SOSO – West Jones used a lightning-quick, hard-hitting defenseto derail the Brookhaven Panthers Friday night in the second roundof the Class 4A state playoffs. The Mustangs forged a 17-0,third-quarter lead on Mustang Field before securing a hard-fought17-7 victory.

West Jones (9-3) advances to the third round and hoststop-ranked Wayne County (12-0). Wayne County eliminated Picayune27-20.

Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey praised the West Jonesdefense. “West Jones overwhelmed our offensive front line. Wecouldn’t stop them. Their team speed on defense hurt us.”

Hurt the most was BHS senior quarterback Bud Britt who was underconstant, heavy pressure. He was sacked 5 times for losses totaling46 yards. He was forced to hurry passes on several occasions.

In the first quarter, Britt was sacked and fumbled at his24-yard line. Three plays later, sophomore quarterback Ben Stevenshit tailback Roderick McCullum with an 8-yard TD pass, making it7-0.

In the third quarter, Stevens hooked up with Darrel Barnett on a10-yard scoring pass. Adam Herrington, who kicked a 26-yard fieldgoal in the second quarter, tacked on the PAT kick with 6:04 leftin the third quarter and it was 17-zip.

McCullum, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound senior, was the main mover forWest Jones, rushing 23 times for 101 yards.

To their credit, the Panthers (7-3) continued to play hard in aspitting rain. Dropped passes and overthrows short-circuited theiroffense when Britt had time to pass.

On the last play of the third quarter, Brook’s E.J. Hendersonreturned a Mustang punt to WJ’s 48-yard line. Junior running backSemmie Smith ripped off consecutive runs of 23 and 24 yards,setting up his 1-yard TD plunge. Smith finished with 99 rushingyards.

Chris Lowman’s PAT kick reduced the Mustangs’ lead to 17-7 with11:24 left in the game. Brook’s defense forced 3 West Jones puntsin the final frame but the Panthers were unable to capitalize.

“Our team played hard and I’m proud of the effort,” said Peavey.”We played very well on defense.”

The Panthers held a 175-169 advantage in total yards. CoachScott Pierson watched his Mustangs rise to the occasion and turnback the Panthers on 3 fourth-quarter possessions.

Former BHS assistant coach Mario Jenner serves as offensive linecoach on Pierson’s staff.