Wesson senior cornerback Dre’ Smith made an impact last Fridaynight in the Cobras’ 33-17 Region 6-2A win over the Madison St. JoeBruins.

Smith picked off 2-drive killing passes and collected 11 tacklesto direct the defense as Wesson raised its record to 8-1 on theseason.

For his accomplishments, Smith has been named The DAILEYLEADER’S Defensive Player of the Week.

Smith was surprised when informed he was Defensive Player of theWeek. “I give it up to my team. It’s because of them I am able toplay the way I played.”

Smith (5-8, 157) runs a 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds. In theweight room, he bench presses 215 pounds and squats 285 pounds.

“Dre is a great kid,” said Wesson head coach Tommy Clopton. “Heis very coachable. He does things we ask him to do.

“Friday night, he stepped up and made two big plays. And hepicked up a fumble and tried to return it but the (officials) blewa whistle on us. He rushed for over 100 (5-101) yards. He reallycame to play Friday.”

Wesson is the fourth high school where Smith has playedfootball. He played his freshman year at Reden, Ga., his sophomoreyear at Stone Mountain and then back Reden. His junior year wasspent at Enterprise before moving to Wesson for his senior year.Teammate Deon Pendleton, who had 11 tackles against St. Joe, alsoplayed at Enterprise last year.

Smith said he is having a good time at Wesson. “It is a realgood school. I like it here.”

When asked about his responsibilities at cornerback, Smithreplied, “I defense the receivers and I stop the run if it comes myway.”

Smith said his 2 pass interceptions last week against St. Joewere different. “I had to read where the quarterback was looking tothrow them. I stay in my zone and watch.”

Smith praised the defensive line. “They have played good. Theyhave been helping press the quarterbacks.”

When asked about Wesson’s matchup with Region 6-2A leaderPuckettthis week, Smith replied, “We have to stop Puckett from doing whatthey do best. We have to play good offense and good defense.”

Smith is a member of the Wesson basketball team. In his sparetime, he likes to fish.

Upon graduation, Smith plans on attending Co-Lin for 2 years andplaying football. He plans on becoming a history teacher.

Smith is the son of Albert Smith of Wesson and Judy McKeever ofCalifornia.

Smith added, “I would like to thank the coaches and my wholeteam.”