WESSON – Unbeaten in nine games and headed for the Class 2Astate playoffs, the Wesson Cobras have flexed their muscles onoffense and defense. Wesson linebacker Gage Wilson accounted for 14tackles and an interception in sparking the Cobras’ defense to abig 32-15 Region 6-2A victory at Madison St. Joseph.

That performance has earned Wilson The DAILY LEADER’s DefensivePlayer of the Week honors.

Wesson coach Tommy Clopton said he appreciates Wilson’scontributions to the team. “Gage has been a really consistent guyfor us. He’s a 3-year starter. He plays hard every week. He bringsa lot of stability to our defense.

“Defensively, our guys have been playing with as lot ofintensity,” Clopton added.

Wilson’s interception killed St. Joe’s momentum and set up aWesson touchdown in the second half.

Wesson’s defense has battled some injuries early in the year butthe Cobras have come on strong. Clopton said his starting defensiveunit has allowed about 92 points all year long., “They play theirbest in the biggest games.”

Fellow teammate and linebacker Paxton Cupit accounted for 16tackles against St. Joe.

Wilson, standing 5-foot-7 and weighing 180 pounds, wears jerseyNo. 20, his favorite number. He said he felt confident entering theregion test at St. Joe. “I felt really good about it. I’m glad webeat them.”

He said he enjoys playing inside linebacker. “I like the contactyou get at linebacker. You have to defend the run first and thenthe pass. You have to have good eyes.”

Also at linebacker are Peyton Cupit, Paxton Cupit and BarronMiller. “Our line is real good, too,” Wilson noted.

He is the 17-year-old son of Kevin and Angie Wilson. He has twobrothers, Zane and Mason; and a sister, Ashlee.

In his spare time, Wilson enjoys hanging out with his friends.He frequents Skeet’s Burgers in Beauregard. Hamburgers are hisfavorite food.

Wilson also sees duty on offense as a fullback. He said,”running back is fun. I enjoy blocking for the other players.”

Wilson also stars in baseball as a pitcher and infielder.

Wesson has a large senior class and expectations were high thisyear. Over 50 players participated in the summer workouts.

“It’s important to set an example for the team,” saidWilson.

Friday’s season finale against defending Region 6-2A championwill determine the region championship. Both Wesson and Puckettwill be at home for the opening round of the state playoffs, whichbegin Nov. 5.

“Puckett is big,” said Wilson. “We need to tackle and blockbetter.”

Wilson said he felt good about Wesson’s chances in the playoffs.”Being in the playoffs, I feel confident. I think we will get pastthe first round. We have to play hard.”

While Clopton oversees the offense, Phillip Knight coordinatesthe Wesson defense. Wilson said, “I enjoy playing for CoachClopton. He’s laid back and he lets us do what we want to. CoachKnight is a real good coach. He likes contact just as much as wedo.