WESSON — Senior quarterback Matt Smith has been a 3-year iconfor the Wesson Cobras. Wearing jersey No. 12, Smith’s presence onthe field is clearly evident on offense and defense.

In last Friday’s 32-13 road win over the Bogue Chitto Bobcats,Smith completed 5-of-7 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown. Herushed the football 10 times for 41 yards and two touchdowns. Thosenumbers have earned him The DAILY LEADER’s Offensive Player of theWeek recognition.

Wesson head coach Tommy Clopton said Smith has become in integralpart of his successful program. “Matt is a 3-year starter for us.For any offense to have success, that will be controlled by the manunder center. He works hard in the classroom, too.”

Smith stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 180 pounds. As a junior hesuffered an ankle injury and a concussion during the 2009 campaign.He didn’t miss many snaps because of those ailments.

Obviously, Smith has intestinal fortitude, too. Clopton said,”Matt’s

a quality young man. He was throwing up five minutes beforekickoff. He went out and managed the game. He went out there andgot some points for us.”

The Cobras are unbeaten in two games and Smith said it requires ateam effort to be successful. “They are a solid group. We have toestablish our running game so we can run play-actionsuccessfully.”

Smith praised his offensive line. They are left tackle Tyler Hall,left guard Mac Lowery, center Cullen Greer, right guard ZachWilson, right tackle Derrick Lyles and tight end PatrickBoone.

“We are playing good as a team,” said Smith. “Every game we getbetter, it gets better.”

Since the injuries to Kyle Cross (ankle) and Austin Graham (knee),Smith has taken on more responsibility. Cross was a senior starterat running back and cornerback. Graham, a junior, started atcornerback, wide receiver and kicker.

Clopton said, “Since we lost the other two, that has put moreresponsibility on Matt.” Graham was scheduled for ACL knee surgerythis morning.

Matt’s parents are Steve and Brenda Smith. He has a youngerbrother, Josh, age 16.

In the weight room, Smith bench-presses 225 pounds. He has 4.7speed in the 40-yard dash. He also plays safety on defense.

Smith said he enjoys playing for the Wesson coaches. “I like CoachClopton. He and Coach (Hugh) Knight run the offense.” Clopton callsthe plays.

Looking to the future, Smith said he is undecided about his collegeplans and career. Math is his favorite subject in school.

Asked about his favorite dessert, Smith said he liked watermelon.”Sweets give me a headache.”

Queried about Friday’s road game, Smith said, “West Marion looksalright. They have a couple of running plays they use. I hope forour best season.”

After the football season, he’ll have another sport to pursue.Smith is a standout pitcher and shortstop on Wesson’s baseballteam. He was selected to the District Seven team that participatedin the State Games of Mississippi last summer.