The Brookhaven High Panthers (1-4) dropped their division opener Friday night as the West Jones Mustangs (5-0) took a 44-7 win in Soso.

The Mustangs are defending Region 3-5A champs and were 5A state runners up last season. West Jones led 30-7 at half.

Both starting quarterback Dre Ross and BHS senior Byrion Robinson — who serves as back-up QB — dealt with injuries to their hands during the game. That limited the BHS passing game as West Jones has one of the best defenses in 5A.

“We had a lot of penalties,” said BHS head coach Tucker Peavey. “We just never got into the game. We had some mistakes that were things that we haven’t struggled with all year. We’ve punted it well this season and then tonight we’re rolling snaps back to our punter. We’ve got to keep working.”

Things don’t get easier for BHS next week as they travel back to Jones County to play Laurel High (4-1) between the bricks in Watkins Stadium.