WESSON — Although he is just a sophomore, Roy Williams made ahuge impact for the Wesson Cobras in their 33-12 non-division winover the McLaurin Tigers last Friday.

Williams, who was moved to strong safety from whip (insidelinebacker) after the first game, finished with 14 tackles andrecovered a fumble in the victory over McLaurin.

For his accomplishments, Williams has been named as The DAILYLEADER’S Defensive Player of the Week.

“I like it,” said Williams who was sitting on a couch with hisfoot in an ice bucket Tuesday. “It’s an honor.”

Williams, who stands 5 -foot-11 and weighs 185 pounds, runs a40-yard dash in 4.9. He bench presses 215 pounds and squats370.

“Roy is a good kid,” said Wesson head football coach TommyClopton. “He works hard. He’s an exciting kid. He’s a lot of fun tobe around. His motor turns up higher on Friday nights.”

Williams talked about the fumble recovery. “Somebody else hithim (ball carrier) and I got it.”

Williams appreciates his fellow teammates on defense. Theyinclude Josh Sanders and Phillip Freeman at end, John Knight andBenton Bell at tackle, Bobby Harris and John Michael Cliburn atinside linebacker, Chance Peets at free safety, Williams at strongsafety, Mason Warren at whip and Otho Smith and Micah Davis atcornerback.

Early last season, Williams started at free safety as a freshmanwhen injures knocked several veteran starters out of action.

Williams is pleased with way this season has gone so far. Lastyear, Wesson finished 2-8 and that wasn’t acceptable.

“I like being 3-0 cause we were 2-8 last year,” stated Williams.”I’m motivated.’

Beating McLaurin last week was sweet revenge for Williams andthe Cobras. In 2004, McLaurin crushed Wesson 34-7. The Cobraswanted to reverse the score this year and did.

“It was a big challenge to stop No. 2 (Kevin Quick),” explainedWilliams. The previous week, McLaurin beat St. Andrew’s, powered onQuick’s 6 touchdowns and 409 yards rushing.

Williams says he hopes to surpass the gridiron exploits of hiscousin Billy Ray Miller who was an outstanding football player atWesson several years ago. “I’m going to be better than that.”

Williams says he likes tossing the football in his sparetime.

“I want to thank my coaches for telling me where to go ondefense,” added Williams “And thank all of the fans for coming outand supporting the team. And Coach Clopton for putting up with meall summer.”