WESSON – Cobra cornerback Johnny Butler had an exceptional gamelast Friday when Wesson wrapped up it final Region 6-4A game of theseason with a 35-12 win over Hinds AHS. Butler intercepted threepasses and made 10 tackles to direct the Cobra defense. He returnedone interception for a 41-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

For his accomplishments, Butler has been named The DailyLeader’s Defensive Player of the Week for the tenth week ofthe 2002 football season.

“It feels good,” said Butler. “I wouldn’t be able to do itwithout my teammates.” He was happy to share the glory.

Butler, who stands 6-foot and weighs 165 pounds, runs a 40-yarddash in 4.8. He bench presses 200 pounds and squats 300.

“Johnny Butler has worked really hard in the spring and the offseason to get ready,” said Wesson head football coach Ronald Greer.”He has lot of instincts in the secondary and he makes a lot ofplays. He has natural ability to sense when they are going to throwit and where he’s going to throw it.”

Butler did not play varsity football last year but he playedjunior high football under Greer.

“I was worried about him even being able to play,” Greer saidabout last Friday night. “He had a tight hamstring. We stretchedhim a whole lot before the game.”

Butler, who also plays wide receiver on offense, has scored fivetouchdowns. Against HInds AHS, he returned one of threeinterceptions for a 41-yard TD. It was the first defensivetouchdown he has scored.

“My responsibilities are to read the quarterback and go to theball,” said Butler of his cornerback duties. “And make a play tothe ball.”

Butler was pleased about the three interceptions against HindsAHS. On the interception he returned for a touchdown, Butler got ahint from sophomore linebacker Lavell Jackson before the playhappened.

Like any talented cornerback, Butler watched the quarterback andfollowed the running pass play. He stepped in front of the slotreceiver at the right moment and headed to the endzone for thescore.

“Our defensive line is doing a great job for us,” praisedButler. “And our offense line.”

Making up the Cobra defensive line are Herman Johnson, MattDyess, Willie Sinclair, Matt Ishman, Herman Johnson and Ira Shoopat defensive end and Matt Dyess and Josh McCormick at tackle. JeffSugg, Earl Bell and Tom Burgess. Ryan Williams works at free safetyand Blake Brister is the other cornerback. Linebackers includeRussell Robinson, Charles Powell, Jackson and Kyle Smith.

Butler also had a talented cousin, Walter Butler, who played forthe Cobras a few years back. “He was good,” Johnny said.

Butler sat out last season but returned during spring practiceand is happy he decided to play football again. “I’m happy I cameback out,” smiled Butler.

Butler is happy to be a member of the Region 6-2A championshipteam. He and the Cobras want to go all the way to the big house inJackson, a.k.a. Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium where thestate championship games are played.

“It feels good,” said Butler of the region championship. “Butwe’re going to make a run at the state championship.”

According to Butler, the Cobras (9-1) have met two of theirgoals in beating Franklin County and capturing theirsecond-straight region title.

The Cobras came in Sunday afternoon to watch film on Richton,their first round opponent in the state playoffs. Butler said,”They have a good running back like Emanuel (Sinclair of Wesson).They mix it up on the run and pass.”

Butler will also be playing basketball for the Cobras thisseason as a shooting guard or small forward.

His favorite class is trigonometry which is taught by assistantfootball coach Phillip Knight. “He tries to teach us a lot,” addedButler.

Butler doesn’t have a favorite college football team but likesthe New Orleans Saints in the NFL. His favorite player is AtlantaFalcon quarterback Michael Vick.

There were some people Butler wanted to publicly thank for hissuccess. “I want to than God. Thank my mom and the coaches. And myteammates.”