Brookhaven and Franklin County, two favorites in theirrespective region races, collide Friday night on King Field in the2006 season opener for both schools. Kickoff is 7 p.m. on KingField.

In two preseason polls of region head coaches, conducted by TheDAILY LEADER, Brookhaven was selected to win Region 6-4A andFranklin County was picked to win Region 7-3A. Both teams featureseveral outstanding players.

“We have a chance to be pretty good,” said Franklin Countysecond-year head coach Grady McCluskey. “We have some talent but weall have to be on the same page. You have to minimize thosefirst-game mistakes and get rid of the jitters.”

McCluskey said the Panthers have potential. “I know Brookhavenis going to be pretty good. Their coaches do a good job.

“I look forward to a good ballgame,” McCluskey continued.”They’ll have a good crowd and that will make it exciting.

“The team that doesn’t turn it over and makes the fewestmistakes will win the ballgame.”

Bulldog Starters

Franklin County’s starting offensive backfield includes LeeTurner (6-2, 190, jr.) and Jamie Collins (6-3, 195, soph.) sharingtime at quarterback. Jordan Hunt (6-0, 200, soph.) is at fullback,Preston Griffith (6-1, 200, sr.) at tailback.

In the offensive line, Sam Moore (6-2, 275, sr.) is at center,Cable McMinn (6-0, 224, sr.), right guard; Andrew Williams (5-9,255, sr.), left guard; Kane Carlock (6-5, 335, sr.), left tackle;and Alvin Hunt, 6-0, 200, sr.), right tackle.

Bulldog wide receivers are Greg Hunt (6-4, 190, sr.), Mike Hunt(6-3, 205, sr.) and Ryne Tutor (5-9, 155, jr.).

Jace Carlock (5-11, 175, soph.) will work as place-kicker andRobert Wilson (5-11, 165, jr.) will punt.

On defense, the front line includes Brandon Collins (6-0, 225,sr.) and Aljoshua Tillman (6-4, 225, jr.) at end and Bo Tillman(6-6, 300, jr.) at defensive tackle and Josh Hunt (5-11, 174, jr.)at nose tackle.

Inside linebackers are Jordan Hunt (6-0, 200, soph.) and GaryRogers (6-0, 245, sr.) Outside linebackers are Jay Bailey (6-1,195, sr.) and Alex Smith (5-11, 178, soph.). Cornerbacks are GregHunt (6-4, 190, sr.) and Antoine Guice (5-10, 160, jr.). Freesafety is Mike Hunt (6-3, 205, sr.).

Panthers Prepared

Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey launches his fifth campaignat BHS tomorrow night. He is a 1980 BHS graduate.

“I’m ready to get it started,” said Peavey. “I know our kids areready to play a game. They are tired of practicing againstthemselves.”

Peavey said the Bulldogs are one of the largest teams his squadwill play this season. “Franklin County is a strong football team.They have size and speed. Their skill people are big guys and theyare big on the line of scrimmage, too.”

Peavey said there will be plenty of new faces on defense Fridaynight. Starting on defense are Virgil Sanders (5-7, 245, sr.) andBryson Anderson (5-9, 180, jr.) at tackle. At defensive end areLarry Winters (6-2, 235, sr.) and Dennis Harris (6-0, 200, jr).Linebackers are Bart Sias (6-0, 210, sr.), Akeem Herring (5-10,185, jr.) and Bo Smith (5-8, 155, sr.).

Cornerbacks are Chavon Middleton (5-8, 160, soph.) and KeyondraePowell (5-8, 140, jr.) . Free Safety is R.J. Jenkins (6-1, 155.sr.) and the strong safety is Jerrell Buie (5-10, 165, sr.).

Peavey said the following players would start on the offensiveline. At center is Taylor Newman (5-10, 230 ,sr.). Right guard isCourtney Clark (6-1, 230, sr.), right tackle is Grady Autman(6-3,265, jr.), left guard is Skyler Smith (5-9, 250, sr.), lefttackle is Darion Smith (6-2, 245, jr.) and the tight end is ChaseMcIntyre (5-10, 195, sr.).

The wide receivers are Simmie Yarborough (6-1, 190, jr.), MarcusSmith (5-10, 190, sr.) and Grant Heathcock (5-9, 140, sr.).

In the backfield, Charles Wilson (5-9, 180, sr.) is at tailbackand Charles (Bobo) Rancifer (6-2, 190, jr.) is at quarterback.

Will Thibodeaux (6-3, 175, sr.) will handle the place-kickingand punting. Powell does the deep snapping.

Panther Paws: In last year’s season opener,Franklin County shut out the Panthers 6-0 at Meadville. FullbackD.J. Shaw ran 7 yards for the game’s only touchdown. Ole Brook’sCharles Wilson rushed for 112 yards in the loss. Mike Hunt’sinterception in the end zone killed a Panther scoring threat insidethe 10-yard line.

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