Loyd Star’s Casey Warren had to make the switch from outsidelinebacker to defensive end this season.

Loyd Star’s Casey Warren had to make the switch from outsidelinebacker to defensive end this season. Based on Warren’s tacklecharts for the season, he accepted the position and played withintensity.

In last Thursday’s intense Division 6-2A game at Wesson, Warrenled the Hornets with 10 tackles. For his accomplishments, Warrenhas been named The Daily Leader’s Defensive Player of the Weekfor the seventh week of the season. On offense, he woks atguard.

“It’s a privilege,” said Warren, refering to the award.”Iwas surprised to get it.”

Warren explained the switch from linebacker to defensiveend. “I’m on on the the line all of the time. I have to beat thetight end and keep him from hitting the linebacker.”

The 6-foot, 190-pound senior runs a 40 in 5.0 time. He benchpresses 230 pounds and squats 330 pounds.

“Casey is a hard worker,” said Loyd Star head coach AnthonyHart. “He is probably one of the most wide-open, hustling kids I’veever been around. Last year he was an outside linebacker. This yearwe moved him to end because we needed him there.

“He has good quickness and he’s a hard-hitter,” added Hart.”He’s pretty strong player, too.

Although Warren played under retired head coach Roe Burnsfor several years, he has enjoyed playing for Coach Hart. Last yearHart served as defensive coordinator on Burns’ staff.

“I like Coach Hard,” stated Warren. “He is a good coach. Agood leader.”

When asked about his personal performance against Wesson,Warren said he was pleased. “I thought I did okay. I could havedone better.”

Warren has seen Loyd Star improve since the beginning of theseason. “The offense has gotten better. They know the playsbetter.”

He credited the defense with playing together.”We play as aunit. We got a lot more aggressive.”

Warren mentioned Blake Wall at tackle, Daniel Sisco at noseguard and Logan Portrey at defensive end as helping the defense.Linebacker Cody Covington also had 10 tackles againstWesson.

Friday night, Loyd Star celebrates homecoming against theSt. Andrew’s Saints in a key division matchup. The Hornets are offto a 7-1 start this season and are 3-0 in Division 6-2A.

“We need to step it up on defense,” explained Warren. “Andmove the ball on offense.”

As Warren said, the Hornets are close to attaining one oftheir goals this season; win the division title.

Warren’s favorite subject in school is English IV.

Following graduation, Warren is undecided about what hewants to do.

His favorite college football team is Florida State. In theNFL ranks, he like the New Orleans Saints.

Away from school, Warren likes to hunt and fish. Last year,he killed a buck with a 24-inch spread.

I’d like to thank God for letting me play the game,” addedWarren. “If it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t have theability.”