What he did: In only his fourth game this season, Markeith Elder returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown in a 20-13 win over Mesquite Poteet. He also intercepted a pass inside the West Mesquite 5-yard line late in the game to seal an important District 10-4A win.

Markeith Elder

The stats: In addition to the two interceptions, Elder was credited with 10 tackles against Mesquite Poteet.

Who he is: A 6-2, 170-pound senior free safety.

He said it: "I rely a lot on film sessions with the coaches. I watch film every morning and try to pick up the kind of routes the receivers run and how many steps the quarterback drops back. Things like that. It helps a lot."

Coach said it: "He's a ball hawk. That's what he is, and he'll hit and strike you. He won't back down. He's still not 100 percent (returning from a gunshot wound in left knee last spring), but he's able to make plays. He's not yet running as fast or as sharp as he did last year, but he's getting there." – Mike Overton

Did you know? Elder missed the first three games this season while recovering from the gunshot wound, which he sustained in May when a bullet ricocheted off the ground and struck him in his left knee. The incident was a life-changing experience that Elder said brought him closer to God. "I go to church more now and pray more," he said. ...He now has four interceptions this season and nine over the past two seasons. ... His favorite rap artist is T.I. and his favorite movie is ATL, which starred T.I. ...The best advice he's every received is to "Always keep your head up and keep your faith in the Lord." It came from his grandfather, Raymond Brinkley.