WESSON – Cobra junior quarterback Matt Smith was an instrumentalforce last Friday in Wesson’s 41-6 win over the Sumrall Bobcats atOak Grove High School in Hattiesburg. The game was moved fromSumrall to Hattiesburg because of an overflowing creek nearSumrall’s field.

Smith (6-1, 170) rushed the football 17 times for 194 yards anda touchdown. He completed 2 of 4 passes for 38 yards including an18-yard pass to Patrick Boone for a TD.

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

“It’s really good,” said Smith, when asked about the specialrecognition. “I’ve never done anything like that.

“My being 4.9 (in the 40-yard dash), I’m not fast footed,”continued Smith. “Being blocked for so well by my offensive linelet me be Player of the Week.”

Wesson head coach Tommy Clopton said Smith was a dedicatedplayer with a strong work ethic. “Matt is a tough kid and he’s ahard worker, on an off the field. He’s a reliable kid who iswilling to do anything we ask him to do. He puts our team in aposition to win ballgames. He’s a smart player, too.”

Smith said the Cobras are playing well together and that hashelped them remain undefeated (4-0) in a major rebuildingseason.

“We’re playing together and giving a good team effort,” statedSmith. “We’re really coached well. It’s really good.”

Smith said the Cobras are working hard to improve and continueto get better.

“We want to be more perfect,” added Smith.

Smith said the starters on the offensive line for Wesson arePatrick Boone at tight end, Tyler Hall at tackle, Derrick Lyles atguard, Quenten Barlow at center, Mac Lowery at tackle and GregHodges at guard.

“They (linemen) are doing real well,” explained Smith. “Most ofthem haven’t started until this year.”

On Friday, Wesson hosts Class 4A Florence for homecoming. TheCobras begin Region 6-2A play Oct. 2, against Hinds AHS.

“Matt throws the ball real well,” added Clopton. “He does a goodjob of operating our offense. He threw for 100 yards and twotouchdowns against West Marion.”

Against Sumrall, two potential TD passes were dropped.

“Matt does a good job running the option,” said Clopton. “He’sbeen doing it since since junior high.”

Smith started as pitcher and shortstop for the Wesson baseballteam his sophomore year. He held a .500 batting average lastseason.

When he’s away from school, Smith said he works a lotoutside.

His parents are Steve and Brenda Smith.

Smith added, “I’d like to thank my linemen again. (Runningbacks) Kyle (Cross) and Jeromy (Smith) are very supportive.”