MONTICELLO – Lawrence County insidelinebacker Wesley Lambert knew the Cougars needed to beat SouthPike if they wanted to make the Class 4A state playoffs. Lambertresponded with nine solo tackles and three assists, helping theCougars rally for a 21-20 Friday night win at South Pike.

    That performance has earned Lambert The DAILY LEADER’s DefensivePlayer of the Week recognition. The Cougars (3-5, 1-2) face anotherRegion 6-4A foe Thursday night at Columbia before concluding theirregular season Oct. 28, at Purvis.

      Lawrence County coach Mike Davissaid Lambert has been a leader for his team on and off the field.He’s been an icon in the LCHS summer weightlifting and conditioningprogram.

    “Wesley is a hard-working kid,” said Davis. “He had the most liftsthis summer.”

    Davis said Lambert played exceptionally well against South Pike.”His all-out hustle, especially in the second half was big. Hewilled himself to make tackles, especially in the second half.”

    Lambert said it took a team effort to beat South Pike. “We allworked together and it made us come out on top. I feel good aboutour chances of making the playoffs.”

     Lambert (6-2, 210, sr.) isthe 17-year-old son of Michael and Angie Lambert. He is theyoungest of five children. His brothers are Corey, 27, and Pate 18,a recent LCHS graduate. He has two older sisters: Brandy Renae, 26,and Brandi Mae, 25;

    A dedicated lifter, Lambert has maxed out in the weight room with abench press of 340 pounds. He also has a 290 power-clean and a 410squat. He is a member of the LCHS powerlifting team and the soccerteam.

    Also working on defense for the LCHS Cougars are Jordan Grayson atlinebacker, are Derrick Givens, Calvin Dixon, Jake Lambert, andDrew “Red” McNeese at tackle and Kenneth Johnson at end.

    In the secondary, Alexander Montgomery, Nicholas McDonald, GlennRussell Jr., LaQuan Hilliard prowl. Hilliard had six solo stops,two assists and a forced fumble against South Pike.

    Lambert said he enjoys his position on defense. “You have to bereal smart and read the plays good. It takes speed and strength.You have to be a leader.”

    Asked about the LCHS defense, Lambert said, “I feel real good aboutour team; offense and defense. We are getting better each game. Ifeel good about us making the playoffs.”

    Lambert said he has enjoyed playing for Coach Davis. “I like it alot. Coach Mike is a good coach.”

    The LCHS defensive coordinator is Jay Livingston. Lambert said, “Hedefinitely know what he’s doing.”

    Lambert and his family moved from Columbia to Lawrence County whenhe was in the eighth grade. It will be a homecoming of sorts.

    “I know most of the players,” said Lambert. “We’ve been studyingfilm on them. Columbia runs the wing-T and the double-wing; prettymuch the basic offense we run.”

    While most football players favor steak, chicken or seafood whenquizzed about their favorite main course, Lambert said he prefers agood salad. “I try to eat healthy.”

    His favorite dessert is his grandmother’s banana pudding.

    Lambert wants to play college football and is willing to “playanywhere.” He plans a future career in physical therapy.