McCOMB — Brookhaven Academy football fans got the opportunityto view their Cougars Friday night as coach Herbert Davis’ squadprepares for what their followers hope is a successful defense ofthe Class AA state title. The Cougars squared off with the ParklanePioneers in the annual Parklane Jamboree and got successfulresults.

If the two-quarter scrimmage is any indication, the 2010 seasoncould be just as special as last year. BA topped Parklane 14-3 in atwo-quarter session meant to allow coaches to see the progress oftheir players before the season begins.

Not surprisingly, it was BA senior quarterback Chandler Rogers wholed the Cougars offense in their final preseason test beforeregular season play begins Friday at Silliman Institute, La. Rogersrushed for a 2-yard score and connected with junior Bubba Keene ona 26-yard strike for the only other touchdown of the contest.

Senior placekicker Tyler Trout kicked both extra points.

The Brookhaven defense did its part as well, limiting the Pioneersto only a 40-yard, Jordan Taylor field goal.

“We have a lot of our skill position players back, but we’re a longway from where we need to be if we want to match last season.” saidDavis. “Both our offense and defense played well at times tonightbut they both had some moments that we weren’t very good.

“We’ve got to focus on fundamentals and rely on the leadership ofour seniors and the returning players that were part of lastseason.”

While a 14-3 scrimmage win over a AAA team is a positive sign,there is still a long hard season ahead before a team will hoistthe state championship trophy and the players are well aware ofwhat is required to successfully defend their title.

“We have to take this one week at a time.” said Rogers. “We have alot of experience back this year, but we know people will be upwhen they play us. Everyone wants to beat the undefeated team, butwe’ve just got to keep working on fundamentals and the basics ofthe game. We feel like we’re tough to beat if we can playwell.”

Keene echoed Rogers’ statements. “We didn’t play very well ondefense tonight. We’ve got to get back in the mindset we were inand rely on guys like Mark(Rushing), Alan Michael(Allred) andJennings(Mills). We’ve got a lot of work to do but I think we’vegot a good shot if we start playing well.”

Brookhaven opens the 2010 campaign on the road against the SillimanWildcats, a team the Cougars beat once in the regular season lastyear, and again in the playoffs. “They’ll be primed and ready forus after we beat them twice last year.” said Davis. “They have somegood players returning so we’ve got to come out and executeoffensively and our defense has got to be ready to play.”

Kickoff is 7 p.m., in Clinton, La.