Tim Monihan and Farmers Insurance recognize junior linebacker Joey Grant as the eighth Player of the Week for the fall sports season.

“I think Coach Cooper chose me because all of the other linebackers were able to get tackles at the line of scrimmage and get a couple of stops,” Grant said. “It’s a very nice gesture, and it shows some of the hard work we put in during practice.”

Grant is a key point of the defense, making sure everyone knows what they are supposed to be doing. Off the field, he is known for encouraging teammates and helping keep morale high, something that benefits the team as a whole.

“He’s the focal point of our defense and has really grown into that role,” Cooper said. “Every game he takes more ownership in making calls and checks, and that has made our entire defense stronger.”

Grant recorded 15 tackles in last Friday’s game against Griffin. Following a 37-19 loss to the Bears, Starr’s Mill is 0-5 to begin the season.

The Panthers travel to Mundy’s Mill (0-5, 0-1) for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.