This past weekend was chalked full of exciting football in the southwest Mississippi area. While there were several candidates to be considered for this weekly recognition, there were two guys that really stood out this week for their spectacular performances. However, this is the first time KDMC has chosen two players from the same team for both the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week. Needless to say, this Friday was a big night to be a Brookhaven Academy Cougar.

Offensive Player of the Week

This week’s Offensive Player of the Week goes to Brookhaven Academy’s senior leader, #5 Bubba Keene. This weekend, the Cougars took on Trinity Episcopal Day, the number 2 ranked team in the state in class 2A ball. This meaningful matchup was highly anticipated… and it did not disappoint.  This was undoubtedly BA’s toughest test of the year, and when it was all said and done, they came out on top 40-36 in a high-scoring nail-biter. Also, this win gave Coach McCarty’s Cougars their 7^th district title in a row; a feat not many coaches can put on their resume. However, let’s get back to the electric playmakers and their performances. Keene pretty much did a little bit of everything for BA on Friday, refusing to let his team lose this game. He was responsible for 3 TDs on the night, but all 3 came about in different facets of the game. Keene passed for one TD, returned an interception for a TD, and returned a punt for a TD. Not to mention he also kicks extra points. This guy is the prime example of senior leadership willing a team to victory. Obviously football is a team game, we all know that, but if you look at what this guy did for his team on Friday, it is nothing short of heroic. He made big plays when big plays were needed, and that is what playmakers do; they excel in the moments they’re needed the most. However, in most games, you have to have someone on the other side of the ball matching that passion and intensity in order to win a game of this magnitude. Thankfully for the Cougars, they got just that from another senior.

 Defensive Player of the Week

This week’s Defensive Player of the Week goes to BA’s standout senior cornerback, #22 Jeff Rushing. If you watch a lot of football, then more thank likely you have seen a game like the one on Friday. A game that is an absolute barnburner that brings out the best of both teams, and while a regular season game, has the feel of a state championship showdown. In these types of games, where the two teams combine for over 75 points, every coach knows that every stop counts. So while the Cougars did not overall have their best defensive performance of the year surrendering 36 points, they made big plays on both sides of the ball when they needed them. After all, they were playing the number 2 team in the state so I guess I should cut ‘em some slack. Along with Keene’s performance, fellow senior Rushing had an outstanding game on the defensive side of the ball. He registered a team-high 15 tackles and had 1 interception. Against a solid offensive team like Trinity that has so many dynamic athletes, recording 15 tackles is a heck of a game. Throw in a huge interception and that’s just gravy. It’s clear that on Friday night the Cougars needed both of these great performances; they put together a complete game, and it was clearly reflected in the outcome. Congratulations to Coach McCarty and BA on their impressive 7^th consecutive district title.

KDMC is excited to continue to bring you great weekly performances from players around the southwest Mississippi area. Last night might currently hold the spot for the most exciting game of the year, and you don’t get great games without great performances. Congratulations to both young men on a great showing on the gridiron. We look forward to seeing more from the Cougars in the playoffs. Be sure to go to www.kdmc.org next Monday to see who will be this week’s Players of the Week.