COLUMBIA — If first impressions are lasting, then theBrookhaven Panthers’ 2006 baseball season opener against PerryCentral Saturday should bring about a most successful campaign.

Ole Brook junior hurler Josh Coone authored a perfect game, andthe Panthers fashioned a 16-0 shutout over the Perry CentralBulldogs at John Paden Jr. Field.

Brookhaven travels to Wesson Tuesday for a JV/Varsitydoubleheader, with the first pitch set for 4:30 p.m.

Brookhaven 16, Perry Central 0

The Panthers (1-0) pounded out 13 hits in the win. Zach Watsonand Elliot Warren both delivered a single and a double. Watsonscored twice, while Warren touched home plate 3 times.

Panther head coach Randy Springs saw Brandt Hinton and GarionCrockett scored 3 runs apiece as each had a double. Collectingsingles were Coone, Mitch Pappas (2), Cole Newell (2), Paxton Kingand Marlon Dixon. Scoring runs were Coone, Pappas, Newell, King andDixon.

“It is always good to get the first win of the season,” saidSpring following the game. “We hit the ball extremely welltoday.”

Coone tossed 5 innings, allowing no runs, hits or walks with 6strikeouts.

“Josh pitched a great game today,” added Spring.