Learning a new defensive scheme is never easy, especially for a senior who has spent his high school career under a different coordinator.

As a middle linebacker, Jemison’s Madison Bolton has been responsible this season for not only himself but for his teammates.

“He’s the one that calls the defense, helps them get line up, formation adjustments,” JHS coach Merritt Bowden said. “He’s the guy that communicates it to the defense.”

Bolton had his best game of the year—and maybe his career—in last week’s 33-20 win at Marbury, recording 20 tackles, including four for a loss, and earning The Clanton Advertiser’s Player of the Week honor.

“We really do want our linebackers and down safeties making plays in this defense,” Bowden said. “That tells you you’re doing something right when the [middle] linebacker is making plays. He should understand what’s going on out there.”

Bolton is second in the Chilton County area with 110 tackles in 10 games for an average of 11 tackles per game.

The Panthers barely missed the playoffs but are building toward the future. As an upperclassman, Bolton has set a standard and example for younger defenders.

“These kids are working really hard,” Bowden said. “I think it’s getting better, and in the future, we’re going to make a lot of strides forward.”

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Honorable mention

•Chance Britnell, Chilton Co.

•Carlos Caver, Billingsley

•Nolan Hayes, Thorsby

•Chris Lassinger, Chilton Christian

•Cameron Morrow, Maplesville

•Austin Parker, Isabella

•Jaryus Wilson, Verbena

Previous winners

•Week 1: Javae Swindle, Jemison

•Week 2: Damian Mitchell, Maplesville

•Week 3: DeRodgus Campbell, Isabella

•Week 4: Jimmie Lanier, Billingsley

•Week 5: Braden McRae, Thorsby

•Week 6: Michael Seaton, Chilton Co.

•Week 7: Matt Morgan, Thorsby

•Week 8: Richard Hilliard, Chilton Co.

•Week 9: Tyler Smith, Isabella