WESSON – The Wesson Cobras used a familiar blueprint Fridaynight in their first step of constructing a Class 2A state title bydismantling the Richton Rebels 41-14 in front of an enthusiasticcrowd at Stone Stadium.

The old theme rang consistent and true as the Cobras used apunishing rushing attack and a naughty run defense which was toomuch for the Rebels to overcome. Emanuel Sinclair added anotherbanner night to his career by rushing for 171 yards on 19 carriesand stalwart linebacker Russell Robinson shored up the defense with15 tackles to lead this senior laden team to victory.

The Rebels were outmatched the first half as the Cobras ran off28 unanswered points to lead at the half. The Rebels fought backvaliantly in the second half, using a one man aerial assault withwide receiver D.J. Husband grabbing 9 balls for 183 yards. Thedesperation passing game still could not damper a first roundcelebration for the Cobras.

” I thank the Lord that we were able to win and have a chance toget better next week.” explained Wesson head coach Ronald Greer.”We made some mistakes tonight that we haven’t been making allyear.” Greer was referring to turnovers and penalties that stalledthe Cobras numerous times in the second half.

The first spark came defensively to ignite the Cobras when theRebels were driving to score. Quarterback Tim Reed rolled right andthrew a prayer to Husband. Safety Brad Brister timed the leapcorrectly and pulled down a heart-breaking interception that set upthe Cobras first and 10 from the 20. Seven minutes later in thefirst quarter, Robinson would plunge in from the six yard line tobegin the

Cobra scoring at the 1:00 mark. Nick Gunter’s PAT was good andthe Cobras led 7-0.

The second quarter was all blue and white as punt returner RyanWilliams performed magic. He dazzled the crowd with an exciting 80yard punt return with 10:52 left in the second. The run put theCobras up 13-0 and Gunter’s PAT increased

the lead to 14-0.

Less than three minutes later the Cobras were on the offensiveagain. This time Sinclair produced another highlight by scampering25 yards for his first score of the evening. Gunter tacked on thePAT and the Cobras led 21-0.

The final drive of the half for the Cobras was a two man rampageas FB Charles Powell plowed up 40 yards of real estate beforeSinclair once again did his thing, a 35-yard run off left tackle.The Cobras lead was 27-0 with 2:38 left in the half.

After the PAT and at the half the Cobras led 28-0.

The second half was a different tale for the Cobras as offensivestruggles were everywhere and the secondary was rained on withpasses they had not seen in this volume all year. Two QB-Centersnaps were muffed, both resulting in Richton recoveries whicheventually set up the first Rebel score, a 6 yard TD run byTiberius McSwain. Running back Germico McSwain converted theconversion run and the Rebels trailed 28-8 with 7:33 left in thethird.

The fourth started out fortunate for Richton as well. TalentedRB G. McSwain fielded a Wesson punt and outraced the defenders 57yards at the 8:29 mark of the fourth quarter. The conversion passfailed and Richton trailed 28-14.

The Cobras, through all the adversity of the second half, pulledit together toward the end and capped off the night with a pair ofone yard TD runs from Gunter and Powell, both the result of gooddrives. The PAT was good on the first and Wesson took a knee on thefinal to preserve a 41-14 win and most importantly live for weektwo of the playoffs.

“We take nothing for granted. There are a lot of teams puttingequipment up Monday.” stated Greer, ” Pretty, ugly, doesn’t matter.We moved on.”

The Wesson offense once again abused the opposing defense with349 total yards, all but six on the ground. Sinclair’s 19 carriesfor 171 yards and two TD’s was aided by Robinson who once again didyeoman’s work with 8 carries for 61 yards and a score. Powellchipped in 57 yards on 4 carries and a TD.

Ricton was led by Reed who was 11-21 passing for 190 yards andHusband who had 9 grabs for 183 yards. G. McSwain had 5 carries for17 yards and completed two passes for 59 yards.

Defensively, the Cobras were good once again,bending all night but not breaking. LB Robinson led with 15 stops.DT Matt Dyess had 13 stops and two sacks. DT Josh McCormick,Williams, and Powell each had 11 stops. Cornerback Johnny Butlerand Brister had an interception.

The Weeson Cobras step into another difficult contest this weekas they face a 10-1 Lumberton team who thumped Hinds AHS 38-0Friday night. Game time is 7 p.m. at Stone Stadium.