WESSON – Senior Herman Johnson helped lead the Cobras to a big21-19 Region 6-2A win over Hinds AHS last Friday night. The Cobraswon the game on a 37-yard field goal by senior quarterback/kickerNick Gunter with 12 seconds left to play.

Johnson (6-2, 260) plays defensive end and led Wesson with 11tackles, a quarterback sack, a pass deflection and a blockedpunt.

For his accomplishments, Johnson has been named the DAILYLEADER’s Defensive Player of the Week for the 10th week of the 2003football season.

“It feels great,” said Johnson. “I’ve always wanted to be Playerof the Week. I never thought I would get it. I’m happy.”

Johnson runs a 40 in 4.9. He bench presses 265 pounds and squats490.

“Herman had an excellent game,” said Wesson head football coachRonald Greer. “He played with a lot of enthusiasm and intensity. Hewas relentless Friday night.”

Johnson also starts at offensive guard. He doesn’t come off thefield very often.

“Herman has a lot of quickness,” added Greer. “He uses his handsreal well. He’s fairly strong.”

Johnson said he was happy his team got the win over Hinds AHSlast Friday. “It felt great,” smiled Johnson. “Our defense steppedit up. Nick played his heart out. Hinds was fast. They had a speedadvantage over us.”

Johnson talked about his responsibility playing end.”Containment,” said Johnson. “Never let the quarterback outside thepocket.”

The Cobra defense played a large role in the teams success.Johnston named his teammates on defense. They include PhillipFreeman, tackle; Benton Bell, noseguard; Adam Berry, end; JohnnyButler, cornerback; Ladelle Jackson and Brian Channell, backs;Landon Beasley, safety and Tuffy Thompson and Josh Sanders,linebackers.

Johnson is happy to be in the playoffs. “It feels great. Peopledidn’t think we could do it. We have to play harder than ever now.I feel good about it.”

Wesson travels to Taylorsville Friday for the first roundgame.

“We need to play as one,” explained Johnson. “We need to comeout and play hard as quickly as we can.”

When football season ends, Johnson will head for the basketballcourt to play for first-year head boys coach Ron Kessler. Lastyear, Johnson played forward for former head coach Billy O.Britt.

Johnson gets his size and athleticism from his father HermanJohnson Sr. who also played football and basketball for Wesson whenhe was in high school. Johnson’s older sister Shakea playedbasketball.

In the class room, Johnson’s favorite subject is the “Summary ofMath Topics” taught by assistant football coach Phillip Knight. Heis a B average student.

Johnson says he definitely will go to college and would like tocontinue playing football. He plans on majoring in engineering. Hishobby is drawing and he wants to take some courses in art.

His favorite college football team is Mississippi State.

In the NFL, he likes linebacker Ray Lewis of the BaltimoreRavens.

“I want to thank the young people on our team,” said Johnson.”They stepped it up. We have just 5 seniors. We made it. We have tokeep moving.”