With their backs against the wall Friday night at Hazlehurst, the Wesson Cobra defense knew they’d need to keep the Indians out of the end zone in the final 12 minutes to give their team a chance to win. That’s exactly what happened as the Cobra D held HHS scoreless in the fourth quarter of a 28-21 win.

Wesson senior linebacker Scott Hutt made a team-high 11 tackles in the win and for his efforts has been named The Daily Leader Defensive Player of the Week.

Hutt made one tackle for a loss and five of his stops were solo tackles. He was playing through a painful arm injury that caused him to miss action late in the game.

The Cobra D is a young group. Freshman Chris Davis was also outstanding as he made 10 tackles. Sophomore Jakerio Miller had 10 tackles and two tackles for a loss. Junior Terrrance Haley also had two tackles for a loss as did sophomore C.J. Sutton. Haley and Miller each recovered a fumble and junior Antrelle Sims caused one as well.

On a team with only five seniors including himself, the leadership that Hutt provides is invaluable to coach Jeremy Loy and his staff. The cliché is coach on the field, but that’s the only way to describe the role that Hutt plays. The younger Cobras go where he leads.

“Having Scott is like having another assistant coach,” said Loy. “He is very tuned in to what we do and how we do it. He is the ultimate hard worker and team guy.”

When Loy talks about who Hutt was as a sophomore and the senior leader he’s become — a de facto member of the staff — he uses the word “transformed.”

Hutt burst onto the scene last season when he made a team high 109 tackles including 4.5 for a loss as a junior. He also caused two fumbles and recovered a fumble while earning Daily Leader All-Area honors.

Wesson and Hazlehurst were tied 7-7 at half Friday night in an all Copiah County showdown. The Indians didn’t waste time as they scored twice quickly in the third quarter to go up 21-7.

The Wesson offense began to move the ball and eventually tie the game at 21-21. From there the Cobra defense didn’t give an inch as they shutout HHS late in the game.

Loy gives credit to his staff for making adjustments throughout the game and keeping his team focused on the comeback. Wesson assistant coaches include Seth Lofton, Sammy Byther, Tevin Thomas, Steve Barrington and Hank Jordan.

Hutt and the Cobras finish their difficult non-region schedule Friday with a trip to Monticello to take on Lawrence County before opening region play next week against West Lincoln.