MEADVILLE – The Franklin County defense rose to the occasionSaturday night to shut down the North Pike offense and give thevisiting Bulldogs a 19-3 Region 7-3A victory over the Jaguars.

Leading the Bulldog defense was senior linebacker Taylor McMinnwith 10 tackles. Also making 10 tackles apiece were seniors AaronJones at linebacker and Jason Wyatt at end. Jones suffered aseparated shoulder early in the fourth quarter.

For his accomplishments, McMinn has been named The DailyLeader Defensive Player of the Week for the fifth week of the2002 football season.

“It’s pretty good,” said McMinn when asked about being namedPlayer of the Week.

McMinn runs a 40 in 4.9. In the weight room, he bench presses245 pounds and squats 330.

“We played pretty well,” said McMinn about the Bulldogs win overthe Jaguars last week. “We played better than we did againstWesson.”

McMinn said he saw improvement in his own performance. “I playedwell. I still could have done better.”

When asked about the Bulldogs defense, McMinn was complimentary.”This was the best game our defense has played all year.”

McMinn listed members of the Franklin defensive line includingWyatt, left guard Hardy Fox, noseguard Bill Shaw and end Donnie RaySmith. Joining McMinn linebacker are Jones on the inside andoutside linebackers Ramsay Brown and Tyson Windham.

McMinn likes new head coach Anthony Hart and what the Bulldogshave accomplished with him. “He has made our team better than whatis used to be. We get much out of him.”

This week, McMinn and the Bulldogs celebrate homecoming and faceRegion 7-3A foe Jefferson County Friday night in Louie MullinsMemorial Stadium.

“They are big and fast,” stated McMinn

When asked about keeping the team’s mind on the game duringhomecoming, he replied, “It’s not distracting.”

The Bulldogs are off to a 4-1 start this season and are 2-0 inthe region race.

“Taylor is dedicated,” said Coach Hart. “He comes to practiceevery day with a very good work ethic. I never have to worry abouthim giving me a great effort. He is a fine young men. He is easy tocoach and fun to be around.”

Hart commented on Taylor’s strong points. “He has a nose for thefootball and he understands the game,”explained Hart. “He getsafter it.”

North Pike relied on a power running game. Fullback ClydeBrumfield (5-11, 260) was the workhorse in the Jaguars’ offense,running between the tackles.

“North Pike was a very physical team,” added Hart. “McMinn andJones had to tackle that big fullback most of the night. I know hewas sore on Sunday morning.”

McMinn’s father, Chuck McMinn, is the minister of music at theFirst Baptist Church of Meadville.

In school, McMinn’s favorite class is government.

McMinn said he would like to continue playing football on thecollege level. “I would like to play college football.” His majoris undecided.

McMinn’s favorite state college football team was MississippiState University. His favorite NFL team is the Miami Dolphins. Hisfavorite football players is Zach Thomas.

“They whole team did a good job last week (against North Pike),”added McMinn. “The week was successful.”