Brookhaven Academy quarterback Gage Poseybelieves the Cougars can make a strong run in the MAIS Class AAstate playoffs. Posey made an impressive statement in Fridaynight’s 47-14 District 5-AA win at Columbia Academy, passing forfour touchdowns and running for another.

    That performance has earned the junior signal-caller The DAILYLEADER’s Offensive Player of the Week recognition. Posey completed14 of 15 passes for 227 yards. He also rushed 3 times for 27 yards,including a 17-yard TD run.

    “Gage’s work ethic is second to none,” said BA coach Tripp McCarty.”He’s an extremely unselfish player, too. He doesn’t care aboutstatistics; he just wants to see the scoreboard.”

    The Cougars are off to a 7-2 start this season and are 1-0 indistrict play. They have district games remaining against ACCS andNatchez Trinity.

    “Gage has increased his long throws by 10 yards since the summer,”said McCarty. “We expect some good things out of him the rest ofthe season.”

    McCarty said Posey is surrounded by teammates who continue to getbetter, too. BA’s offensive line has improved its blocking forpassing as well as rushing plays.

    “Our line gave me more than enough time to look around and find thereceivers,” said Posey, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound junior southpaw whowears jersey No. 15.

    Working in BA’s offensive line are left guard Colby Culbertson,left tackle Drew Philipp, right guard Ken Britt and right tackleGarrett Pace. At center are Hunter Franklin and Cody Thornhill.Also seeing duty are Travis Thornton, Bailey Hodge and SamRatcliff.

    Running back Landon Nettles also provides pass protection forPosey. Against Columbia, he threw TD passes of 12 yards to BubbaKeene, 24 yards to Jeff Rushing, and 24 and 30 yards to SethRushing,

    “Our receivers are doing a good job,” said Posey. “They can go getit (passes).”

    McCarty replaced Herbert Davis as head coach last spring, moving toBA from Madison-Ridgeland Academy. McCarty had been offensivecoordinator at MRA.

    “Coach McCarty has showed us a lot of new stuff on offense anddefense,” said Posey.

    On the season, Posey has completed 92 of 168 passes for 1,368 yardsand 16 touchdowns. He’s thrown nine interceptions.

      Posey is the 17-year-old son ofKevin and Rhonda Posey. He has an older brother, Garrett, who playstight end for Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

    A 3-sport star, Posey doesn’t have much free time. He plays guardfor BA’s basketball team and is a pitcher/outfielder on thebaseball team.

    “I like all three sports,” said Posey. “I like the pressure atquarterback.”

    An honor roll student, Posey is considering a future career inphysical therapy.

    Posey said the Cougars are looking forward to playing Trinity inthe regular season final next week at Natchez.

            In his free time, Poseylikes to bass fish. He enjoys watching the Mississippi StateBulldogs. His NFL favorites are the Denver Broncos and quarterbackTim Tebow. It’s no coincidence that he wears Tebow’s jerseynumber.