Loyd Star senior Will Hill is one of many talented footballplayers who have helped the Hornets achieve their unblemished 5-0record. Hill’s exploits have been especially impressive ondefense.

Hill, who plays strong safety on defense, made 11 tackles inlast Friday’s big 20-12 win over the previously undefeatedBassfield Yellow Jackets (4-1).

For his accomplishments, Hill has been named The DAILY LEADER’SDefensive Player of the Week for the fifth week of the 2003football season.

“It’s quite a compliment,” said Hill. “It wasn’t just me. It waseverybody.”

The 5-foot-9, 155-pound Hill runs a 40 in 4.65. He is a memberof the Hornet powerlifting team. Hill benches 265 pounds, squats340 pounds and dead lifts 455 pounds. Eddie Britt coaches thepowerlifting team.

“It (weightlifting) has helped the team a lot,” explained Hill.”You line up and have a strength advantage.” He also credited therunning the team did during the summer as an important attribute,helping speed and conditioning.

Hill said his prime responsibility at strong safety is outsidecontainment. “I don’t let anyone get outside.”

Loyd Star head football coach Sidney Wheatley appreciates Hill’stoughness and loyalty to the team.

“Will is a real aggressive player,” said Wheatley. “He loves tohit. He’s instinctive. He is around the football. He’s a ‘Yes sir,’and ‘No sir,’ kid. He will do anything to help the footballteam.”

Hill feels the Loyd Star defense has stepped it up a notch sincelast year.

“We’re a lot better,” stated Hill. “We have been hitting theweight room.”

Hill would like to see his team go undefeated this season. “Weare 5-0 right now. I hope we finish 10-0 in the regularseason.”

Hill was pleased to list his teammates on defense. Thelinebackers include Matthew Delaughter, Michael Britt and DuaneBritt. The front line includes Josh Reed and Barry Roberts at end;while Cory Charpentier, Shaun Broxson and Justin Russell aretackles. Joining Hill in the secondary are Derek Smith at freesafety and Josh Townsend and Juron Collins at cornerback.

Loyd Star entertains Region 6-2A nemesis Wesson Friday night forthe first division test of the 2003 season for both teams.

“We have to use our strength and speed,” said Hill. “If we do,we will be all right.”

In the classroom, English is Hill’s favorite subject. Hill alsoplays tennis and soccer at Loyd Star.

“I plan to go to Co-Lin for a year to get the basics,” explainedHill about his college plans. He said he wants to major inChristian studies and minor in psychology.

For a hobby, Hill likes to fish when he has the opportunity.

Hill’s favorite college football team is the LSU Tigers.

In the NFL, his favorite player is Tampa Bay strong safety JohnLynch.

“I thank God,” added Hill who plays guitar for a Christian bandat Philadelphia Baptist Church. “We give Him all the glory.”