By Matt Sigler
The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — While most Natchez High fans celebrate Sidney Davis touchdowns, Davis, himself, celebrates much more.

Davis, a do-it-all player for the Bulldogs, has taken his talents well beyond the football field and into the classroom.

“School is the number one priority for me,” Davis said. “Football is second. It has always been like that. My parents raised me that way.”

Davis boasts a 3.5 GPA and said math is his favorite subject in school.

“Having to figure out how different numbers add up and things like that is what I like,” he said.

While having to balance school and football, Davis also absorbed another big task — team leader.

“I know I need to try and get better at it,” he said. “But it is coming along. I need to be more vocal as a leader.”

Davis said he is more of a soft-spoken young man who likes to lead by example instead of his voice. But Natchez head coach Melvin Pete said he has seen progress from Davis as far as coming out of his shell.

“I challenged all of the seniors,” Pete said. “We’re coming into a situation where sometimes there weren’t any seniors being leaders. They talked about someone being a leader, but we are trying to make leaders and make them step up.”

Davis is also taking that leadership role into the classroom.

“I don’t really say too much in class, unless it is (to) my teammates,” Davis said. “I’ll get on them.”

With his success in the classroom has come success on the field, and the Bulldogs are sitting at 3-1. Davis has found the end zone six times, and hopes that soon he’ll be catching more attention from college coaches.

“I’ve got a couple (offers) but it is not really where I want to be right now,” Davis said. “After the season, they’ll be where I want them.”

Pete believes Davis is definitely capable of playing at the next level.

“I think so because of his work ethic and because of his knowledge of the game,” Pete said. “The only knock I think some colleges will have is his height and speed.”

As for now, though, Davis will continue to shine at Natchez both on and off the field.

“Sometimes there are some fine young men that come along,” Pete said. “This being his senior year and just getting to know him, I can say that he is everything everyone says he is. He is a hard-worker, a gentleman and a scholar.”