WESSON – Ronald Greer inherited a winning tradition and a hard-working Wesson football team when he returned to coaching after a 9-year absence from the sidelines. Greer had served as principal at Wesson while Tommy Clopton coached the Cobras.

     Clopton departed in April to become Brookhaven’s new head football coach, leaving a vacancy that Greer was more than happy to fill. “I feel like a 16-year-old going on his first date.”

     Besides Greer and Clopton, there have been five other head football coaching changes involving area schools this year. In Lincoln County,  Brooks Burns is coaching Enterprise and Willie Brumfield has returned to West Lincoln. Other changes find David Parker at Lawrence County, Mike Powell at Parklane Academy, and Michael Andrews at South Pike.

     Greer, 47, coached the Cobras from 1995-2003. He had served as defensive coordinator before that period, working with James “Booty” Sloan  and David Bradberry at Clinton. Greer won three district championships during his Wesson years, taking the title in 1998, 2000 and 2002.

     “We have a blue-collar team,” said Greer. “They have worked extremely hard during the summer program. I’m extremely pleased with them.”

     The Cobras have worked out three days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; starting at 6 a.m. The workouts feature lifting weights, agility drills and running. They have averaged 42 players per day.

     Greer faces a major rebuilding chore in many areas, especially at the skill positions on offense. Quarterback and running back will provide new faces this season.

     Bailey Warren and Tyler Christmas are being groomed for the quarterback position. Nick Lewis and Antonio Miller are leaders at running back.

     Wesson does have some large and talented linemen. Cullen Greer, the coach’s son, is a senior All-Region returnee at tackle. Chance Twiner has shown lots of promise in the line.

     On defense, the Cobras are looking for new starters at several positions. Alex Smith and Chris Craft are veterans in the secondary.

     Coach Greer has challenged the potential starters with a question. “Are you going to be the cotton or the candy?”

     In other words, candy is the hard stuff; the good stuff.

     Wesson finished 5-6 overall last season and advances to the Class 2A playoffs after going 3-1 in the region race. The Cobras are confident they can reach the playoffs again.

     Asked about his coaching staff, Greer said, “I feel good about them. They are quality people who know a lot about football.”

     Baseball coach Seth Lofton is the youngest assistant football coach and he is starting his fourth season. Lofton will coach the offensive and defensive lines.

     Phillip Knight coaches linebackers and special teams. Hugh Knight serves as offensive coordinator, coaching quarterbacks, running backs and defensive backs. Ricky Gunter coaches receivers and outside linebackers.

     Greer’s Cobras make their debut Aug. 17, visiting the Crystal Springs Tigers.