Brookhaven’s Panthers make the long ride to Carriere for aFriday homecoming date against the Pearl River Central Blue Devils.Kickoff for the Region 3-5A game is 7 p.m.

The Panthers will encounter a rejuvenated football program that isunder the direction of first-year head coach Eric Collins. TheDevils (1-5, 0-2) snapped a 13-game losing streak in the secondgame of the season when they defeated Poplarville 28-7.

Last week the Devils lost to Stone County 13-6. The first regionloss was 20-14 to Forest Hill.

Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey said PRC has shown muchimprovement since last season. “They are playing hard. That’s thebiggest difference. They have had a coaching change.”

Offensively, the Devils count on Trey Wynn (5-11, 210) to carrymuch of the rushing attack. He has 129 yards rushing to hiscredit.

“They grind it out with their rushing game,” said Peavey. “I thinkStone County only had 31 offensive plays.”

Peavey said PRC runs a formation similar to a double wing. “Theyrun it and run it; then they hit you with a quick pass. Theyoperate real well.”

Peavey’s Panthers (2-3, 0-2) were 27-20 losers to highly-rankedWayne County (5-1, 2-0) last Friday on King Field in a region test.They made a strong showing on offense and defense.

Peavey said Brook’s defensive line was honored for theirperformance against Wayne County. Jaboree Poole led the Pantherswith 6 solo tackles and 3 assists, including a sack.

Jawaun Merchant collected 6 tackles, 1 assist and 3 sacks. JaboreeCooper made 6 tackles. Malcolm Stewart and Shamonte Brooks each had5 tackles.

Offensively, quarterback Duwone Harris and wide receiver TrentPowell shared the team award. Harris completed 7 of 17 passes for101 and was intercepted once. He rushed the football 15 times for102 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Powell caught 3 passes for 64 yards. Running back Travorius Showershad 16 carries for 54 yards and a TD.

Last year Peavey’s team qualified for the state playoffs as the No.4 team out of the region. He stressed the importance of playingwell tomorrow night.

“It’s a region game and they are all critical,” said Peavey.”Offensive possessions are going to be extremely valuable. We needto take care of the football.”

His team lost two fumbles in the loss to Wayne County.