So far, the 2008 football season has been good to Byron Kerseeand the Bogue Chitto Bobcats. Bogue Chitto is unbeaten in fourgames.

In Friday’s 36-14 Region 4-1A win over Salem, the 5-foot-11,175-pound junior running back helped the Bobcats with 15 carriesfor 150 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns.

For his accomplishments, Kersee has been named The DAILYLEADER’S Offensive Player of the Week.

“It’s a pretty good thing,” said Kersee. “But I couldn’t havedone it without my offensive line and my quarterback.”

Kersee named the members of the Bobcat offensive line. Theyinclude Fred Tillman, right tackle; Josh Wallace, right guard;Blake Sasser, center; Lenell Bryant, left guard and Shane Lewis,left tackle. The quarterback is Seth Avants.

Bryant and Lewis are new starters on the Bobcat offensive linethis year and they have adapted well, according to Kersee. “Theypicked up the slack we needed. They all work hard, especially FredTillman.”

Kersee also praised Avants for his contributions to theteam.

“Seth is one of the best quarterbacks in the state to me,”stated Kersee. “He works hard and makes the clutch plays.”

Kersee has improved physically over the summer. His speed in the40-yard dash is 4.5. In the weight room, he bench-presses 225pounds, squats with 505 pounds and deadlifts 535.

His favorite play is the Gunner spin 35. “It’s a handoff,misdirection play,” explained Kersee. “I scored two touchdowns lastweek with it.”

Bogue Chitto head coach Garreth Sartin said, “Byron is a verystrong runner with strong legs. He has good vision finding holes.He has a good burst of speed and accelerates through the hole. He’stough to bring down in the open field. It takes more than one manto stop him.”

Kersee has come a long way following the fractured left ankle hesustained last year during the Dexter game. He was out for sixweeks but returned in time for the Class 1 state playoffs. He saidCoach Sartin helped him get back in shape.

“Byron has come on strong and is a huge part of our offense,”said Sartin.

Kersee also plays outside linebacker for the Bobcats. “He playedcornerback last year,” added Sartin. “He has really filled a voidfor us at linebacker.”

Kersee thanks Coach Sartin for all he has done for him. Kerseefeels good about the chances for the Bogue Chitto team this year.”I feel good about what we can do. We try to get bigger and bettereach week. Our goal is a state championship.”

Friday night, Bogue Chitto has a tough Region 4-1A test againstCathedral at Natchez. “We have to play smart,” said Kersee. “Theline has to play hard. The receivers have to make good catches. Thequarterback must make smart choices.”

In his spare time, Kersee enjoys watching the Ohio StateBuckeyese and the Tennessee Titans on TV. His favorite NFL playeris Adrian Peters of the Minnesota Vikings.