Homecoming is special for the Brookhaven Panthers and head coachTucker Peavey. After three straight road games, the Panthers areback on King Field Friday night to host Port Gibson’s Blue Wavesfor homecoming. Kickoff is 7:30.

It is the second straight Region 6-4A contest for Brookhaven(2-2, 1-0). The Panthers beat Raymond 24-8 last Friday, snapping a2-game losing streak. Port Gibson (2-2, 1-0), coached by Gary “Bo”Wright, is fresh from a 40-22 victory over Terry.

Homecoming at BHS provides plenty of distractions for Peavey’sPanthers. “Our players can enjoy the celebration but they have tofocus on the game first,” stressed Peavey, a 1980 BHS graduate.

Port Gibson features an explosive attack. The Waves areaveraging 25 points per game but opponents average 26.5 ppg. Theylost 48-24 to Hazlehurst in the third game of the season and 18-12to Crystal Springs in the second game. They defeated Hinds AHS24-18 in their season opener.

Peavey and his staff have observed the Waves on game film thisweek. “Watching them on film, it looks like they have some guys whocan really run. They have a cornerback/wide receiver (DeiratonTurner) who can really fly.” Turner (5-9, 172) is a junior.

“They have a tight end (Kevin Noble) who makes some big plays.”Noble is a 6-3 1/2, 205-pound senior.

“Their quarterback (Carl Jones) is a good athlete. When hebreaks free and starts running, he’s a good ball carrier. Thetailback (Richard Ellis) is a good runner.”

Jones (6-2, 190) and Ellis (5-9, 164) are both seniors.

“They have been effective running and throwing the ball,” saidPeavey. “Port Gibson is a good-looking team on tape. Their line hasgood size.”

Last week’s win over Raymond was much-needed. The Panthers had172 yards total offense. Running back Josh Anderson rushed for 49yards, including a 17-yard TD run. Quarterback Jimmy Johns hookedup with split end John Bud Chatman on a 36-yard scoring pass as thePanthers took a 14-0 halftime lead.

In the second half, Domenick DiPaolo kicked a 32-yard field goalfor the Panthers. A fourth-quarter, 4-yard TD run by Darius Perkinsclosed out the scoring.

Peavey said the Panthers are almost at full strength forhomecoming. Adam Ogden, a starting left guard, has a sore ankle butcould be ready for Friday night’s game.

“Our kids have been playing hard,” said Peavey. “They have totake advantage and execute on offense.”

Players Of The Week

Brookhaven’s Players of the Week against Raymond were righttackle James Barker on offense, defensive end Julius Lloyd andlinebacker LeKendrick Maxwell on defense and DiPaola on specialteams. Maxwell accounted for 11 tackles. Jesse Bowman and JamesDixon each had 10 tackles.

Peavey said he was pleased with the enthusiastic group ofPanther followers in the road game at Raymond. “It was great to seethat we had more fans in the stands than they did. We appreciatetheir enthusiasm and support.”

Panther Paws: Last year senior tailbackCornelius Allen rushed 25 times for 194 yards and 3 touchdowns asBrookhaven beat Port Gibson 31-20 on the road. Quarterback BillyWilliams had 94 yards total offense and 1 TD pass.