GALLMAN — Senior quarterback Daniel Sims continues to be aconsistent leader for the defending Class AA state footballchampion Copiah Academy Colonels. Last Friday, Sims completed 20 of31 passes for 260 yards and 2 touchdowns in powering Copiah to akey 21-3 district win over the Simpson County Cougars. It wasCopiah’s first win over Simpson since 1991.

For his accomplishments, Sims has been selected The DAILYLEADER’s Offensive Player of the Week.

“It’s an honor,” said Sims. “I have to attribute it to myteammates. Without them, I wouldn’t be anything.”

Copiah first-year head coach Scottie Cline says Sims is a teamleader. “Daniel is our veteran quarterback who the guys look to forguidance. He does not panic. You can’t rattle him. He’s not goingto lose his cool. He understands football.”

Sims (5-9, 170, sr.) has started in two state championshipgames. “He has very good game speed,” said Cline.

On the season, Sims has completed 86 of 175 passes for 1,320yards and thrown for 17 touchdowns. On the ground, he has 88 rushesfor 242 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Sims runs a 40-yard dash in 4.68. In the weight room, he benchpresses 245 pounds. Sims squats 515 pounds and power cleans235.

According to Sims, credit for his success goes to Copiah’soffensive line. “They really started coming together at the startof the season. They have stepped it up.”

The Colonel offense line includes Matthew Wright at left tackle,Bryce Sharp at left guard, Rob Pyron at center, Gary Strong atright guard, and Dustin Merchant at right tackle. Working at tightend are Alex Guess and Bryce Guess.

The victory over Simpson last Friday was a big one for Sims andhis teammates.

“It was great,” explained Sims. “We really prepared hard andwere on a big high for them. We started talking about it and we gotpumped. We played and executed.”

Sims refuses to take credit for the Colonels’ success. “I can’ttake the credit for it all. The linemen should take the credit forwhat I have done.”

Sims said senior wide receiver Hunter Greer is his favoritetarget. “We really just know where each other is going to be. Hecan always find me. He can find the open spot and he make the playsfor me.”

When asked about the season finale against Columbia AcademyFriday night, Sims replied, “I say we need to very wellprepared.”

Sims also plays center field for the Colonel baseball team. Hewas unable to play last year but plans to play for new head coachScooter Prince this spring.

Following graduation, Sims plans on attending Mississippi StateUniversity. He is undecided on a major at this time.

Sims is following in the footsteps of his older brother Stevenwho quarterbacked his senior year at Copiah in 2004.

With the tragic loss of senior lineman Preston Berry in an autoaccident just prior to the start of the football season, Sims andthe football team dedicated the season to him.

A metal cross bearing Berry’s helmet and jersey (No. 73) standsbehind the home bench during all the home games. The Colonels alsohave No. 73 decals on their helmets

“I have to thank my team,” said Sims. “We are trying to battleon after what happened to Preston . We dedicated it to his parents,Judy and Larry Berry.”

Sims talked about the difference between the championship Copiahteam from last year and the current one.

“We are more experienced,” stated Sims. “We are good indifferent ways and more experienced. We know what we have to do toget there.”

Copiah (8-1) begins play in the state playoffs Nov. 2.

Notable Performances

Other notable offensive performances by area players:Brookhaven’s Semmie Smith, 239 yards rushing; Bogue Chitto’s SethAvants, 103 yards passing and 114 yards rushing; Isaiah Ferdinand,182 yards rushing.