BOGUE CHITTO  –Jer’Mon’Te “Scooter” Barnes is learning the ropes at outside linebacker for the Bogue Chitto Bobcats. Barnes can play either the left side or the right side, depending on the situation.

     Barnes was in the right place at the right time Friday night in Bogue Chitto’s 34-7 Region 4-1A victory over the visiting Salem Wildcats. He accounted for 12 tackles, earning him The DAILY LEADER’s Defensive Player of the Week recognition.

     Bogue Chitto boss Gareth Sartin said Barnes is a valuable asset to the team and is blessed with natural ability. “Scooter has really good ball instincts. He always seems to find the football. He’s very quick and likes to hit.”

     Barnes (6-0, 170) often rotates with BC’s outside linebackers. He also fills in at defensive and cornerback.

     He is the 16-year-old son of  Lamont and Mae Rose Barnes. His mother graduated from Bogue Chitto.  His father played linebacker for the McComb Tigers.

     Barnes smiled and said he doesn’t have to look very far when seeking information on playing defense. “My father gives me a lot of advice.”

     He has a brother and a sister.  Coco Blackwell, his 19-year-old sister, is a senior  cheerleader at Bogue Chitto.  Jamarco Blackwell, his 10-year-old brother, is a  fifth grader who plays flag football in the Brookhaven Recreation Department league.

     His three cousins: James, Jermaine and Jeremy Blackwell, all play football at Bogue Chitto.

     Barnes said he has 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash. In track, he runs the 200 and 100-meter dashes.

     “We play dominant  defense,” said Barnes. “We don’t let the other team put points on the scoreboard.”

     On defense, Jeremy Blackwell works at middle linebacker. Brock Roberts and Jermaine Blackwell rotate with Barnes at outside linebacker.

     Also on defense are James Blackwell and Damian Terrell at end, and Zeke Perkins and Kayin Perkins at tackle.

     In BC’s secondary, the cornerbacks are Robert Bonds and Jimmy McNulty. At safety are Brandon Wells and Dennis Rogers.

     “I think coach Sartin is a good coach,” said Barnes. “He teaches us well.”

     Sartin’s Bobcats are off to a 6-0 start this season and BC’s fans are talking state championship. They are currently ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press Class 1A Prep Poll.

     “Our defense is playing really well this year,” said Sartin. “For us to make a run in the playoffs, you have to play very good defense.”

     Assistant coach Chad Norton coordinates BC’s defense.

     Wearing jersey No. 8, Barnes can play a variety of positions.

     Barnes said he likes playing different positions on defense. “It helps me learn some different techniques.”

     At outside linebacker, Barnes said he “must watch the back outs. I either play the pass or the run. I like to hit the running back and the quarterback most of the time.

     “We are working harder on defense,” said Barnes. “Our main goal is to improve.  We are trying to make it to state this year.”

     He said making good grades is his priority in the classroom. His favorite subject is math.