The biggest game of the 2001 football season for the WessonCobras and the Loyd Star Hornets is set for Friday night atWilliams E. “Sambo” Smith Field.

Wesson (11-1) and Loyd Star (10-2) will be battling for thesecond time this season but for the right to advance to the thirdround of the Class 2A state football playoffs.

On Oct. 12 at Smith Field, the Cobras rallied in the second halfto pull out a tough 28-9 victory over the Hornets. Wesson trailedLoyd Star 3-0 at the half but turned four turnovers into touchdownsfor the win.

“We are truly excited about playing this deep in the playoffs,”said Greer. “It was one of our goals.”

Being in the playoffs is important to the Wesson Cobras,especially the seniors.

“It means a lot,” said senior fullback Billy Ray Miller. “Weneed to come out and play hard.”

Jon Decker, who plays offensive tackle, credits the Wessonsummer program and good work habits for their successfulseason.

“Our hard work is paying off,” stated Decker. “We’ll give them agood game.”

Senior noseguard Demetrius Bridges is looking for another win.”It makes for a good football game. We made it here and we willcontinue to win.”

Greer knows it’s tough to defeat a team you have already beatenon their home turf.

“It’s always tough to beat a team a second time in the sameyear.” Greer stated. “If you win, you go to the next round. Youdon’t need more motivation than that.”

Last week, Wesson eliminated Scott Central 20-7 and Loyd Stardumped Newton 20-6.

Miller is confident about the outcome Friday night. “We can doit again. They are just like any other team to me.”

“If we play up to our level, we’ll beat them,” added Decker.

Bridges is also confident about the outcome. “Our chances aregood.”

Greer felt there was room for improvements over the last gamewith Loyd Star. “We need to play better than we did last time. Weneed to execute better on offense and defense,” continued Greer.”We need a total team effort.”

In the win over Scott Central, senior fullback Billy Ray Millerled the Cobras with 11 rushes for 146 yards and one touchdown.Russell Robinson carried six times for 36 yards and a TD.

Defensively, Ryan Williams and Miller ledWesson with 13 tackles apiece. Intercepting a pass apiece wereMarcus Corley, Ryan Williams and Josh McCormick. Charles Powellrecovered a fumble.

Greer, who coaches the defense, is proud of his coaching staffand their conotributions this season. His assistant coaches arePhillip Knight, special teams coach; Rob Channell, offensive coachand Rickey Gunter, wide receiver/defensive tailbacks coach.

“They do an outstanding job,” Greer said. “They areprofessionals. They are conscientious about their job. They want todo it right. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are.”

Do they mind practicing on Thanksgiving Day?

“It will be real light,” smiled Greer. “We don’t do a lot onThursdays.”

Miller says he will enjoy practicing on Thanksgiving. “It feelsgood. Anything it takes to win.”

“It makes the game more special,” said Decker.

“It doesn’t matter,” added Bridges. “Whatever it takes to do towin, we will do.”

“It ought to be a lot of fun,” added Greer. “I want the kids toenjoy it.”