WESSON — Wesson junior John Craft wears two hats for theCobras. Craft is the starting quarterback on offense and works atoutside linebacker on defense.

Over the past two weeks, Craft has come through with bigdefensive plays in two overtime victories for the Cobras. LastFriday night, Craft made 9 tackles and intercepted a pass, helpingWesson beat the McLaurin Tigers 21-14 in overtime in a Region 6-4Ashowdown.

For his accomplishments, Craft has been named The DAILY LEADER’sDefensive Player of the Week.

“It’s an honor,” said Craft about being named Player of theWeek. “I accept it and appreciate it. But we don’t have anysuperstars on this team. We don’t’ have egos. We’re 11 brothers andwe come together and play ball.”

When asked about his pass interception in the fourth quarter,Craft replied,” I picked it off. I stepped in front of thereceiver.” The theft prevented McLaurin from scoring and taking thelead.

Wesson coach Tommy Clopton said Craft is an exceptional athletewho starts on offense and defense for the Cobras. Craft stepped upand filled some large shoes at quarterback.

“John replaced a 3-year starter (Micah Davis) on offense,” saidClopton. “He has done a solid job for us.’

Craft’s defensive efforts also drew praise from Clopton. “Johnhad an interception at the goal line against Hinds AHS,” in anovertime thriller. “And then a big interception against McLaurinwhich turned away a scoring opportunity.”

Craft (5-10, 165, jr.) runs the 400-meter dash in track. He’srun a time of 51. He bench presses 205 pounds and squats 375.

“John is a tough kid who is gritty and determined” said Clopton.”He’s very coachable. He’s not a rah-rah guy. He leads byexample.”

Craft plays outside cornerback for Wesson on defense. “One of myresponsibilities is not to let the opponent get past me. I won’tlet them get behind me.”

In the win over McLaurin, Craft said the Cobras did what theywere supposed to to on defense. “I felt like we played up to ourabilities. We did what we needed to do to win.”

Craft said the Cobra defense has gotten better each week.

“I’d like to thank my teammates,” said Craft. “They are alwaysthere protecting my back.”

Also playing on the Wesson defense at defensive backs areMichael Box and Jeromy Smith. The linebackers are Beau Wilson, RoyWilliams, Terry Henson and Matthew Cliburn.

The Cobra defensive line includes Jonathan Grace and ZachWilliams at ends. The tackles are Clayton Allen and DominiqueJohnson.

Craft said the Cobras are looking forward to the Class 2 A stateplayoffs which begin Friday, Nov. 9. “We are happy to be going tothe playoffs,” said Craft. “We control our own destiny. Andcongratulations to the seniors for having an 9-1 record thisyear.”

Wesson has an open date this week and should wind up hosting anopening round state playoff game.

“I’ve had the most fun coaching these kids,” added Clopton.”These kids believe they can win whenever they go on thefield.”