JACKSON – West Point’s big green machine brought a sad end toBrookhaven’s Cinderella campaign Saturday night in MississippiVeterans Memorial Stadium. The defending Class 5A state championdecided to keep their title by defeating the Panthers 21-3.

It was the seventh state title for West Point (15-1), placing itamong the Magnolia State’s elite in high school footballchampionships. Brookhaven (9-5), winner of three straight stateplayoff games, was hoping to make a return trip to the throne roomthat the Panthers occupied in 2004.

Tomb-like silence filled the BHS dressing room after thegame.

Many of the players shed tears of sadness. For 26 seniors it wastheir last time to wear a BHS uniform.

Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey paused at each dressingcubicle. He hugged each player and whispered words ofencouragement.

Peavey’s Panthers had exceeded expectations after struggling toa 2-3 record early in the season. Their playoff string of victoriesexcited the community as favored teams fell by the wayside.

“We had a great year,” said Peavey. “I know our players arehurting right now but after that hurt goes away in a few days, theywill feel real proud.”

Several thousand fans wearing Brookhaven’s red and blue colorsfilled the north side of the stadium. They cheered loudly with eachBrookhaven play.

The Panthers nearly scored on the first possession of the gamebut fumbled into the end zone.

West Point’s powerful rushing game asserted itself and dominatedmuch of the game. The Wave had too much running speed and power forthe Panthers to stop.

Senior center Mitch Case said West Point has a great team.

“They were determined to win, just like we were,” he said. “WestPoint in pretty good but I still think we should have beatthem.”

The Brookhaven Panthers trotted onto A.C. “Butch” Lambert Fieldat 5:50 p.m. Saturday. The skill position players were first on thegridiron, followed by the linemen.

The visiting team on the scoreboard, the Panthers dressed in redpants and white jerseys trimmed in dark blue.

West Point arrived a few minutes later. The Green Wave weredressed in olive green helmets, pants and jerseys. MississippiVeteran Memorial Stadium had to be cleared after the 3 p.m. contestbut fans began filtering in by 6 p.m.

Prowler, Brookhaven’s gigantic inflatable mascot, was set up inthe end zone by members of the BHS Booster Club. Smoke rose fromthe end zone as the Panthers playing defense were introduced andran through the tunnel.

Around Prowler’s neck was a large No. 53, written on posterboard.

It was the jersey number worn by sophomore linebacker Sawyer,Dyess who was killed in an automobile accident July 25. ThePanthers dedicated the season to Dyess and his jersey number waspainted in both end zones.

The Panthers and their fans had a season to be proud of, aseason they’ll always remember.