JACKSON – Like a big green monster the West Point offensedevoured turf on A.C. “Butch” Lambert Field Saturday night.

Quarterback Justin Cox and running back LaKendric Thomas rushed andrushed some more, leading the Green Wave to a 21-3 Saturday nightvictory over Brookhaven’s Panthers in the Class 5A statechampionship game.

West Point also gobbled up over 29 minutes of game time, with longtouchdown drives. Thomas rushed 35 times for 165 yards and onetouchdown. Cox rushed 20 times for 138 yards and two TDs.

West Point coach Chris Chambless was surrounded by well-wishersafter the game. A second straight state championship had been histeam’s goal as they finished 15-1.

“After last year we made the decision that we were going to comeback,” said Chambless, his blue eyes sparkling. “We didn’t wantanything less than coming to Jackson.”

The Green Wave unleashed an awesome ground attack out of thePower-I formation. They finished with 325 yards on 61 carries. Thatwas more than enough to keep Brook’s explosive offense off thefield.

“We did what we wanted to do,” said Chambless, referring to hisrushing attack. “We will stay with it all year.

“Our coaches do a great job,” Chambless added. “I’m just a figurehead.”

On defense, the Wave limited Brookhaven to 144 yards total offense.The Panthers managed 88 yards on their game-opening drive thatended with a fumble into the end zone.

West Point asserted itself in the first half. The Wave lookedrelentless, producing two long, time-consuming touchdowndrives.

Ole Brook coach Tucker Peavey said West Point didn’t surprisehim.

“You knew that West Point was big and physical up front,” he said.”You just try to keep up with them.”

Peavey said senior quarterback Duwone Harris suffered a bruisedthigh muscle on the second series of the game.

Harris flashed his breakaway skills on the opening drive. Hefinished with 16 carries for 79 yards, including a 37-yard dash onthe first play of the game.

Brook’s passing game never got going. Harris completed 3 of 12passes for 35 yards.

Running out of the Power-I formation, the Wave marched 80 yards in10 plays. Cox displayed his blazing speed as he circled right endand scored from 11 yards out.

Sophomore Eric Lemus kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead with5:03 showing in the first quarter.

The Panthers appeared to have drawn first blood but the officialsruled that running back Travorius Showers had fumbled into the endzone. It ruined a 7-play, 88-yard scoring drive.

On their next possession, the Wave continued its punishing groundattack. This time the Greenies went 85 yards in 10 plays. Coxpicked up 52 yards on 3 carries, going the final 2 yards aroundright end to paydirt.

The Wave led 14-0 with 11:09 left in the first half.

Devonte Stewart provided the Panthers with a 28-yard punt return,giving them a late, second-quarter spark. With time running out,Harris completed a quick, look-in pass to Ross Hill that was goodfor 6 yards to West Point’s 5-yard line.

Dewey Stailey connected on a 23-yard field goal as time expired,reducing Brook’s deficit to 14-3. He punted 4 times for a 37.8-yardaverage.

In the third quarter, West Point launched a 17-play drive that ranout of gas at Brook’s 5-yard line. The Wave went 77 yards in 14plays for a TD. Thomas scored from 10 yards out, bouncing offseveral BHS defenders.

The Wave led 21-3 with 5:39 left in the game.

“Our defense dominated and our O-line came out hard,” said Thomas.”Brookhaven was the best team we played.”

Harris said he and his teammates were disappointed by thesetback.

“We just couldn’t get it done tonight,” he said. “Their defense wasgood and they hit hard.”