Garrett Rushing didn’t have a headache or a neck ache after lastFriday night’s game at Bogue Chitto. The West Lincoln linebackerhad every reason to be sore after being credited with 20 tackles inthe Bears’ 35-0 loss at Bogue Chitto.

Rushing’s career-high tackle total has earned him The DAILYLEADER’s Defensive Player of the Week recognition. The Bears hostNatchez Cathedral Friday night on Perry Miller Field for a Region4-1A test.

West Lincoln coach Chris Calcote has watched Rushing displaygrit, determination and courage on defense, despite his youthfulsophomore status in school. He stands 5-foot-11 and tips the scalesat 170 pounds.

“Garrett is relentless on defense,” said Calcote. “We need a lotmore like him.”

Working at linebacker on West Lincoln’s defensive unit areRushing, Lucas Burris and Tyler Case.

Calcote foresees a bright future for Rushing. “Garrett is goingto get a lot stronger and he has decent speed. He has a nose forthe football. He puts his heart into it.”

Rushing said he was surprised by the number of tackles he wascredited with in the Bogue Chitto game. It included 5 solo tacklesand 15 assists.

“I heard my name called (by PA announcer) but I didn’t expectthat many,” said Rushing. He also plays fullback on offense.

In the weight room, Rushing bench-presses 235 pounds. He is theson of Steve and Cassandra Rushing. He has a younger brother,Jayden, age 12; and a little sister, Preslee, age 3.

“I like playing linebacker best because I like to come up andhit people,” said Rushing. “I like to blitz, too.”

Rushing spent much of the game chasing Bogue Chitto running backByron Kersee who accounted for 4 touchdowns on the ground andanother on a pass reception. That effort earned Kersee the DL’sOffensive Player of the Week recognition.

“Kersee has a lot of speed and he’s quick on his feet,” saidRushing. Kersee saw a lot of No. 33, Rushing’s jersey number.

Lucas Addison coaches West Lincoln’s defensive backs. Jeff Kingcoaches the linebackers and line.

Rushing and the Bears achieved a milestone in their Aug. 21season opener, beating Williams-Sullivan of Durant in overtime. Thevictory snapped a 26-game losing streak. They also have a win overMt. Hermon, La., this season.

“Our defense has improved since last year but we need moreintensity,” said Calcote.

Working in WL’s front line on defense are Daniel Wallace and DePrice at end and Josh Reno and LaMarcus Lee at tackle. Thesecondary includes Deon Moore and Tray Moore at cornerback, andCalvin Kees at safety.

Rushing believes the Bears (2-4, 1-1) can win several more gamesthis year. “We have made a lot of improvements on defense comparedto last year. Our coaches have put us in the right position andwe’ve worked on wrapping up on tackles.”

Calcote is in his second year at the helm of West Lincoln’sfootball fortunes. Rushing said he enjoys playing for him.

“When you do something wrong, coach tells you how to improve,”said Rushing. “I enjoy playing for Coach Calcote. He’s fun to bearound.”

The Bears hope Calcote will continue coaching them for severalyears.

In his spare time, Rushing enjoys watching football ontelevision, especially LSU. His favorite NFL team is theIndianapolis Colts and his favorite player is linebacker PatrickWillis (Ole Miss) of the San Francisco 49ers.