The Wesson Cobras kick off their 2009 football season Fridaynight when they travel to Richland to battle the Rangers. The gamebegin at 7:30 p.m.

In area action, Lawrence County is at Warren Central, FranklinCounty is at Brookhaven, McComb is at South Pike, North Pike is atBay St. Louis, Morton is at Hazlehurst and Crystal Springs is atLamar.

Last Friday, Richland was hammered by North Pike 38-17 in aMHSAA Classic Game.

Wesson, coached by Tommy Clopton, scoutedRichland last week.

“Richland (0-1) put the ball on the ground eight times on a wetfield in their first game,” said Clopton. “They have theopportunity to be successful. They will be better this week. Theyare multiple on offense and on defense they like to bringeveryone.”

Clopton announced the starting lineup on Wesson’s offense. MattSmith is quarterback, Jeromy Smith is fullback. Kyle Cross, DeonPendleton and Dre’ Smith are wingbacks. Wide receiver is D.J.Coleman. Pat Boone is tight end. Tackles are Blake Tarver and GregHodges. Mac Lowery is center. Guards are Derrick Lyles and QuentinBarlow.

Starting for the defense are Matt Smith and Cross at safety.Cornerbacks are Brandon Allen and Dre’ Smith. Lyles is tackle. Endsare Morgan Robinson and Boone. Noseguard is Jarvis Williams.Linebackers are Gage Wilson, Jeromy Smith, Brandon Bland and PeytonCupit.

“We’re tired of beating up each other,” added Clopton. “It’stime to play a game against someone.”

Lawrence County, coached by Mike Davis, ralliedfor a 27-26 win over Jackson Callaway on the final play of the gamelast Friday. The 4A, Monticello-based Cougars (1-0) get ready for aroad trip to Vicksburg to face the 6A Warren Central Vikings.

In the victory over Callaway, Matthew Wells caught a pass fromAdam Watson in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.

On the downside, Lawrence County lost tackle Cody Killingsworthfor the season with an injury (broken leg).

Wells powered the Cougars with 18 carries for 197 yards. Rushing10 times for 75 yards was Josh Cameron.

Defensively, inside linebacker Lakendrick Barnes led with 12tackles followed by and Marcus with 10 tackles.

Hazlehurst (1-0), coached by Todd McDanielwelcomes the Morton Panthers tomorrow night.

In their season-opening 24-7 win over Hinds AHS, McDaniel’sIndians got 3 touchdown passes from quarterback Gabriel Gray.

Dondrego Martin led the Hazlehurst defense with 12 tackles.