashonnaDunnigan.

    Asked about his defensive skills at tackle, Stewart said, “You haveto be strong in the middle of the line. You need good technique andyou have to fire off the ball.”

    He was among 16 seniors recognized during a pregame ceremony onKing Field. Yes, he was fired up.

    “It was our last home game and it was Senior Night, too,” saidStewart.

    Stewart and the Panthers are off to a 7-1 start this season. Theyrebounded from a disappointing 24-6 loss to Pearl and whipped StoneCounty 35-0 in a Region 3-5A test. Their biggest challenge of theregular season arrives Friday night at Wayne County (7-2, 5-0), theregion leader.

    Stewart is a 3-year starter who saw varsity action as afreshman.

      BHS defensive coordinator KelbyBowman said Stewart has been a valuable member of his unit for fourseasons. “Malcolm has been a 3-year starter for us and he played inthe fourth grade. He has been consistent. He’s a hard worker and heunderstands the game of football. He’s a smart player and he playshard every snap. He has a lot of heart.”

    Brook’s defense has played exceptionally well this season. Also inthe starting lineup are Jaboree Poole and Thevis Cooper  at end. The other tackles are MarquisPrice, Ricky Parker and Josh Thomas.

    At linebacker are Kalen Calcote and Tyris Hill in the middle. Onthe outside are Marcus Coleman and Shiem Brumfield. Greg Sims is atleft cornerback. Dontray Smith and Billy Thomas are at rightcorner. Jonah Hill is at safety and the free safety is AlvinFranklin.

    Stewart said the Panthers are a close-knit unit. “We are like afamily. We work hard and we work together. We can depend on eachother.”

    Friday’s game at Wayne County is the main focus this week. Stewartsaid, “We look forward to playing Wayne County. We will hit thesled hard Tuesday to help us get ready.”

    Stewart said he enjoys playing for Henderson. “He’s a good coach.I’ve been with Coach Kelby since the ninth grade. He knows a lotabout defense.”

    He said defensive line coaches Jessie Bowman and Chaz Allen do agood  job preparing him foreach game. “Every Tuesday we hit the sled.”

    In the weight room, Stewart can bench press 315 pounds and squatwith 390. He wants to play college football.

    Stewart said he hopes to pursue a career in engineering when hegoes to college.

    In his spare time, Stewart enjoys watching football on televisionwith his friends. Alabama is his favorite college team. He pullsfor the New England Patriots on Sundays. His favorite NFL player inveteran defensive end Dwight Freeney of the IndianapolisColts.