WESSON — Defense has been a key ingredient to the early successof the Wesson football team. Under head coach Tommy Clopton, theCobras are riding a 3-0 record. One of the key cogs to making theCobra defensive machine work is middle linebacker Beau Wilson.

Wilson, a 5-foot-9, 170-pound junior, was credited with 14tackles in Wesson’s 40-7 homecoming romp over Richland. For hisaccomplishments, Wilson has been named The DAILY LEADER’s DefensivePlayer of the Week for the third week of the 2006 footballseason.

“It feels good,” said Wilson who is making an impact as astarter on defense. “It is an honor.”

Wilson runs a 4.9 in the 40-yard dash. In the weight room, hebench presses 245 pounds and squats 435.

Clopton says Wilson is a standout football player. “Beau is oneof those kids that all coaches like to coach. He is wide open allthe time. He does everything full speed.

“Beau a little undersized for a middle linebacker,” continuedClopton. “He takes a lot of pride in the weight room and workshard. He’s a smart kid, too. He is a consummate team player. Hewill do what it takes for the team.”

When asked how it felt for the Cobras to be undefeated thisseason, Wilson replied, “It feels good. We have to keep it up andplay good.”

Wilson said he was satisfied with his personal performanceagainst Richland but saw room to improve. “I feel pretty good aboutit. I can improve on a few things.”

Wilson agreed with Coach Clopton’s comments about the win overRichland being the best game of the season. “I feel it was the bestgame we have played all season.”

Wilson talked about his responsibilities at linebacker. “Iresponsible for the up the middle A and B guys. I key on thefullback. I call out the signals.”

Last year, Wilson got to play some linebacker as a backup.

Wilson and the defense work with veteran assistant coach PhillipKnight has helped him. “Coach Knight is a good coach. We go overthe drills and the basics.”

Wilson felt the Cobras can work on preventing the turnovers theyhad at the start of the game against Richland. The Rangers turned aCobra fumble into their only TD.

What does Wesson have to do be beat McLaurin this week? “We gaveup too many yards on the kickoff last week,” replied Wilson. “Weneed to not have any turnovers.”

Like all teams, Wesson has its goals for the season.”We’d liketo win district and get to the state championship,” explainedWilson.

In his spare time, Wilson likes to water ski. His favorite NFLplayer is Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

“I’d like to thank our coaches and the guys, “added Wilson. “AndRoy Williams who also plays linebacker. He has helped me out.”

Wilson added. “I think we can be pretty good this year, if westart playing as a team. Our saying is, ‘man up.'”

His father, Layne Wilson, played football at Brookhaven HighSchool.