PORT GIBSON — Overcoming a slow start, the Brookhaven Pantherslet the strong legs of sophomore running back Semmie Smith carrythem to a 24-0 Friday night victory over the Port Gibson Blue Wavesin Region 6-4A action. Smith finished with 27 carries for 239 yardsand 2 touchdowns. He also surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing plateaufor the season.

Brookhaven (7-1, 5-0) maintained its region lead. The Pantherswere minus the services of senior quarterback Charles (Bobo)Rancifer for much of the game due to a strained hamstring.

Rancifer started the contest but was replaced by junior BudBritt after one series. Britt completed 6 of 14 passes for 82 yardsand was intercepted once. His fourth-quarter touchdown run gave thePanthers their final margin of victory.

Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey realized his 50th careervictory at BHS but he was unhappy with his team’s performance. “Wemade some turnovers and dropped two punt returns. We had aninterception on offense and we weren’t playing well.”

Peavey (50-19) praised his defensive unit. “We played greatdefense all night,” Peavey continued. “I’m proud of the way ourdefense stood up. We put them in a bad situation several times andeach time they answered.”

For the game, BHS limited the homecoming Waves (1-6, 0-4) to 20yards rushing and 96 yards passing.

Rancifer was slowed by a strained hamstring suffered in theForest Hill game.

“We have a lot of sore ankles and bruises right now,” saidPeavey. “This open date comes at a good time. It will give us achance to work on some things and get healthy, too.”

BHS hosts Florence in its regular-season finale Nov. 2, on KingField. The state playoffs begin Nov. 9.

Smith produced another outstanding game. It was his thirdstraight 200-yard outing.

“Semmie ran the ball hard for us,” said Peavey. “That put himover 1,000 yards this season.”

Clayton Winston followed Smith with 3 rushes for 20 yards.

Rancifer completed 2 of 3 passes or 18 yards. Duwone Harriscaught 3 passes for 36 yards. Jake Williams had 2 catches for 33yards. Simmie Yarborough (2 -17) and Marcus McGee (1-14) alsocaught passes.

The Panthers finished with 34 rushes for 251 yards. They had 100yards passing.