RIDGELAND — The St. Andrew’s Saints (7-0, 3-0) used theprecision running and catching of outstanding slasher BradfordBlackmon to dissect the Wesson Cobras (2-6, 1-2) 30-6 in a keyRegion 6-2A matchup near I-55 in Madison County.

The Saints displayed the patience, balance, and discipline thatwin championships in 2A football, highlighted by Blackmon’s threetouchdowns, including a 66-yard touchdown pass from quarterbackConway Craig.

“Every game gets down to executing,” explained Cobra head coachTommy Clopton. “Until we learn to protect the football and stop bigplays, it’s going to be hard to win.”

The first half was the Blackmon Show as he opened the game atthe 1:02 mark of the first quarter with a dazzling 29-yardtouchdown run. Martin Edwards nailed the PAT and the Saints led7-0.

After a 19-yard field goal by Edwards at the 5:48 mark of thesecond quarter, Blackmon hit paydirt again on the 66-yard pass playfrom Craig with 1:13 remaining before half. Edwards connected onthe PAT and the score stood 17-0.

After the half, the Blackmon’s explosion continued, this timeleaving Cobras laying all over the field on a fantastic 15-yardscamper to paydirt. The kick failed and the score stood 23-0 with7:19 remaining in the period.

All was not lost for the Cobras. Backup tailback Otho Smith hitthe field in relief of an injured Roy Williams. Smith used this asa breakout game against the Saints first team defense by torchingthem for 134 second-half yards, highlighted by a 30-yard run forthe TD with 5:45 left in the third quarter. The PAT failed and theCobras trailed 23-6.

The fourth quarter was a disaster for the Cobras because theyfell less than a yard short of a touchdown twice in the period. Onewas on a fullback Blake Brister dive that fell short. The other wason a John Michael Cliburn 26-yard catch on fourth down that fellinches shy of the goal line.

Craig added a token TD with 1:36 left in the game to extend thelead to 29-6.

Offensively, Smith led the way with 14 carries for 134 yards anda TD. Tight end Cliburn hauled in 3 catches for 52 yards.

Defensively, the Cobras were led by Cliburn whorecorded 8 stops and an interception of a Craig pass along with apass break up. Linebacker Bobbie Harris and tackle Phillip Freemanhad 7 and 6 stops respectively. Micah Davis has 6 stops and a passbreak up at the cornerback position.

The Cobras entertain Madison St. Joseph this Friday as theCobras celebrate homecoming. Game time is 7:30 at StoneStadium.