Linebacker Kalen Calcote called the playson Brookhaven’s defense and kept the Panthers in order. He alsostood tall as a senior leader for his team that advanced to theClass 5A state playoffs.

    Calcote, a 6-foot, 190-pound middle linebacker, accounted for 91tackles this season, including 69 solo stops. He also interceptedtwo passes.

    Several Lincoln County players had exceptional seasons playingdefense. Calcote’s performance has earned him The DAILY LEADER’sMost Valuable Defensive Player of the Year honors on the 2011All-Lincoln County Football Team.

    Ole Brook senior cornerback Greg Sims also had an exceptionalseason and has been named the DL’s Most Valuable Athlete. Heshowcased his skills on offense and defense.

    Joining Calcote at linebacker are Kevin Brothern and JermaineBlackwell of Bogue Chitto, Jacob Phillip of Brookhaven Academy andTyris Hill of Brookhaven.

    In the trench are linemen Thevis Cooper, Malcolm Stewart andJaboree Hill of Brookhaven, Bailey Hodge of Brookhaven Academy andJames Blackwell of Bogue Chitto.

    The secondary features Sims, Jonah Hill of Brookhaven, Josh Butlerof Loyd Star and Jeff Rushing of Brookhaven Academy.

    The dream team’s punter is Dylan Smith of Enterprise.

    Calcote hasn’t decided on the college he wants to play football atnext season. Alcorn State and Copiah-Lincoln Community College areexpected to make offers.

    “I love playing linebacker,” said Calcote. “It’s the mostaggressive position on defense.”

    Calcote runs a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash.

    “Kalen is a good leader and he plays hard,” said BHS head coachWade Henderson. “He knows how to be in the right place at the righttime.”

    Sims (6-0, 180) made the most of his senior year as the Panthersstarted 6-0 and enjoyed No. 1 ranking in Class 5A before absorbingtheir first loss to Pearl. On defense he was credited with 30tackles and 2 interceptions.

    His breakaway speed made Sims a  threat on punt and kickoff returns.He returned 3 kickoffs for 159 yards. He returned 8 punts for a 19.1-yard average. He rushedfor 463 yards as a reserve running  back.

    In the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic two weeks, ago, Simsreturned a punt 51 yards to paydirt and was named the South’s MostValuable Player.

    “Greg is a special athlete,” said Henderson. “He can play onoffense, defense and special teams; wherever we need him.”

    Thevis Cooper (6-2, 225, sr.) accounted for 52 tackles, and 4 sacksat BHS.

    Bailey Hodge (5-10, 175, sr.) was recognized as a tackling machinefor the Cougars. He accounted for 190 tackles, including 16 solostops. He had 5 sacks and 4 fumble recoveries.

    Malcolm Stewart (5-11, 175, sr.) made 58 tackles and 2 sacks forthe Panthers.,

    Jaboree Poole (6-3, 240, jr.) accounted for 65 tackles, including55 solo stops, plus 8 sacks for BHS.

    James Blackwell (5-11, 200, jr.) collected 81 tackles and 9 sacksfor Bogue Chitto.

    Kevin Brothern (5-11, 210, sr.) led the Bobcats with 135 tackles,plus 2 interceptions.

    Jacob Phillip (6-1, 170, sr.) had 117 tackles for the Cougars.

    Jermaine Blackwell (5-10, 190, so.) had 140 tackles, including 35solo hits. He also had 2 sacks.

    Tyris Hill (6-0, 190, so.) made 82 tackles, including 61 solos forBHS.

    Jonah Hill (5-8, 170, jr.) made 60 tackles for the Panthers,including 34 solos.

    Josh Butler (5-10, 200, sr.) was Loyd Star’s leading tackler.

    Jeff Rushing (5-11, 185, sr.) accounted for 98 tackles, including25 solo stops, and 1 interception for the Cougars.

    Dylan Smith (5-10, 200, jr.) displayed a strong leg for theEnterprise Yellow Jackets. He averaged 33.5 yards per punt.