RIDGELAND — The Wesson Cobras (5-1, 2-1) traveled to St.Andrews Friday, looking for their sixth straight win, only to havethe door slammed on that opportunity by a stiff Saints’ defense enroute to falling 28-17.

The Cobras were given three opportunities by Saints’ turnoversand only could come up with a 25- yard Chris Fink field goal forthe defensive effort.

Fullback Charlie Scott led the Saints’ offense with 141 yardsrushing on 16 carries and scored three touchdowns to lead theSaints.

“Our kids played really hard,” explained Wesson head coach TommyClopton. “Our defense created opportunities for us and we could nottake advantage of them. We didn’t fold the tent at all, but justcould not come up with the scores.”

The evening got off to a rocky start for the Cobras immediatelyafter an offensive three and out series when SA punt returnerRobbie Leis rambled for 65 yards and a touchdown less than threeminutes into the game. The kick was no good and the Saints led6-0.

The second quarter saw the Cobras take the lead briefly onfreshman fullback Albert Motley’s 7-yard TD run. Fink’s kick gavethe Cobras a 7-6 edge with 8:27 left before half.

Scott answered immediately for the Saints after poor Cobratackling allowed the fullback to scamper 57 yards to paydirt.Tailback Jared Myers scored on the two-point conversion to push theSaints’ lead to 14-7.

Late in the half, defensive end Jared McManus recoverd a fumble.Fink kicked a 25-yard field goal with only 1:50 left in thehalf.

This proved to be enough time for the Saints as they marcheddown the field with an aerial assault led by quarterback DrewRowell. This led to Scott’s 6- yard TD run to extend the Saint leadto 20-10. Conner Buchler tacked on the extra point for a 21-10 leadat the half.

The third quarter was a defensive battle that saw the Cobrasintercept and recover a Saints’ pass by Motley. Later in thequarter, Cobra lineman Hank Jordan recovered a fumble as well. TheCobra offense could not punch it in for the period.

Scott would put the game away with a 5 yard run and 8:01remaining in the game. Buchler would give the Saints a 28-10 leadwith the extra point.

The Cobras put together an impressive drive through the air,highlighted by receiver D.J. Coleman’s 21-yard TD reception with2:25 left in the game. Fink would end the scoring with his PAT andthe Cobras falling 28-17.

The Saints eliminated Wesson’s ground game, holding the usuallypotent Cobras to 100 total yards on the ground. Fullback JeromySmith, hobbled by a bad ankle, and quarterback Matt P. Smith ledthe Cobras with 30 rushing yards apiece.

Smith was 8 of 19 passing for a career-high 130 yards and atouchdown. Coleman led the receivers with 2 catches for 71 yards.Fink had several clutch catches for the Cobras on the eveningfinishing with 3 grabs for 48 yards which all led to Cobra firstdowns.

Rowell finished the game with 131 yards passing for theSaints.

The Cobra defensive stats were not available at press time on anight that saw the Cobras step up when they had to. Missed tackleswere the downfall.