By By Jeff Byrd/The Meridian Star
Dec. 1, 2001
JACKSON Cory Cochran was a starting tight end on the 1999 Wayne Academy team that won the Mississippi Private School Association's Academy A title.
On Thursday, Cochran makes his return to Mississippi College's Robinson-Hale Stadium in Clinton in search for a second ring. His Jaguars will take on Trinity Episcopal at 1 p.m. for the Academy A State Championship.
The 6-foot-2, 184-pound senior has been a key component behind Wayne's 12-1 season. This includes Friday's come-from-behind 14-7 win over DeSoto School for the North State A title at T.F. Giles Field in Waynesboro.
The Jaguars pulled the game out despite an off night by Cochran. A 1,000-yard rusher on the season, he was held to just 10 yards on five carries by a swarming DeSoto defense.
Cochran was able to bounce back with two key catches as a receiver out of the backfield. He caught an 11-yard pass from quarterback Steven Wood and then added a 20-yard reception to help set up the Jaguars' tying touchdown in the DeSoto game.
The latter grab showed Cochran's ability as a receiver. The ball was underthrown, but the lanky and strong Cochran made a quick adjustment to make the catch.
For Cochran, being able to contribute on defense is equally important for the team to succeed.
DeSoto was held to just one first down and 12 net yards in the second half. Quarterback Matt Manning was intercepted three times, all in the fourth quarter. DeSoto was held without an offensive score.
Cochran and the Jaguar defense will get another test on Thursday when they meet Trinity who is led by an outstanding quarterback in Chad Ridley. Ridley has accounted for 41 touchdowns and over 2,000 yards in total offense.
Cochran has already met Ridley.
Trinity Head Coach David King says Cochran is pretty good, too.
Cochran's size and his ability could land him a college scholarship as a receiver, tight end or safety.