Isabella players and coaches think they have a team this year that is much improved over the squad that went 4-6 last season and missed the playoffs.

An improved defense is one of the reasons. The blocking of fullback Jacob Carroll is another.

The most siginificant difference for the Mustangs in 2013 might be the contributions of senior DeRodgus Campbell.

Campbell missed Isabella’s last eight games of 2012 with an injury, and his touches were limited the first two games of this season.

But Campbell made his presence felt early in last week’s 41-20 win at Prattville Christian, returning the game’s opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown.

“He got the game started off right for us,” IHS coach Scott Booth said. “That’s always a good thing when you get points on the board right off the bat like that.”

Campbell, The Clanton Advertiser’s Player of the Week, also rushed nine times for 164 yards and two touchdowns. He caught one pass from quarterback Tyler Smith for 27 yards to accumulate 281 all-purpose yards.

Booth said Campbell contributes to Isabella’s success in ways that don’t show up in the box score, citing Campbell’s effective blocking and also his defensive ability.

Campbell can often be found lining up opposite the opposing team’s best receiver.

Booth also raves about Campbell’s work ethic and attitude.

“He’s done exactly what we want him to do,” the coach said.

Campbell’s ability has taken pressure off Smith, who rushed the football an average of 24 times a game in 2012 (tops among all Chilton County area players).

“Last year, he was basically a one-man show,” Booth said about his quarterback. “[Campbell] adds another dimension. People have to really respect where he’s at on the field.

“We seem to be clicking on all cylinders offensively, so far.”

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Honorable mention

Christian Agee, Verbena

•Caught three passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns in a 60-27 loss to Notasulga.

Jakevious Boswell, Chilton Co.

•Rushed 11 times for 100 yards and one touchdown in a 35-14 win over Shelby County.

•Returned one kickoff for 35 yards.

Landon Hall, Chilton Christian

•Caught five passes for 115 yards in a 45-13 win over Brooklane Baptist.

•Returned an interception for a touchdown.

Thomas Nichols, Billingsley

•Completed 13 passes in 22 attempts for 189 yards and two touchdowns in a 26-20 loss to Autaugaville.

Kevin Owens, Thorsby

•Rushed 13 times for 42 yards in a 24-16 loss to Central-Coosa.

•Completed three passes in six attempts for 30 yards and a touchdown filling in for Thorsby’s starting quarterback.

Randy Satterfield, Jemison

•Rushed twice for 99 yards and a touchdown in a 39-12 win over Carbon Hill.

•Returned two kickoffs for 82 yards and a touchdown.

•Caught two passes for 14 yards and a touchdown.

Forrest Stewart, Maplesville

•Graded the highest among Maplesville offensive linemen who paved the way for 308 rushing yards in a 75-0 win over Sunshine.

Previous winners

•Week 1: Keyshawn Jemison, Jemison

•Week 2: Damian Mitchell, Maplesville