Senior free safety Jarvis Wilson knows his responsibilities.Besides being the last line of defense, he must provide leadershipfor Brookhaven’s younger players.

Wilson (5-10, 180) made his presence felt Friday night,intercepting 2 passes, recovering a fumble and recording 4 tacklesin Brookhaven’s hard-fought 12-8 victory over the HazlehurstIndians. For his performance, Wilson has been selected The DAILYLEADER’s Defensive Player of the Week for the opening week of the2003 campaign.

Wilson played cornerback as a junior. He has worked hard tolearn the free safety position.

Brookhaven head coach Tucker Peavey said he has been pleasedwith Wilson’s progress. “Jarvis has put some time and effort intoit. I was happy to seem him play well and have success.

“Jarvis has some experience and he has a desire to do well. Hehas good speed.”

Wilson runs a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash. Last spring he ran the800-meter dash for the BHS track squad. He also was a member of the800 and 1,600-meter Panther relay teams.

“I love free safety,” said Wilson. “I get to see everything backthere. I’m in between the hashes. I try to help the youngercornerbacks.”

Wilson was quick to share the defensive honors with histeammates. “My defensive line had a good pass rush. They putpressure on the quarterback and I watched the quarterback’s eyes.Our linebackers did a good job, too.”

Both of Wilson’s pass thefts came in the fourth quarter.Recalling his last interception which killed a Hazlehurst scoringdrive at Brookhaven’s 36-yard line, Wilson said he was thinkingabout returning it for a touchdown “but I stepped out of bounds.”He got as far as Hazlehurst’s 20-yard line.

Talking about the defense, Wilson said the unit has high goalsfor the season. Last year they helped Brookhaven advance to thethird round of the Class 4A state playoffs, the South Statesemifinals.

“We want to be the No. 1 defense in the state,” said Wilson. “Weare a family on defense and we are strong.

“It’s like a puzzle,” Wilson continued. “Wherever I fit in as apiece is fine.”

The son of Annie Jean Wilson has definite plans for the future.He wants to attend Jackson State University and obtain a degree inbusiness management.

In his spare time, Wilson hangs out with friends and usuallystays close to home. In school, his favorite class is math.

Wilson said he enjoys playing for defensive coordinator RodHenderson and secondary coach Patrick Hardy. “They are like fathersto me. They put us in the right spots on defense.”

Brookhaven plays its first home game of the season Friday nightand Wilson said the Panthers must produce a complete game againstthe Class 5A Vicksburg Gators. “Vicksburg is big and tough and theyhave a lot of speed.

“Our offense has to score and we have to play tough ondefense.”

Wilson expects the Panthers to be ready.