CLINTON — Brookhaven Academy lineman Wesley Taylor is makingthe most of his MPSA All-Star Football Game experience. He’s copingwith the frigid practice weather and making plenty of newfriendships.

Taylor and his South teammates tackle the North Thursday nighton the Sprint Turf of Robinson-Hale Stadium, on the MississippiCollege campus. Kickoff is 6 p.m.

Also on the South squad from this area are safety/running backDavid Brunt and linebacker/offensive lineman Danny Pyles of CopiahAcademy. South head coach is Mitch Mitchell of Copiah Academy.

“It’s kind of cold outside but we are wearing our long-johns,”said Taylor, recalling Tuesday morning’s practice in 30-degreeweather. “I wore a sweatshirt, under-armor and warmups.”

The all-stars reported Sunday and began practice the nextmorning.

Taylor started out at offensive guard Monday morning. “Theymoved me to first-team offense at tackle. I’m also rotating atdefensive line and end.”

According to Taylor, Pyles is working next to him at guard. Thecenter is Charlie Harrington of Hillcrest.

“Everything is going well,” said Taylor. “I thought I wouldn’tlike those Oak Forest guys too much but we are turning out to bepretty good friends.”

Taylor is rooming with Chris Brown of Trinity, Matt Williams ofSilliman, and Sam Herman of River Oaks (La.). They areheadquartered at the Clarion Hotel.

The all-stars are following a regular practice routine. “We getup at 6:45 and eat breakfast,” said Taylor. “Then we leave at 8 andpractice at Mississippi College until 11. Then we come back and eatlunch and practice again from 2:30 to 4:30.

“We don’t have much time to ourselves,” Taylor continued. “Atnight, we have study hall period right after supper for two hours.”Next week is exam week for BA and many MPSA schools.

Working at quarterback for the South is Shane Holland of OakForest, Loviett Dixon of Hillcrest and Timmy Foster of ACCS. Fosterhas signed a baseball scholarship with Southern Miss.

“We have a bunch of good running backs,” Taylor noted. BrandonFields from Oak Forest, Justin Reed from Hillcrest and Les Mulkeyfrom Parklane are the leaders.

“Mulkey impressed me a lot,” said Taylor. “He’s quick on hisfeet, and he’s a good kicker.”

Mitchell is fresh from coaching Copiah to a runner-up finish inthe Class AA state title game. His Colonels lost 14-7 to SimpsonCounty Academy last Thursday night at MC.

“Coach Doug Hoehn of Hillcrest is the line coach,” said Taylor.”He’s real enthusiastic. He’s got things running smoothly.”

Brookhaven Academy head coach Ray Ishee said Taylor has been avaluable asset to his football team. “Wesley has been a three-yearstarter for us. He does a real good job blocking at guard for us.He pulls real well.”

Ishee said Belhaven, Millsaps and MC have expressed interest insigning Taylor to a football scholarship. Taylor benches 300pounds. He worked out with 400 pounds in the squat, doing eightreps.

Asked about his all-star experience, Taylor said, “It’s funmeeting the best from around here. It’s a business atmosphere.”

Taylor’s only regret is not having senior classmate Paul Davison the dream team. “I wish Paul Davis was here,” said Taylor. Davisstarred at fullback and defensive end for the Cougars.

Joining Mitchell on the South staff are Hoehn of Hillcrest andRobert Hannah of River Oaks. The administrative coach for bothstaffs is Joe Bradshaw.

Billy Wayne Hankins of Simpson Academy is the North head coach.Assistants are Joey Hawkins of Jackson Academy, Greg Watkins ofEast Holmes and Jack French of Starkville Academy.