Brookhaven Academy linebacker Kolby Byrd is notorious for beinglate for appointments. By contrast, when the Friday night lightsare shining brightly on the gridiron, Byrd usually is the firstdefender to hit the opposing runner.

Byrd’s exceptional defensive skills have earned him The DAILYLEADER’s Defensive Player of the Year honors on the 2008All-Lincoln County Football Team. This is the third year for the6-foot, 225-pound senior to receive the recognition.

Joining Byrd at linebacker on the DL’s Dream Team are ChavonMiddleton and Issac Jones of Brookhaven and Jamie Rushing of WestLincoln.

The defensive line includes La’Terrius Williams and CordaiHenderson of Brookhaven, Travis Leggett of Enterprise, David Fieldsof Loyd Star and Austin Barnett and Will Gatlin of BrookhavenAcademy.

The secondary features Andrew Rushing and Antione Smith of LoydStar, Nathaneal Sbravati of Brookhaven Academy and Chris Seals andRenaldo Epps of Brookhaven.

The punter is Bud Britt of Brookhaven.

Byrd, a standout catcher in baseball, has signed a baseballscholarship with Mississippi State University. On the footballfield, he was a versatile performer for the BA Cougars, working atquarterback and running back on offense.

He rushed for 615 yard and scored 12 touchdowns this season.

Middle linebacker on defense was his forte. Wearing jersey No.33, Byrd has made nearly 400 tackles during his 4-year varsitycareer. He had 132 tackles this season, including 73 unassistedstops. He also intercepted 2 passes.

“Simpson (Academy) was my best game in overtime,” said Byrd,recalling his team’s must-win victory over the District 4-AA rival.”I had 14 tackles and ran the ball, too.”

In overtime, Byrd took the direct snap from center on offenseand BA scored in 2 plays, winning 20-14.

“Coach told me that was the first game I did what he wanted meto,” Byrd said. He was chosen Most Valuable Defensive Player in thedistrict and earned MVP Defensive Player recognition in the MPSAAll-Star Game.

“Kolby stepped up as a leader in that game,” said Davis,recalling the Simpson showdown. “He said, ‘Give me the ball.'”

Davis said Byrd has all the physical tools needed to playlinebacker. He runs a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, bench presses 365pounds and squats with 550.

“Kolby pushes people aside and gets off blocks,” said Davis. “Hefills the hole.”

Issac Jones (5-9, 172, sr.) made 89 tackles for thePanthers.

Chavon Middleton (5-7, 170, sr.) collected 76 tackles for thePanthers and intercepted 1 pass.

Jamie Rushing (5-11, 195, sr.) led West Lincoln’s defense with60 tackles.

La’Terrius Williams (6-1, 225, sr.) accounted for 39 tackles and3.5 sacks for the Panthers.

Austin Barnett (5-11, 185, jr.) was credited with 8 quarterbacksacks and 103 tackles for the Cougars.

Will Gatlin (6-3, 215, jr.) made 64 tackles for the Cougars thisseason.

Travis Leggett (6-0, 215, jr.) collected 112 tackles, 9 of themfor a loss, in spearheading the Enterprise defense.

David Fields (5-11, 170, jr.) made 112 tackles for theHornets.

Cordai Henderson (5-10, 258, jr.) made 66 tackles and caused 3fumbles for BHS.

Nathanael Sbravati (6-1, 200, jr.) made 113 tackles for theCougars.

Andrew Rushing (5-9, 160, sr.) had 116 tackles and 2interceptions for the Hornets.

Renaldo Epps (5-9, 172, sr.) intercepted 5 passes for thePanthers and made 70 tackles.

Antione Smith (6-0, 187, sr.) made 96 tackles and intercepted 2passes for Loyd Star.

Chris Seals (5-7, 170, soph.) intercepted 3 passes and made 32tackles for the Panthers.

Bud Britt (6-2, 185, sr.) had a strong arm at quarterback plus astrong leg, punting for a 39.8-yard average.