Loyd Star inside linebacker Matthew Delaughter takes his dutiesseriously. In Loyd Star’s 17-6 victory over Bassfield last Friday,Delaughter shinned on defense. He led his team with 19 tackles,including 13 solos and six assists. Delaughter also recovered afumble and caused one.

The win was Loyd Star’s first of the 2002 season, ending athree-game losing streak.

For his accomplishments, Delaughter has been named the DailyLeader’s Defensive Player of the Week for the fourth week ofthe 2002 football season.

“It’s good,” smiled Delaughter. “I thank God for the opportunityto play football.”

Delaughter, a junior who stands 6 foot and weighs 185 pounds,also rushed for 34 yards as fullback.

Delaughter runs a 40 in 4.7. He bench presses 250 pounds andsquats 350 pounds.

Over the summer, Delaughter worked on improving his speed withthe help of his father Randy. “I thank my daddy. He set up anobstacle course in our backyard this summer. I cut my speed from5.3 to 4.7.”

Hornet head football coach Sydney Wheatley recognizesDelaughter’s intensity, energy and dedication to this team.

“He (Delaughter) is a real intense player,” said Wheatley. “Hewill give you 110 percent. He is one of those guys you love to haveon your team.

“He is intense,” continued Wheatley. “He’s been banged up latelybut he is not going to complain. He just plays through it and getsthe job done. He’s at practice every day. He is a bundle of energyready to go.”

Wheatley credits Delaughter, end Daniel Sisco and cornerbackJosh Reed with their leadership. They are three of the fewreturning starters from last years 11-2 squad which advanced to theClass 2A South State championship game.

“Matthew and Daniel have really stepped up for us,” explainedWheatley. “He (Delaughter) is one of those players who brings a lotof enthusiasm to the field. He gets the other players fired up. Youhave to have the guy to make the big hit and get the other guysgoing.”

Delaughter was pleased with his contributions in last week’s winover Bassfield but sees room for improvement. “It was alright,”said Delaughter. “I’m proud of my team and coaches. We could havelaid down. But we practiced hard.”

Delaughter sees improvement with the defense that held theBassfield offense to one touchdown last week. “We got tough. We’regetting better each week. I got a great defensive line.”

The Hornet defensive line includes junior Barry Roberts, seniorUnquire Smith, senior Daniel Sisco and senior Hunter Case. Outsidelinebackers are ninth grader Michael Britt and junior Will Hill.Junior Duane Britt is the other inside linebacker.

“Our offensive team stepped it up, beginning in the secondquarter,” explained Delaughter. “Our tailback (Josh Townsend) didreally good.” Townsend rushed 14 times for 118 yards and twotouchdowns.

Delaughter said the coaches were doing a good job helping theteam. “They are doing great. The team is getting stronger eachweek.”

Friday night Loyd Star will get a tough test from undefeatedSeminary.

Delaughter respects Seminary. “They have a real good tailback. Iplayed against him last year. He is good and fast. They are notthat big but they are fundamentally sound.” Loyd Star beat Seminary35-20 last season under former head coach Anthony Hart.

In the spring, Delaughter plays baseball for the Hornets. Lastyear, he was a standout catcher.

Delaughter comes from an athletic family. His parents, Randy andJan Delaughter, were accomplished athletes at Loyd Star. Randyexcelled in football and baseball while Jan was a dominating playerin basketball and softball. She also coached the Loyd Star girlsfor several years and captured a state basketball crown in the1991.

In his spare time, Delaughter likes to hunt and lift weights.His favorite college football team is Nebraska. Tampa Bay fullbackMike Alstatt is his favorite NFL football player.

“I would like to thank the coaches and players,” addedDelaughter. “They are all great.”