MEADVILLE – Junior defensive back Jonathan Brooks came throughwith some big plays to help the Franklin County Bulldogs preserve akey 29-16 Region 7-3A win over the Hazlehurst Indians last Friday.Brooks intercepted 3 Hazlehurst passes and collected 8 tackles inthe victory.

For his accomplishments, Brooks has been named The DAILYLEADER’s Defensive Player of the Week for the seventh week of the2003 football season. The Bulldogs raised their record to 5-2overall and 3-0 in the region, claiming the top rung.

“I think it is good,” said Brooks of the award. “It encouragesme to work harder.”

Brooks runs a 40 in 4.6. In the weight room, he bench presses175 pounds and squats 330 pounds.

“Jonathan has a very good attitude toward the game,” saidFranklin County head coach Anthony Hart. “Last year he didn’t getto play but he always worked hard and he became a good player.”

According to Brooks, his primary responsibility on defense is toguard the receivers.

Brooks also plays wide receiver and finished last week’s gamewith 3 catches for 69 yards. “It helps to me to play receiver,”explained Brooks. “I know what they are going to do.”

Brooks talked about the interceptions from the Hazlehurst gamelast Friday. “The first two, I could see he was going to miss it. Ibeat the same guy. On the third interception, I had to adjust tothe football.”

“He (Brooks) has good speed and good instincts for the ball,”added Hart. “He’s smaller than most people that he has to cover. Hemakes up for it.”

Brooks listed the other members of the Bulldog defense. They aretackles Jake Buckles and Kenny Green, ends Deandre Davis and MarcusTillman, linebackers D.J. Shaw, Casey Hammack and Andrew Smith.Joining Brooks at defensive back are Deandrea Cameron and ZachThomas.

“We still have a ways to go,” added Brooks about the defensesprogress.

Friday night, Franklin County hosts region rival Port Gibson forhomecoming. Brooks feels there are some things the Bulldogs need todo.

“We need to put more points on the scoreboard,” stated Brooks.”We need to stop giving up so much rushing yards. And make them(opponents) throw the football.”

Following football season, Brooks will be playing basketball forCoach Chris Jordan. Last year he played guard. He is also active inROTC.

In the classroom, Brooks’ favorite subject is Americanhistory.

Brooks likes the LSU Tigers in college football. In the NFL, hefollows the Tennessee Titans.

“I would like to thank Coach Charles Moore and fullback GaryRogers,” said Brooks. “And my mom.”

Brooks added. “I hope we win district. We hope we can keep upwith our success.”

Brooks has an older brother, Byron Brooks, who is a freshman atCopiah-Lincoln Community College. He is a member of the Co-Linfootball team and is being redshirted this season. Byron alsoplayed wide receiver and defensive back for Franklin County.