Pearl River High School senior Stephen Arthur plays middle linebacker for the Rebels football team and last season competed on the baseball team at catcher and outfield in a limited roll.

On the gridiron this year, he has helped his team to a 6-0 record after a 42-6 victory over Riverdale. This season, Arthur has 56 tackles.

PRHS defensive coordinator Chris Thomas said Arthur is always around the ball.

Stephen Arthur

“Pretty much if you’re looking on film and trying to find the ball, he’s somewhere around it. He flies to the ball,” Thomas said.

The coach also said Arthur is a leader by example.

“When you emphasize swarming to the ball and you see one of your senior players always around it, other people pick up on that,” Thomas said

Thomas said Arthur has improved since the last three seasons.

“He’s definitely stepped it up a notch over the years, since he became a sophomore until now. He’s our emotional leader. When he goes down, the emotion part takes a toll. He’s been our leading tackler for the last two years,” Thomas said.

What do you enjoy most about playing your sports? It keeps me out of trouble, doing what I have to do in school and it keeps me focused.

What do you like best about being a student athlete? Everybody looks at you as a football player. You get to wear that jersey on Fridays and go out and play on the field. Everybody looks at you as a leader around the school.

Do you feel an added responsibility of being a role model as a student athlete? Yes, I feel that they’ve got a lot of freshmen at this school that look up to me as a leader. They want to follow me, so I try to do what I can, so I don’t get in trouble.

Most memorable game? The Albany game last year. I had a couple sacks and two interceptions. It was a good game for me. The Rebels won the contest, 34-8.

Who has been the most influential person in your school sports career? Coach Thomas because I’ve been here since my sophomore year and he’s taught me a lot of things. He’s kept me in the weight room. He’s really done a lot since I’ve been here.

Who is your favorite athlete? Baltimore Ravens’ middle linebacker Ray Lewis.

Favorite team? New Orleans Saints.

What is your favorite subject in school? American History.

Plans after high school/college major? I want to attend a small college and play football. I would like to major in Education.

Favorite sports movie/TV show/actor/ actress? “Friday Night Lights,” “SportsCenter,” Chris Tucker and Angelina Jolie.

Favorite type of music? Country and rap.

Favorite food dish? Steak.

Best vacation? This past summer, I went to Panama with some friends from school on the football team. Arthur said those players were tight end Jacob Rester, defensive lineman Scott Schure and quarterback Matt Smith.

Best thing about living on the Northshore? I like the fishing and hunting. I also do motor riding on a four-wheeler.

Hobbies/interests: Fishing, hunting, hanging out with my friends.

Parents: Steve and Tammy Guidry of Pearl River.