Brookhaven’s Panthers make the long drive north Friday to playthe Kosciusko Whippets. This is the second half of a 2-yearcontract with the Region 4-4A school. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

Kosciusko (6-2, 4-1) is leading Region 4-4A. The Whippets,coached by John Perry, are fresh from beating preseason regionfavorite Noxubee County 36-28. Kosy lost its season opener 36-29 toClass 5A Northwest Rankin and fell four weeks ago to to NortheastLauderdale 38-24.

“Kosciusko is obviously a good, solid football team,” said OleBrook head coach Tucker Peavey. “They are 6-2. Their linemen onboth sides of the ball are consistent, good football players.

“The quarterback (Kendrick Presley) is back.,” continued Peavey.”They have a guy (Jamariey Atterberry) who plays defensive back andwide receiver who is a very good player.”

According to Peavey, the Whippets prefer a strong rushingattack. “Offensively, they want to be a power running team. Theyuse a lot of three-back sets.

“Defensively, they play a couple of different fronts, accordingto who they are playing. On some games, they run a lot ofblitzes.”

Peavey’s Panthers (5-3, 3-2) are fresh from a 58-6 homecomingblowout of the winless Port Gibson Blue Waves. Most of hisoffensive starters didn’t play in the second half after forging a42-0 lead.

Recognized as Brookhaven’s Players of the Week were cornerbackKeyondra Powell on defense, and right tackle Grady Aultman onoffense.

Ole Brook’s offensive blitz of Port Gibson started fast.Freshman running back Semmie Smith broke a 62-yard touchdown run onthe game’s first offensive play. Charles Wilson rushed for 2 TDsand tacked on an 81-yard punt return.

Panther quarterback Charles (Bobo) Rancifer threw TD passes of53 yards to Marcus Smith and 24 yards to Simmie Yarborough. R.J.Jenkins returned a fumble 55 yards for a TD. Quarterback Bud Brittthrew a 24-yard TD pass to Don Lofton.

Defensively, the Panthers were paced by end Larry Winters whomade 7 tackles, including 2 sacks. Bart Sias and Powell each had 6tackles. Virgil Sanders had 5 stops and Jewaun Washingtonintercepted a pass.

Peavey said his Panthers were in good shape for the non-regiontest. “Injury-wise, we are OK. We seem to be playing good rightnow.”

The Panthers return home to host Lawrence County Oct. 27, intheir final region test of the season. The region race shouldbecome more clear after McComb (6-1, 3-0) plays Lawrence County(5-3, 3-1) Friday night. Terry (7-1, 3-1) plays at Florence (3-5,0-4) Friday and hosts McComb Oct. 27.

Panther Paws: Last year on chilly King Field,Brook beat Kosciusko 42-20, powered by Charles Wilson’s 37 rushesfor 234 yards and 3 touchdowns. Charles Rancifer rushed for 133yards and 3 TDS. Anthony Caffie returned a punt 62 yards topaydirt.