BOGUE CHITTO – Brandon Wells didn’t mind playing quarterback Friday night for the Bogue Chitto Bobcats. Starter Brock Roberts was sidelined with an ankle injury so Wells called the signals in BC’s 42-14 romp past Vicksburg St. Aloysius in Region 4-1A action on Senior Night.

     Wells responded with 15 rushes for 145 yards, scoring touchdowns on runs of 2 and 50 yards. He also completed 3 of 4 passes for 43 yards.

     That performance has earned Wells The DAILY LEADER’s Offensive Player of the Week honors.

     Bogue Chitto coach Gareth Sartin said Wells has elevated his game as the Bobcats marched toward their first-ever Region 4-1A title. They are 10-0  on the season and ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press Class 1A Poll.

     “Brandon has stepped up and made some big plays for us the last three weeks,” said Sartin. “He did a good job at quarterback.”

     Wells, listed at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, is blessed with 4.37 speed in the 40-yard dash. That time was recorded at a Bulldog Football Camp last summer hosted by Mississippi State University. He has made a verbal commitment to sign with the Bulldogs in February.

     “Brandon’s speed puts so much pressure on the defenses with face,” said Sartin. “He’s a physical runner, too. He breaks a lot of tackles.”

     Wells is the 18-year-old son of Alice Richardson. He has two older brothers, Cory and Rico. His younger brother, Malik Richardson, is a sixth grade student at Bogue Chitto.

     “I had to step up and play two positions,” answered Wells, when asked about playing quarterback against St. Al. “I know all the positions. I like quarterback the most.”

     Wells can play receiver or running back in BC’s offense. On defense, he works in the secondary when needed.

     “Our offensive line is doing a pretty good job with pulling, trapping and pass blocking,” said Wells. “They can drive off the football or pass block.”

     Working in BC’s offensive line are center Marcus Moak, left guard Devin McEwen, right guard Jermaine Blackwell, left tackle Damien Terrell and right tackle Jeremy Blackwell.

     The Bobcats wrap up regular season play Friday night at Dexter, Sartin’s high school alma mater. A victory would grant them a perfect regular season. The state playoffs begin Nov. 9 and they will host an opening round game.

     “Hopefully, we can make it past the first round and win a state championship,” said Wells.

     He said he enjoys playing for Coach Sartin. “I like him and he’s a good coach. He’s real good with play-calling.”

     Wells wears jersey No. 2. That’s his favorite number.

     Asked to describe BC’s team, Wells said, “We are undefeated and we play hard. Our defense has been real good this year.”

     In the weight room, Wells can bench press 230 pounds and squat with 350.

     He has been selected to play for Mississippi in the annual All-Star Classic against Alabama. That game is Dec. 15, in Montgomery, Ala.