WESSON – When Wesson was battling Loyd Star last Friday nightfor first place in the Region 6-2A race, Cobra head coach RonaldGreer needed a big performance out of his team, especially seniorstandout Billy Ray Miller.

Miller answered the call, rushing the football 13 times for 165yards and two touchdowns to power the Cobras in a hard-hitting 28-9comeback win over the host Hornets.

For his accomplishments, Miller has been named The DailyLeader’s Offensive Player of the Week for the seventh week of the2001 football season. Miller was named Defensive Player of the Weekfor the second week of the football season after a 20-12 win overNorth Pike.

“It’s equal to me,” said Miller about being singled out foroffense compared to defense. “Whatever it takes to win, I’ll doit.”

Miller, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 200 pounds. runs a 40in 4.6. In the weight room, he bench presses 285 pounds and squats330 pounds.

On defense, Miller plays inside linebacker. Last Friday, hecollected 17 tackles and intercepted a pass. Teammate Ryan Williamsalso made 17 stops.

“It was the proudest day of my life,” answered Miller, whenasked about beating Loyd Star, “It was my first time ever to beatthem.”

Loyd Star held a 6-0 winning streak over Wesson since Greertook over as head coach.

Miller also has a lot of respect for the Hornets who theycould see again, possibly in the state playoffs in a few weeks.”They are a great football team.”

Coach Greer complimented Miller. “He is a good kid.”According to Greer, Miller has progressed as a runningback thisseason. He credits that to Miller’s preseason dedication in theweight room.

“I’m surprise how much faster he has got over the past fewweeks,” added Greer.

Miller has scored 10 touchdowns and collected 730 yardsrushing.

On offense, Miller’s favorite play is 36 Bully. According toMiller, he runs straight and picks whatever hole his offensive linehas made for him.

Miller appreciates his teammates on the offensive line whodon’t get the credit or recognition the other positions do. Hislinemen include right guard/tackle Robert Bishop, right guardCharles Powell, tight end Tom Burgess, center Jeff Sugg, left guardEarl Bell, left tackle Jon Decker and right tackle HermanJohnson.

Miller credits the weightlifting program to much of theoffense’s success. “We weight lift a lot. We run a lot. Everybodyis working hard.”

Wesson is currently 2-0 in region play and 6-1 on theseason. Miller appreciates where the Cobras are. “I’m very happy tobe where we are. Being No. 1 is a good place to be.”

The Cobras celebrate homecoming Friday night against theMcLaurin Tigers, another region foe. Game time is 8 p.m. due topre-game homecoming activities.

“We have to play harder than we did last week,” said Millerabout Friday’s game with the Tigers at Stone Stadium.

Miller wanted to compliment his teammates on defense fortheir performance against Loyd Star. “The defense playedoutstanding.”

When football season ends, Miller will return to thebasketball court where he plays center under the direction ofprincipal/boys coach Billy O. Britt. In his junior year underformer coach Jimmie Nail, Miller averaged 16 points pergame.

Miller wants to play football on the college level,preferably at Tennessee. He is undecided about a major.

The Denver Broncos are his favorite NFL team. Insidelinebacker Bill Romanowski is his favorite player.