SOSO — The Panthers of Brookhaven fell Friday night to theMustangs of West Jones 31-0 in Region 3-5A action. Brookhaven cameinto the contest with three 200-plus yard rushers on the season butthe mighty Mustang defense shut down the rushing attack.

West Jones received the opening kickoff and scored on the ensuing58-yard drive that was capped by a 27-yard touchdown completionfrom senior quarterback Ben Stevens to senior receiver XavierHilton. After a successful point after attempt, the score was 7-0at the 7:57 mark in the first quarter.

The Mustangs scored next in the second quarter on a Hunter Estess42-yard field goal, making the score 10-0 with 4:45 left in thefirst half. West Jones scored again with 3:27 left in the half on atwo-yard touchdown rush by senior running back Ervin Gavin thatcapped an eight-yard drive that resulted from a West Jonesinterception by junior defensive tackle Aaron Suggs.

After the successful point after the score was 17-0 in favor of theMustangs.

BHS backup quarterback Devonte Stewart suffered a separatedshoulder in the first half and sophomore Zach Smith quarterbackedthe team the rest of the way.

Ole Brook coach Tucker Peavey said the Panthers played well ondefense but turnovers helped West Jones score three second-halftoucheowns. “We gave them 21 points on offense. Our defense playedgreat.”

West Jones scored again with two minutes left in the third quarteron a nine-yard Ben Stevens touchdown run, capping a 35-yard drivethat was set up by senior linebacker Matthew Farrar recovering aBrookhaven fumble. Another successful point after made the score24-0.

The Mustangs scored on another Brookhaven fumble that was scoopedup and returned by senior safety Darrious Moffett. The point afterwas good, giving the final score of 31-0 with 5:09 left in thegame.

“Real pleased with our effort tonight,” stated West Jones HeadCoach Scott Pierson adding, “Brookhaven took away a lot of what wewanted to do tonight on offense.”

Pierson gave the mighty Mustang defense high praise saying, “I’mproud of our defense. We get to the football and when we do it’swith a bad attitude.”

“We’re known for tough physical play and that’s what we deliveredtonight.”

The Mustangs (5-0, 1-0) will take to the road this week to face offagainst McComb while Brookhaven (2-2, 0-1)) plays host to the WarEagles of Wayne County. Kickoffs are 7 p.m.