Brookhaven (0-1),  coach by Tommy Clopton, kicked off the season with a disappointing 20-6 loss to the Franklin County Bulldogs last week at Louie Mullen Memorial Stadium in Meadville.

This week the Panthers are looking to rebound as they welcome Class 6A powerhouse Northwest Rankin Cougars to King Field for their first meeting.

The Brandon-based Cougars, coached by Toby Collums, opened the season with an impressive 34-16 win over Germantown.

Braden Smith directed the Cougars’ aerial attack by completing 13-of-21 passes for 217 yards. Justin Nelson was the Cougars’ top receiver with six catches for 112 yards

BHS’ top performer last week on offense was senior running back Thomas Poole with 18 rushes for 131 yards.

Defensively, Jeffrey Johnson finished with six tackles and four assists to lead the Panthers. Deon Williams contributed five tackles and had seven assists

My pick: In a great defensive battle, the Panthers will fall in a close battle 14-10.