By Jake Martin

The Natchez Democrat

FERRIDAY — Donrick Williams and Devante Scott raced down the sidelines of Melz Field during the last decade to the tune of Ferriday’s marching band and a chorus of Trojan fans cheering. Among those cheering was young Marquis Brown, who as a Trojan fan was mesmerized by the game-day atmosphere and awe-inspiring traditions at his hometown school.

Now, it’s Brown’s turn to lead his team as a senior with the entire community rooting him and the Ferriday Trojans on. It’s an opportunity Brown has been waiting for.

“After every game this season, it will hit me because I know I can’t go back to that one,” Brown said. “I’ve got to go out with a bang.”

As a junior, Brown dominated, leading the team in tackles with 81 on the season. He was a vital part on defense, as well as the offensive line, but his absence in a 24-12 playoff loss to Lake Arthur meant more to him than anything else. Brown missed the game for violating team rules, and as he did when he was a young child running around at Melz Field, Brown watched on from afar, except this time he was utterly disgusted.

Missing the Trojans’ final game lit a fire under Brown this offseason, as he hit the weights and devoted himself to being better. As a senior leader, Brown is putting it on himself to lead a talented Ferriday team into 2015.

“If I set the example, they will follow,” Brown said. “If I just mess around and goof around, they will too. So it’s important.”

So for Brown, it’s all about mentality in 2015. And though he’s not as big as some underclassmen on the team, like 6’8” Dare Rosenthal, Brown will use his determination to make up any size disadvantages he may face this season.

“It’s about your character and your attitude,” Brown said. “I’ve learned at the LSU camp that size doesn’t matter. Coach (Ed) Orgeron told me that if I play like I’m 6’5”, I’d sign with somebody.”

New Ferriday coach Dwight Woods has seen first-hand what Brown can do on the defensive line. When Woods was coaching at General Trass, Woods said his center couldn’t block Brown one-on-one because Brown was too quick, forcing Woods to change his blocking schemes. Woods wants to see Brown be part of one of the best defensive lines in the district. That’s not all Woods is asking of Brown, though, as he’d like to see Brown become the Trojans’ leader.

“I think he’s matured a lot,” Woods said. “Just from what I’ve seen from day one to now, he’s really changed a lot. He’s definitely one of the best defensive linemen in the area. I haven’t seen everyone in the area, but of the teams in the district, he’s definitely in the top three. It’s still a lot of work he has to do, but I look forward to him leading the defense in a lot of ways. He has to be mature on and off the field.”

As Brown raced back-and-forth on sprints at practice Tuesday evening, he leaned over, fighting off the urge to quit. He, along with his teammates, gritting his teeth and kept pushing, thinking about the potential rewards in store for all of the hard work. After all, this is Brown’s last chance to leave his legacy at Ferriday, like all the great players did before him.

“This is my last ride,” Brown said.