HAZLEHURST – The Wesson Cobras traveled to Hazlehurst to meet the 23rd ranked Indians Friday night. Hazlehurst was on fire and skinned the Cobras 45-20 Friday night in Robert F. McDaniel Stadium.

“I thought our guys gave a really good effort against a very good Hazlehurst football team,” said Wesson coach Ronald Greer. “We have to get ready for an improving Crystal Springs team on a short week of practice.”

The first quarter began with the Cobras making several first downs, but they couldn’t advance the ball to the end zone.

Hazlehurst took control of the ball and scored on their first possession of the game, when senior Malik Brown put the first points on the board with 9:37 left in the first quarter. Junior kicker Dycelious Reese added the extra point, bringing the score to 7-0 Indians.

Wesson’s defense tried to strike back as senior Chase Twiner and sophomore Jeremiah Stapleton caused havoc to the Indians’ passing game by deflecting several passes. Hazlehurst eventually scored again when Brown rushed in a touchdown and Reese kicked the extra point, bringing the score to 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Cobras managed to gain some momentum during the second quarter, but the drive ended with a fumble, which allowed the Indians to gain control of the ball. Wesson sophomore Kendrick Brown intercepted a pass, but the Cobras handed the ball back to the Indians on the next possession due to another fumble.

The Indians went on a scoring spree with three consecutive touchdowns by seniors Jarvis Warner, Dedrick Reese and D’Alex Rockingham, bringing the score to 33-0.

The Cobras managed to get on the board late in the second quarter, when junior Michael Hauer broke free and sprinted to the end zone. Senior kicker CJ Viramontez was successful on the extra point attempt.

Hazlehurst’s Rockingham cashed in another touchdown for the Indians with no time left on the clock, bringing the score at the half to 39-7.

In the second half, Wesson was able to put points on the scoreboard again in the third quarter, when junior Quarterback Tyler Christmas punched in a rushing touchdown to bring the score to 39-14.

The Indians answered with a big drive down the field, and freshman Malik Gray scrambled in for the touchdown to end the third quarter with a score of 45-14.

Wesson’s big play of the night occurred when junior Dartavious Dixon rushed the ball but fumbled it and sophomore Kendrick Brown recovered the fumble and advanced the ball within 10 yards of the end zone. The Cobras finished the night off with Hauer scoring his second touchdown, bringing the final score to 45-20.

Hauer commented on the game by stating, “We played our hearts out. I think we started off pretty good the second half. We just got to hold our heads up and play the same way the next game.”

Otis Smith was the offensive leader for the Cobras with 16 rushes for 74 yards. Hauer helped with two rushing touchdowns. Farrod Green was the top receiver with two catches for 22 yards.

Defensively, Kendrick Brown led Wesson with five tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery.

The Cobras (0-6, 0-1) host the Crystal Springs Tigers (1-6, 0-1) for a Thursday night special this week at H.L. Stone Stadium. Kick off is at 7 p.m.