WESSON- Realizing one of their goals, the Wesson Cobras aim forhigher accomplishments in the state playoffs. Senior linebackerRussell Robinson helped Wesson capture the Region 6-2A championshipfor a second consecutive year. He led the Cobras in tackles inFriday night’s 19-0 homecoming victory over St. Andrew’s inrain-soaked Stone Stadium.

Robinson blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown. He alsomade 10 tackles as the Cobras (8-1, 4-0) secured the region title.For his efforts, Robinson has been chosen The DailyLeader’s Defensive Player of the Week for the ninth week ofthe 2002 campaign.

Wesson coach Ronald Greer recognized Robinson’s weeklycontributions to his team’s success. “Russell is a warrior for us.He is some kind of football player. If you could clone him and have11 of them out there like him, you would be in good shape.”

Robinson leads Wesson in tackles for the season.

“Russell is a fun kid to coach,” Greer continued. “As alinebacker, he has a knack for getting to the football. He knowswhat to do when he gets there. He is such is an intense player.

“I have coached very few kids that love football as much as hedoes.”

Robinson’s love for football comes naturally. His father, DwightRobinson, was a 3-year letterman at quarterback/safety for the LSUTigers in 1961-63.

Like his dad, Robinson wants to play college football. He hasbeen recruited by Southern Miss. Like his dad, he wears jersey No.10.

Last summer, Robinson attended the LSU Football Camp. “Therewere 700 players there, a lot of good athletes. I met this tightend from Missouri who was being recruited by all the big schools,Miami, Notre Dame and Michigan.”

One of 13 seniors on Wesson’s squad, Robinson (6-2, 205) said heenjoyed last week’s game, despite the torrential rain. “It was mylast regular-season home game and it was homecoming, too. It feelsgood being a senior.”

The Cobras travel to Hinds AHS in Utica Friday night for theirregular season finale. Seeded No. 1 out of Region 6-2A, the Cobraswill host Richton, the No. 4 seed out of 8-2A, on Nov. 8, in thefirst round of the playoffs.

Last year the Cobras reached the South State quarterfinalsbefore losing to archrival Loyd Star. Robinson and his teammateshave set higher goals.

“We want to go all the way to the top,” said Robinson. “Ourseniors have been together for a long time. We want to go out witha win.”

Robinson said this has been a rewarding campaign. “Being aroundgood players makes you a better player. We have had some hardpractices and we worked hard last summer. Everybody works hard inthe offseason.”

On defense, Robinson plays an inside linebacker position. Healso plays fullback and tight end on occasion.

“I like linebacker a lot. It’s my favorite position,” saidRobinson.

As a ninth grader, he started at tight end. “He’s one of thetoughest younguns that I’ve ever had,” said Greer.

Robinson said his main responsibility at linebacker is to key onthe fullback and work from the inside out. “Our outside linebackersare supposed to turn things in.”

Wesson’s outside linebackers are Ladell Jackson and Kyle Smith.Robinson shares the inside with Charles Powell.

“We have a tough defensive line,” said Robinson. He ticked offthe names of Willie Sinclair, Matt Ishman, Herman Johnson and IraShoop at defensive end and Matt Dyess and Josh McCormick attackle.

Robinson said he appreciates Greer who coordinates the defense.”He always has us prepared. He makes good decisions. He studiesfilm a lot.”

In the classroom, Robinson said he enjoys math the most. In theweight room, he squats with 365 pounds.

In his free time, he likes to follow LSU and Southern Miss.

“I like to pull for the Saints,” said Robinson. His favorite NFLplayers are running back Eddie George of the Tennessee Titans andhard-hitting linebacker Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens. “(Lewis)will lay the wood on you.”

Looking at Wesson’s state title aspirations, Robinson said, “Youhave to work hard for it. You have to take it one game at atime.”