WESSON — In Wesson’s 20-14 loss to Mize two weeks ago, theCobra defense allow the most touchdowns (3) to be scored on them inone game this season.

Last Friday night, junior linebacker Beau Wilson collected agame-high 17 tackles in helping Wesson to a big 47-8 Region 6-2Awin over Loyd Star. The Cobra defense got back to their old formand held the Hornets to one TD.

For his accomplishments, Wilson has been picked as The DAILYLEADER’s Defensive Player of the Week for the fifth week of the2006 season. This is Wilson’s second selection, having been namedPlayer of the Week the third week of the season.

“It feels better than the first time,” said Wilson about beingPlayer of the Week. “You just keep on going.”

Wilson (5-9, 170) runs a 4.9 in the 40-yard dash. In the weightroom, he bench presses 245 pounds and squats 435.

“Beau has gotten better each week,” said Wesson head coach TommyClopton. “He is basically a defensive specialist. He has reallylearned to see and react at a quick pace. The speed on our defensehas been our biggest improvement, that was putting in Beau and Roy(Williams).

“He is a smart, instinctive kid,” added Clopton. “He has onespeed, wide open.”

Wilson was pleased to get back in the win column after losing toMize two weeks ago. “It feels good since it was Loyd Star. It’sgood to win that first district game. Mize was a lot better thananyone we have played so far.”

According to Wilson, Wesson started off slow defensively againstMize and it eventually cost them the game. “We need to start offbetter at the start of the game.”

The Cobra defense played better against Loyd Star. “Our frontfour is based on the defense keeping the linemen off thelinebackers. We had a good game Friday night. Against Mize we sawsome things we needed to correct.”

Wilson complimented his linemen on defense, including WillTurnbo at strong end, John Knight and Dominique Johnson at tackleand Zack Williams at defensive end. Joseph Decker alternates withWilliams and Clayton Allen rotates with Johnson.

“The defense did pretty good,” praised Wilson. “They kept theblockers off us and made the tackles. Shutting out opponents is oneof our goals. We get a sticker, a lightning bolt, when we reach ateam goal.”

Cobra defensive coach Phillip Knight echoed Clopton’s assessmentof Wilson.

“Beau has one motor and that is full speed all the time, atpractice and at the game,” said Knight. “That is what makes himgood. He runs to the ball. Beau will get better each game and bebetter next year.

Both of our middle linebackers (Wilson and Smith) are juniors,”continued Knight. “They are running buddies, Beau and Roy. It helpsthem on defensive side of ball. They love to pick each other up.When one makes a good play, the other slaps him on the back. Whenone makes a mistake, he tells him he’ll get him the next time.”

Wesson faces unbeaten Region 6-2A Amite County (5-0) Fridaynight in Co-Lin’s Stone Stadium.

“We have to stop them from getting outside.” stated Wilson aboutstopping speedy Amite County quarterback Jeremy Snowden.

Wilson’s father, Layne Wilson, lives in Alabama and travels onFridays to watch Beau play. His father attended Brookhaven where heplayed linebacker for the Panthers. At Mississippi College, his dadplayed noseguard for the Choctaws.

“He comes to all the games,” said Wilson. “I’m glad he cancome.” Wilson lives with his mother, Melanie Hux, and stepfatherMichael Hux.

Wilson is pleased with the way the Cobras are playing right now.”We are coming along pretty nicely. There is always room forimprovement.”