Senior quarterback Duwone Harris directed Brookhaven’s Panthersto a 28-19 Friday night homecoming victory against the Stone CountyTomcats. Harris threw touchdown passes of 5, 32 and 50 yards as hecompleted 6 of 14 passes for 117 yards. He also rushed 16 times for79 yards on King Field.

That performance has earned Harris The DAILY LEADER’s OffensivePlayer of the Week honors.

Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey said he has seen steadyimprovement in Harris since he took over the quarterback positionat the start of his junior year. “Duwone has matured a lot and he’sa lot more comfortable running our offense. He understands ouroffense better as well as knowing the (opponents) defense.

“He has worked hard to improve,” said Peavey. “He can do a lot ofthings in our offense.”

Harris, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound athlete, was a wide receiver beforemaking the transformation to quarterback. It was a difficultadjustment at times.

“I found my swagger,” said Harris. He is a threat to score as apasser and a runner.

In the second game of the season against Clinton, Harris sustaineda separated right shoulder. He sat out the Lawrence County and WestJones games while the injury mended.

“I was hurt but I had to cheer my teammates,” said Harris. “Itfeels good to be back 100 percent.”

He said he appreciated his offensive line. That group includescenter Mitch Case, guards Tyler Collins and Tameas Hooker, tacklesSam Ballard and Stone Underwood, and tight ends Nick Peavey,Phillip Hamilton and Randy Austin.

“My offensive line protects me and they help me a lot,” saidHarris. “I have some good receivers and some good runningbacks.”

Senior running back Travorius Showers rushed for 130 yards and atouchdown in the homecoming victory against Stone County. Peavey,Devonte Stewart and Ross Hill caught touchdown passes.

Harris said he is confident the Panthers can make the stateplayoffs. They are members of the talent-laden Region 3-5A. Theyare 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the region.

“No doubt we will make the playoffs,” said Harris. “We are comingtogether as a team.”

He said he enjoyed playing for Coach Peavey and new offensivecoordinator Ryan Ross. “They get us ready to play.”

Looking to the future, Harris said he would like to play collegefootball. “Maybe Southern Miss.”

His favorite college teams are Alabama and LSU. He likes thePittsburgh Steelers in the NFL and strong safety TroyPolamalu.

In the weight room, Harris bench presses 330 pounds. He squats with480 pounds. He runs a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash.

He wears jersey No. 12 because “it was mother’s softball number.”He is the 18-year-old son of Dewayne and Karen Gayten. He has threesisters and four brothers.

Last summer Harris worked part-time for Little Caesar’s Pizza whenhe wasn’t working out with his teammates.

He said he was looking forward to Friday’s game at archrivalMcComb. “It’s always a battle when we play them.”

Harris and his teammates have region road games against McComb andForest Hill before the playoffs begin Nov. 12.