WESSON — When the Wesson Cobras needed their defense to make astand, defensive end Jonathan Grace accepted the challenge andhelped his teammates to a 32-13 comeback Region 6-2A victory overthe Hinds AHS War Dawgs last Friday night. The win secured Wessonthe No. 2 spot in the region and the opportunity to host afirst-round game Friday, Nov. 3, against the Mize Bulldogs.

Grace (6-1, 195, jr.) accounted for 13 tackles, a sack and afumble recovery (that resulted in a touchdown) for the Cobras.

For his accomplishments, Grace has been named the DAILY LEADER’sDefensive Player of the Week for the 10th week of the 2006season.

Grace dedicated last week’s game and the playoffs to his seniorCobra teammates.

“I really did it for the seniors,” explained Grace. “It’s theirlast year. I’d like to go deep in the playoffs.”

In the weight room, Grace benches 265 pounds and squats 355. Heruns a 40-yard dash in 5.1.

“Jonathan plays with a high motor,” said Wesson head footballcoach Tommy Clopton. “When he’s ready to play, he gets after it. Hehad a good night against Hinds AHS. He’s a tough kid who plays witha lot of heart and grit.

“They (War Dawgs) were running straight at us. We were justtrying to keep No. 5 (Steele) contained. We made some big playsafter the second quarter.”

Looking back at last Friday’s win over Hinds AHS, Grace feltgood about the Cobras performance in the second half.

“We came out slow,” explained Grace. “When they got up 13points, we manned up. We held them (War Dawgs) to 33 yards. Theyhad over 200 yards in the first half.”

Grace’s fumble recovery helped set up teammate Otho Smith’s3-yard touchdown run at the 2:01 mark in the third quarter asWesson took its first lead, 20-13, over Hinds AHS, following aChris Fink PAT kick.

“I just picked it up,” said Grace. “It felt great. The TD put usahead.”

Grace talked about his responsibilities at defensive end. “Iclose down the gap. I keep their linemen from getting to ourlinebackers.”

This Friday, Grace and the Cobras are looking for paybackagainst Mize. The Bulldogs ended Wesson’s winning streak at 4 gamesin a 20-14 loss Sept. 22. at Mize.

“I feel we are going to beat them this time,” said Grace. “Itfeels a whole lot better playing them this time. We are looking atgetting revenge.”

Grace also plays baseball for Coach Hugh Knight. He pitched andplayed first base on last year’s team. “My fast ball was 87mph.”

Following graduation next year, Grace said he wanted to playbaseball for Coach Keith Case and the Co-Lin Wolves.

Grace’s parents are Larry and Merilyn Grace. He has an oldersister, Leigh, who is attending Copiah-Lincoln CommunityCollege.

When asked about being named Defensive Player of the Week, Gracereplied, “It feels real good. It’s great.”

FAVORITES

Birthday: Dec. 9,1988.

Food: Pizza.

Desert: Peanutbutter pie.

TV Show: Power Rangers.

CD: Gary Allen.

Movie: Facing the Giants.

Book: None.

Subject: Zoology.

College team: Florida Gators.

NFL Team: Indianapolis Colts.

NFL Player: Peyton Manning.