Hungry for victory, the Brookhaven Panthers tackle FranklinCounty’s Bulldogs Friday night in their 2010 season opener. Kickoffis 7:30 in Louie Mullins Memorial Stadium.

Franklin County started its season last Friday with an MHSAAClassic game. The 62-7 humbling of Loyd Star’s Hornets raisedeyebrows and stirred conversation around the Magnolia State.

Peavey and his staff watched Franklin County dismantle Loyd Starlast Friday at Meadville. He shared his observations on theBulldogs who led 28-7 at halftime. They scored on the ground and inthe air. Defensively, they overpowered Loyd Star with speed andstrength.

“They were impressive,” said Peavey. “They have some guys who canrun. They have some big ol’ linemen, too.”

Among the leaders in FC’s line are tackle DeMechary Hickingbottom(6-5,345, sr.) and tight end Preston Shelton (6-4, 275, sr.)

Peavey’s Panthers defeated Terry 21-7 in an Aug. 13 jamboree onKing Field. He and his staff reviewed film and concentrated onmaking changes and improvements.

“It will be good to play again,” said Peavey. “Hopefully we willplay with a lot of effort and enthusiasm.”

This is Peavey’s ninth season at the helm of BHS footballfortunes.

BHS players will honor Sawyer Dyess, a sophomore linebacker who waskilled July 25, in an auto accident. The SD (initials) stickerswill be located on the back of each BHS helmet.

Peavey released his starting lineup for Friday night’s game.

In the offensive backfield are Travorius Showers (5-10, 183, jr.)attailback, Nick Peavey (6-1, 234, sr.) at fullback and Duwone Harris(6-0, 200, sr.) at quarterback.

The receivers are Ross Hill (6-1, 176, jr.), Trent Powell (6-1,190, sr.) and E.J. Henderson (5-9, 162, sr.), plus Joel Patrick(5-11, 148, sr.) and Sherrod Gray (5-10, 148, jr.).

The offensive line includes Sam Ballard (6-2, 250, sr.) at righttackle, Tyler Collins (5-10, 240, jr.) at right guard, Mitch Case(5-7, 225, sr.) at center, Tameas Hooker (5-8, 185, sr.) at leftguard and Stone Underwood (6-3, 271, sr.) at left tackle. Peavey,Phillip Hamilton (5-11, 185, sr.) and Randy Austin (5-8, 185, sr.)also play tight end.

Dewey Stailey (5-9, 154, sr.) will placekick and Peavey will punt.Greg Sims (5-10, 172, jr.) is the long snapper.

On Brook’s defense, the ends are Thevis Cooper (6-0, 215, jr.) andJabori Poole (6-1, 220, soph.) and Edward Gutter (5-11, 236, sr.).The tackles are Jawaun Merchant (5-11, 273, sr.) and MalcolmStewart (5-9, 231, jr.).

The linebackers are Kalen Calcote (6-0, 185, jr.) and Jacoby Cooper(5-9, 188, sr.) on the inside. The outside linebackers are ShamonteBrooks (5-11, 174, sr.) and Jonah Hill (5-7, 163, soph).

Cornerbacks are Devonte Stewart (5-11,166, sr.) and Greg Sims. Thefree safety is Chris Seals (5-8, 159, sr.).

Bulldogs Await Panthers

First-year head coach Rickey O’Quinn said his Bulldogs arepreparing for the Panthers. “We are looking forward to Friday. Wegot a film on them playing against Terry in that jamboree.

“I was impressed with their size on the defensive line,” O’Quinnnoted. “They are quick and fast. Their quarterback (Harris) is avery solid player. We have to contain him.”

O’Quinn said the Bulldogs have focused on the Panthers inpractice.

“We are having a pretty good week of practice,” said O’Quinn. “Iremember in 2005 when we played them here. We had a hugecrowd.”

“I hope we can keep it up Friday,” added O’Quinn. “We want to getbetter each game.”

Senior quarterback Milton Griffin sparked the Bulldogs over LoydStar with two touchdowns runs. They limited Loyd Star to just 46yards total offense as the Hornets suffered five turnovers.

Panther Paws: Last year on King Field, BHS beat Franklin County26-18 as Semmie Smith rushed for 109 yards, including a 55-yardscoring sprint in the fourth quarter. Duwone Harris passed for oneTD and ran for another. The Bulldogs got TD runs from DeHendretCollins, Frank Hunt and Edward McGhee.