Calhoun City’s Brieton Sykes is considered by some to be the most dominant player in Class 2A.
As a junior last season, the 6’1”, 210 pound running back rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 28 touchdowns. Add to that another 500-plus yards receiving, seven touchdown catches, two touchdown passes, 41 tackles on defense, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.
An opposing coach described Sykes’ running-style as angry.
“That sounds right,” Sykes said with a laugh. “When I get the ball I feel like I can’t be tackled. Anytime I have it, I just want to run mad.”
Sykes was named by The Clarion-Ledger among the top athletes in Class 2A, but he didn’t make the coveted Dandy Dozen list nor some of the other preseason honors some may have expected for him.
“It’s all motivation,” Sykes said. “I just use everything as motivation. My goal is just to put God first and work as hard as I can.”
After falling to Bassfield the last two years in the Class 2A State Championship Game and having to replace a highly decorated senior class, Sykes believes the Wildcats may be getting overlooked entering the 2015 season.
“A lot of people are picking other teams over us because we lost all those linemen from last year and our quarterback, but we worked hard all summer and in practice to show everyone it’s going to be different,” he said. “We’re going to be good. We’re even faster than we were last year. We’ve got some experience and a great work ethic.”
The Wildcats open the season tonight at Coffeeville. They’ll host Houston Aug. 28 for their home opener.
For Sykes, it hasn’t completely sunk in that this is his last season in a Wildcat uniform.
“I never thought this day would be here,” he said shaking his head. “I just want to make the most of it.”
When it comes to predictions, Sykes would only guarantee he and his Wildcats will play hard every week.
“Any way it goes, championship or no championship, as long as we play our best and have a good season I’ll be satisfied.”