MIZE — A battle of super heavyweights took place in SmithCounty Friday night as the Wesson Cobras (4-1) were handed theirfirst loss of the season at the hands of the Mize Bulldogs(3-2).

As the first quarter began, the Cobra offensive and defensiveunits were evidently still feeling the effects of the long bus rideto Smith County. The Cobra defense allowed 14 first quarter points,thanks to poor tackling and strong running from the terrificallytalented Mize running back Maurice Duckworth. Duckworth finishedthe night with 136 yards on 21 carries and 2 touchdowns.

Duckworth struck paydirt on Mize’s first possession with an18-yard TD scamper up the middle at the 8:14 mark in the firstquarter. After the PAT failed, Mize led 6-0.

Later in the quarter, Mize capitalized again as the Bulldogsstuffed a Wesson attempt on 4th down and inches at Wesson’s own42-yard line. This left Mize a short field to convert their nexttouchdown run of 1 yard on a quarterback sneak from quarterbackWillie Jones. A Mike Haynes 2-point conversion run put Mize on top14-0 with 13 seconds left in the first quarter.

After that score, the Wesson defense had enough and tightenedtheir defenses to set up a defensive struggle over the last threequarters of play. Between a staunch defensive effort, the WessonCobra offense struck for points with 1:29 seconds left to go in thefirst half on a Micah Davis to Ralph Brothern TD toss of 47 yards.After a Chris Fink PAT, Wesson had cut the deficit to 14-7 beforehalf.

The 3rd quarter and a majority of the 4th quarter saw two nastydefenses continue to slug each offense in the mouth, with neitherteam capitalizing to score.

The scoring took place for both teams with under two minutesleft in the game. As the Wesson coaches battled the officiatingcrew on clock stoppage issues that were clearly an officiatingerror, the Bulldogs managed to get a 1-yard TD run in by Duckworthwith 1:13 left to go in the game. Will Turnbo blocked the PAT toleave Mize with a 20-7 lead.

The Wesson offense took no time answering. On the very next playfrom scrimmage, Davis hooked up with Trey Fischer who then pitchedto Otho Smith for what would officially be a 62-yard touchdown passto Smith. Fink would nail the PAT and Wesson trailed 20-14 with 56seconds remaining in the game.

Wesson would then have two opportunities to field the ball on abeautiful onside kick from Fink. Unable to gain control of theball, it rolled out of bounds and Mize took possession and killedthe clock.

“Our defense got in a hole to start the game,” stated a visiblyupset Wesson coach Tommy Clopton. “But they (Wesson defense) playedtheir butts off tonight.”

Offensively, Wesson was powered by running back Roy Williams wholed the Wesson ground game with 76 yards on 12 carries. QuarterbackMicah Davis was 3 of 13 passing for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns.Brothern and Smith had TD catches of 47 and 62 yards eachrespectfully.

Defensively, the Cobras were led by linebackerBeau Wilson who recorded 17 tackles on the night. Jamar Sims andWilliams had 12 and 11 tackles each respectfully. Turnbo had 9tackles and a PAT block.

“It’s a game of inches,” commented Clopton. “Tonight it justdidn’t end up our way.”

The Cobras begin Division 6-2A play at home Friday night at 7:30against archrival Loyd Star.