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Powell made right football decision
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| By: TOM GOETZ, DAILY LEADER Sports Editor |
November 04, 2009 |
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Jamison Powell almost changed his mind about playing football his senior year at Brookhaven Academy. Powell had bypassed his sophomore and junior seasons, preferring basketball as the Cougars won consecutive state tournament championships.
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Now, as a senior linebacker, Powell can add a football title to his trophy case if the Cougars win their next four playoff games. He helped them clinch the District 4-AA championship for a fourth consecutive year, making 13 tackles and 2 interceptions as the Cougars defeated Bowling Green 21-14 last Friday night and went undefeated in 11 regular-season games.
For his performance, Powell has been selected The DAILY LEADER's Defensive Player of the Week.
"Jamison had a good night for us," said BA head football coach Herbert Davis. "He has been a great asset for us since he came out from basketball last spring. He hung with us through the summer and decided to stick with us. He's been a great kid to coach."
Powell leads the Cougars in tackles this season. He has had several double-digit tackle performances.
Davis said Powell plays at a high intensity level. "He has a motor and he's always running to the football. He plays hard every play and he has a nose for the football."
"Jamison is a smart player, too. He keeps getting better every week. He's really a raw football player and he continues to up his game."
Powell (6-1, 185) said he runs the 40-yard dash in 4.9. He bench presses 195 pounds and squats with 300.
Obviously, his senior season has been a blast. "My friends talked me into playing football. This was my last chance to play before I graduated."
He said he enjoys playing outside linebacker. "It's fun. You get to step up and blitz or you can step back and cover (receivers)."
Powell said BA's defensive line harassed Bowling Green quarterback Cash Cooley and hurried his throws. "Our line put pressure on him. I was lucky to be in the right place. On the second one (interception) I was trying to reach my coverage area when I saw the quarterback look toward me. I made a break for the ball."
Also working at linebacker for the Cougars are Donovan Lorraine, Allen Michael Allred and Jennings Mills. In the defensive line are Bailey Hodge, Will Gatlin, Colby Kent, Hunter Franklin, Clint Stewart, Hunter McCullough and Cameron Barry.
Working in the BA secondary are Tripp Jolly and Bubba Keene, along with Myles Melancon and Logan Pace. Playing at safety are Jeff Rushing, Mark Rushing and Jacob Philipp.
Asked about the team, Powell said, "We have exceeded everybody's expectations."
Powell is the 17-year-old son of Ken and Sherry Powell, both BA graduates. His father played football for the Cougars in the mid 1970s and later graduated from West Point Military Academy. He's currently a colonel in the Army.
Powell said his father, a 1977 BA grad, provides encouragement, even when he's out of town on military duty. "He'll call and tell me to play hard."
Powell said he enjoys playing for Davis, who like BA basketball coach Dale Watts, projects a high level of intensity during the heat of battle. "I like playing for Coach Davis. He gets the most out of us."
Kenny Williams serves as BA's defensive coordinator. "He gets us in the right spots and the right holes."
Looking to the future, Powell said he wants to attend Mississippi State University where his sister, Joy, is majoring in broadcast journalism. He is considering a career in medicine.
In his spare time, Powell enjoys listening to country music, especially Brad Paisley. He's a devoted follower of the Miami Dolphins. His favorite NFL player is Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed.
FAVORITES
Birthday: January 31, 1992 Food: Chicken and dumplings Dessert: Peach cobbler TV Show: That 70s Show Movie: Forest Gump Subject: Math College: Mississippi State NFL Team: Miami NFL Player: Ed Reed
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©The Daily Leader 2010
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