WESSON – Injuries do not stop Wesson inside linebacker Billy RayMiller. Miller sustained a broken wrist in practice before thefirst game of the season but he hasn’t’ missed any of the Cobras’first three games.

Last Friday at North Pike, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound sophomore,sparked the Cobra defense with 13 tackles and one fumble recoveryin their 28-14 win over the Class 3A Jaguars.

For his accomplishments, Miller has been selected The DailyLeader’s Defensive Player of the Week for the third week of the2000 football season.

Miller, who wears a cast on his wrist, says he is fine. “Itfeels better,” said Miller. “Dwight (Harrison) fell on it inpractice.”

The injury was a break in the small bone in his hand.

“It (Player of the Week honor) feels good,” Miller said.”Charles Powell (lineman), Lorenzo Eason (linebacker), MatthewIshman (lineman) and Dwight Harrison (lineman); if it weren’t forthem, I couldn’t have done what I did. They did a great job.”

Miller excels on offense and defense. He rushed 13 times for 138yards and scored 1 touchdown in the win over North Pike. He runs a4.7 in the 40-yard dash; bench presses 250 pounds and squats 300pounds.

“Miller loves to play football,” said Wesson head football coachRonald Greer. “He has the desire to be the best. Miller is astraight-ahead runner. He hits the hole quick. The other night hepunished some tacklers.

“Billy Ray is very athletic. He’s a good-sized kid. he runswell. He has a knack for being where the football is,” Greercontinued. “His athleticism helps him a lot.”

Miller said he enjoys playing for Greer and his coaching staff.”I like him,” said Miller. “He is one of the best coaches we couldhave. He helps you to do better. I don’t think we could have abetter coach.”

Miller explained his responsibilities at inside linebacker.”Coach Greer expects me to read the option. Read the fullback.”

Miller was satisfied with his performance against North Pike. “Iplayed alright. I could have played better.”

This week Wesson faces a tough Class 1A Stringer Red Devil squadwith a lot of tradition.

“Our team played alright,” Miller said of last Friday’s matchupwith North Pike. “We have to play better this week againstStringer.”

Miller wants to help the Cobras reach their goals for theseason. “We want to win district and have a winning season. I thinkwe can do it if we play hard like we did last week.”

Miller complimented one of his teammates for playing well.”Charles Powell played hard. He’s a good athlete.”

When football season is over, Miller will be playing basketballfor Coach Jimmie Nail. Last year, Miller played the center positionfor the Cobras.

“I like basketball but not as much as football,” statedMiller.

Miller’s favorite college football team is the Tennessee Vols.The Denver Broncos are Miller’s favorite pro football team.

Although he’s just a sophomore, Miller said he definitely wantsto play college football.