MEADVILLE – James Hunt is well known for his bone-jarring hitsat middle linebacker for the Franklin County Bulldogs. Last Fridaynight at Fayette, the Jefferson County Tigers were introduced toHunt’s hard-running style at fullback.

Hunt (6-0, 190) rushed the football 18 times for 196 yards and 3touchdowns, leading the Bulldogs to a 32-6 victory over JeffersonCounty in Region 6-3A action. For his performance Hunt has beenselected The Daily Leader’s Offensive Player of the Week for thesixth week of the 2001 campaign.

“I was aiming to get Player of the Week as a senior,” said Hunt.”But I didn’t expect to get it for offense.”

Hunt usually leads the Bulldogs in tackles. He made 8 tacklesand 2 pass deflections against Jefferson County.

Franklin County head coach Michael Goff said Hunt is a vitalpart of the team on offense and defense. “He makes our defensivecalls and adjustments. He’s a tough youngun’ who has worked hard inthe weight room to get bigger and stronger.

“James tries to do what is right,” said Goff. “Several timesthis year he has come to our prayer group,” which meets beforeschool.

Asked about his performance at fullback, Hunt said, “The lineblocked good so I had to produce. (Coaches) gave me a chance tostart on offense.”

Franklin County’s offensive line includes Sal Fiorello andCatlyn Wactor at center, T.J. Hawley at left guard, Brandon Halfordat left tackle, Lee Hutson at right guard, Josh Bradford at righttackle and Vance Windom at tight end.

According to Goff, the trap play was working well for Hunt. Hisfirst starting assignment was impressive.

“We had our halfback (Cecil Kenzie) leading on our 134 Power,”said Hunt. “The hole was just wide open.”

In the weight room, Hunt bench presses 240 pounds and squatswith 370.

After losing to North Pike two weeks ago, Hunt said the Bulldogswere in desperate need of a victory. “We had no emotions in theNorth Pike game. We had to step up and play.

“We don’t plan on losing any more games this season,” Huntcontinued. ‘We must come out and play at a high level ofintensity.”

Franklin County (3-3, 1-1) faces a an explosive Hazlehurst (2-3,1-1) team Friday night in Meadville. It’s a must-win situation forboth Region 6-3A teams.

Hunt said the Bulldogs must be ready for the Indians, especiallytailback Damien Gary., “Hazlehurst has a lot of speed, especiallyGary. We need to shut him down. We want to make the playoffs.”

Hunt said he wants to play college football, preferringMississippi State. “I’ll probably start at Co-Lin so I can get afeel for the college game.”

On Sunday, Hunt enjoys watching the Denver Broncos. He has beennicknamed “Baby Ray Lewis,” after NFL star Ray Lewis.

In the classroom, Hunt maintains a 3.0 GPA. He plans to take theACT in December. He also plays forward on the Franklin Countybasketball team.