BOGUE CHITTO – Linebacker Jeremy Blackwell and the Bogue Chitto defense are showing steady improvement this season. Their latest achievement was a 25-0 shutout of the Natchez Cathedral Green Wave.

     Blackwell, a powerful 6-foot-3, 270-pound junior linebacker who works in the middle, accounted for 16 tackles and a pass interception against the Green Wave as the No. 1-ranked Bobcats hiked their record to 8-0 overall and 6-0 in the Region 4-1A race That performance has earned him The DAILY LEADER’s Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second time this season.

     “Jeremy played his best overall game at Cathedral,” said Bogue Chitto coach Gareth Sartin. “He did a real good job of reading the plays and making the tackles. He also did a good job of covering the short passing routes.”

     Blackwell, who wears jersey No. 59, moved from the defensive line to linebacker this season. He made his first start in BC’s season opener against Loyd Star. He collected 19 tackles, including one stop that resulted in a safety.

     “I like to fill the hole and make the tackles,” said Blackwell. “It’s a lot of fun.”

     He anticipated a strong rushing attack from Cathedral. “I knew they would run the ball at us. That makes me play better. We wanted to shut them out.”

     He’s also a force at right tackle on BC’s offensive line. He enjoys pancaking opponents.

     His two brothers, James, and twin Jermaine, also star for the Bobcats. James is a senior defensive end and running back. Jermaine plays outside linebacker and offensive tackle. Their sibling rivalry inspires them to play better.

     They are the sons of James and Yvette Blackwell.

     Both of Jeremy’s brothers have seen playing time at running back. “I want to play running back, too,” was his response to the question.

     Bogue Chitto’s starting defensive unit includes James Blackwell and Kayin Perkins at end. Justin Quick and Damien Terrell are the guards.

     Brock Roberts fills the other outside linebacker position when he isn’t quarterbacking BC’s explosive offense. Scooter Barnes works at outside linebacker.

     In BC’s secondary are Jimmy McNulty and Robert Bonds at cornerback. The safeties are Germie Martin and Brandon Wells.

     Next up for the Bobcats is a Friday night showdown against the Stringer Red Devils (7-1, 6-0) who are tied for the region lead with Bogue Chitto. Stringer has been putting a lot of points on the scoreboard.

     “We have to practice and play real hard against Stringer,”  said Jeremy. “They want to score 50 on us.”

     Blackwell expects his team to notch another victory. “We want to win district and a state championship.”

     In his spare time, Blackwell enjoys watching the LSU Tigers. He follows the New Orleans Saints on Sunday and intently watches the efforts of defensive tackle Will Smith.