Middle linebacker Jarvis Wilbert and the Brookhaven Pantherstook care of business Friday night on rain-soaked King Field. ThePanthers posted their first shutout of the season, whipping SouthPike’s error-prone Eagles 21-0.

“We went to war and busted heads tonight,” said Wilbert, peelingoff his muddy, water-soaked No. 30 jersey after the game. “We arehappy to win and we played a lot better. We have some mistakes tocorrect this week in practice.”

By contrast, South Pike (0-2) was plagued by mistakes. TheEagles shot themselves in the foot on numerous occasions. Theyfumbled 6 times and lost 3. They also were penalized 16 times for112 yards, many of them simple illegal procedure penalties. Ontheir second possession of the game, they were penalized 5 timesfor 25 yards after taking over at Brook’s 30-yard line.

Ole Brook (2-0), ranked No. 5 in The Associated Press Class 4Apoll, goes after bigger game this Friday at Clinton, meeting theClass 5A Arrows on their new field.

Offensively, sophomore running back Semmie Smith provided thespark the Panthers needed. He rushed the football 19 times for 95yards and 2 touchdowns.

Smith scored on a 19-yard jaunt in the first quarter, capping a10-play, 66-yard drive. Chris Lowman kicked the extra point for a7-0 lead with 2:33 showing.

In the fourth quarter, Smith splashed 11 yards around left end,making it 14-0.

“It felt real good running the ball,” said Smith. “Our lineblocked very good.”

Smith smiled and said the wet field didn’t bother him. “My shoeshave good grips.”

Teammate Clayton Winston didn’t mind the wet field either. In afourth-quarter drive, Winston carried 4 straight times. His finalcarry went 11 yards over the left side to the end zone. Lowman’sPAT pushed the lead to 21-zip with 7:38 left to play.

Panther senior quarterback Charles (Bobo) Rancifer was forced totake most of his snaps from down under instead of the shotgunformation, due to the slick football. He still managed to complete7 of 11 passes for 57 yards. Sophomore wide receiver Marcus McGeemade 2 leaping catches for 25 yards.

“I was pleased with Marcus McGee’s pass catching,” said BHS headcoach Tucker Peavey. “We made some mistakes but we overcame them.The conditions made it difficult. I’m glad we could run theball.”

Rancifer, a 3-year starter, was a freshman when the Panthers,led by All-State quarterback Jimmy Johns, marched to the Class 4Astate title in 2004. They have continued the state playofftradition since then.

“We are consistent and we are getting better,” said Rancifer. “Ithink we can make another (playoff) run. Our O-line is young butthey are improving.”

For South Pike, it was the second straight game for the Eaglesto be shut out. Sophomore quarterback Tevin Martin had troubleconnecting with his receivers. He was tackled 4 times forlosses.

South Pike head coach Randall Huffman was optimistic early inthe game as the Eagles marched quickly to Brook’s 20-yard line. Buta high snap in the shotgun formation sailed over Martin’s head andwas recovered by Cordai Henderson and Brook’s 29-yard line, endingthe threat.

Rain had soaked the field 2 hours before the kickoff.