Brookhaven’s JaBoree Poole likes the way Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware gets after opposing quarterbacks. Ware would have been proud of Poole’s performance against the Wayne County War Eagles.

     Poole accounted for 14 total tackles and 1 sack. Five of those tackles were for a loss, plus 2 quarterback hurries and 1 forced fumble.

     Poole’s efforts have earned him The DAILY LEADER’s Defensive Player of the Week recognition.

     Ole Brook head coach Tommy Clopton reviewed Poole’s performance against Wayne County, an intense, 17-15 loss for his Panthers. “JaBoree really took over the second half. He played at a level very few people can play at.”

     Clopton said Poole’s performance was contagious. “It inspired the rest of our defense. They played at a very high level, too.”

     Brook’s defense limited the Region 3-5A champion War Eagles to 233 yards total offense. They had 86 yards rushing and 147 yards passing.

     “JaBoree has been very steady for us,” said Clopton. “He has been at his best, when we needed him the most. That’s what good players are for.”

     Poole (6-3, 235) has been a starter at defensive end since his sophomore season. He has made a verbal commitment to sign with Southern Miss in February.

     “JaBoree is a great technician,” Clopton pointed out. “He has great technique. He understands how to use his hands and play the game. His explosive first step is his best asset on Friday nights. There were several times he was in the backfield before the center finished his snap.”

     Off the field, Poole presents a quiet, humble demeanor. He speaks softly. He wears jersey No. 85.

     “My best games are against good teams,” Poole admitted. “I knew I was making some tackles but I didn’t know I made that many.”

     On the season, Poole has accounted for a team-leading 81 tackles. He has been selected to play in the Mississippi-Alabama Classic, Dec. 15, in Montgomery, Ala.

     He is the son of Brice and Rochland Porter. His biological father in Richard Madison. His uncle, Emmett Madison, was a star football player for Monticello and Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

     JaBoree has two younger siblings, Braelyn and Bryson Porter, who are 5 and 7 years of age respectively.

     In the weight room, Poole bench presses 325 pounds and squats with 415. He runs a 4.66 in the 40-yard dash.

     Asked about his first name, Poole said, “My auntie (Kimberly Baylis) gave it to me.”

     The Panthers have had their ups and downs this season, playing for a third head coach in three years. They stand at 4-5 overall and 3-3 in the region race, resting on the playoff bubble.

     Poole is one of Brook’s 26 seniors who will be honored prior to Friday night’s home game against South Jones. They are a versatile group.

     “We have a lot of seniors who work hard for the team and show leadership,” said Poole.”

     Former BHS defensive line coach Chaz Allen serves as defensive coordinator. Poole said, “Coach Allen expects a lot out of the defensive line because he coached us. He knows our mistakes.”

     David Tadlock, one of four newcomers to the BHS staff, is coaching the defensive line this season. Poole said, “He is a good coach. He gets us ready to play up to the standards they expect.”

     Starting on Brook’s defense are Leo Lewis at end and Josh Thomas and Marquis Price at tackle. The linebackers are Ty Hill, Marcus Coleman and Chris Calcote. In the secondary are Jonah Hill at strong safety, Shiem Brumfield at free safety and Billy Thomas and RahJavin Fox at cornerback.

     “We have a good defense,” said Poole. “We haven’t let too many teams drive on us. Overall, we have improved.”

     Poole said he enjoys playing for Clopton. “He’s a good coach. He expects us to play hard and get those turnovers.”

     In the spring, Poole throws the shot put and discus. He was a member of the BHS powerlifting time last season.