MCCOMB – Brookhaven Academy head coachTripp McCarty has more than a few battles ahead of him. Thefirst-year coach took over for Herbert Davis in May, andimmediately has some big shoes to fill for the gridiron Cougars.The most obvious task is replacing the highly successful Davis.

    The Cougars have gained equal footing with the ultra successful BAbasketball program by winning five consecutive districtchampionships and a state title in 2009. During the past threeyears, the Cougars have compiled a stellar 35-6 record. With thesuccess of the program, the district title streak, and the loss ofrecord-setting quarterback Chandler Rogers, McCarty knows the roadis tough.

    “We want to avoid a letdown more than anything,” said McCarty.”Brookhaven has had some very good teams in the past several yearsand probably two of the best players in the MAIS in Price Sessumsand Chandler Rogers. There is a record of good players and successhere and we have to work hard to make sure it doesn’t end now.”

    The Cougars faced Parklane Academy Friday night in the annualParklane jamboree in the final preseason test before the highschool season starts. The Cougars topped the Pioneers 7-0 in atwo-quarter session meant to fine-tune the teams before theseason.

    Junior quarterback Gage Posey takes over the Cougar offense afterbacking up Chandler Rogers the previous two seasons. Posey scoredthe lone touchdown of the scrimmage in the second quarter of play.Christian “Bubba” Keene added the extra point.

    “We have to work hard every day in practice,” added McCarty. “Wehad some areas that we were good in tonight, but we saw some thingswe didn’t like. We have to understand that games are going to bewon by working hard every day in practice. We have some tough teamson the schedule and there’s a lot of tough teams in the AA divisionso it won’t be easy.”

    One benefit for both McCarty and Posey is having one of the bestplayers in the Magnolia state in Keene. The two-sport standoutsenior started receiving looks and letters from college in bothfootball and baseball after his sophomore season, and looks to havea stellar senior campaign.

    The Cougars debut on R.M. “Red” Stuard Field Friday night, hostingthe Silliman Institute Wildcats of Clinton, La. Kickoff is 7p.m.