WESSON – In his first game of the 2009 football season, Wessonjunior wingback Kyle Cross was an impact player in the Cobras 42-13win over the Richland Rangers last Friday night.

Cross (5-9, 160) rushed the football 7 times for 184 yards andscored 2 touchdowns, coming on runs of 57 and 60 yards. On defense,he blocked a punt into the end zone that resulted in a safety.

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

“I’m honored,” said Cross Monday afternoon in the Wesson fieldhouse, when asked about the special recognition.

Cross runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. In the weight room,he bench presses 185 pounds and squats 360. He is the son of Daveand Sherry Cross. His dad was head football coach at Copiah-LincolnCommunity College several years ago.

“Kyle had some big runs,” said Wesson head football coach TommyClopton. “He made some big plays on offense. His teammates madesome big blocks on those plays.

” Kyle had a real good fall camp for us and the results showedup Friday night,” added Clopton. “He has gained a little bit ofweight and increased his speed. He has the ability to make thoseguys miss in the open field.”

“It felt good to win the first game of the season,” smiledCross.

Cross said he was pleased to have helped his team by scoring apair of touchdowns. Blocking the punt that resulted in a safetyseemed to inspire his teammates.

“I thought it got the team excited,” said Cross. “It gave ussome momentum.”

Cross shared credit with his offense line. Playing on the lineare Pat Boone at tight end, Blake Tarver and Greg Hodges at tackle,Quentin Barlow at center and Mac Lowery and Derrick Lyles atguard.

“They blocked real good,” stated Cross. “They made the bigblocks for me to run through. They executed real good.”

Cross also thanked quarterback Matt Smith, fullback Jeromy Smithand wingback Deon Pendleton for their contributions.

“Matt made some good passes,” praised Cross. “Jerry and Deon ranthe ball real good.”

Besides football, Cross also plays basketball and baseball.

Cross likes to hunt when he has some spare time.

His favorite NFL team is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Running backCarnell Williams is his favorite player.

Cross added, “I’d like to thank my teammates and mycoaches.”