Football coaches preach to their players they should stick with the program. Come to the summer workouts, focus in the weight room and work hard in practice. Do those things consistently and your hard work will pay off.

Wesson High senior Colton Newman has listened to his coaches and followed the program, and on Friday night his payoff came in a 49-12 win over Bogue Chitto. Newman forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, snagged an interception and made five tackles.

For his efforts Newman has been named The Daily Leader Defensive Player of the Week.

Newman has played most of the season as a wide receiver. Half an hour before kickoff against Bogue Chitto, he found out he would be starting at cornerback that night. His first reaction was to become nervous.

“I just don’t want to let my teammates down,” said Newman. “I practice during the week with the defense, but I’m not usually working with the starters. We had an injured guy not be able to play and coach told me I would be taking his place.”

Wesson led 21-12 at halftime before shutting the Bobcats out in the final 24 minutes of action. The Cobra defense is coming off back-to-back impressive performances. Prior to their win over Bogue Chitto they held a high-powered Sumrall offense to 18 points in a 3-point loss to the other Bobcats.

Newman’s interception came on the first drive of the game and his fumble recovery came late in the second half. In the time between those plays Newman lost any nervousness he had been feeling.

“Once you get out there and start reading the offense and responding to what they’re doing, you don’t have time to think about anything else,” said Newman.

Newman is the son of Nelson and Kelly Newman.

For Wesson coach Jeremy Loy, Newman being ready to play epitomizes everything a team player should be.

“I’m proud of Colton because he’s a guy who has put in the work over the last few years and been faithful to the program, and now as a senior he’s making plays,” said Loy. “It’s just an example to other kids that your hard work won’t go unnoticed if you stick with it.”

Story by Cliff Furr