The Brookhaven Academy Cougars jumped on a fumble in the first minute of the game and turned it into a quick touchdown, only to be shutdown the rest of the game by steady rain, wet conditions and a bend-but-don’t-break Amite School Center defense as the Rebels escape with a 14-7 victory Friday at R.M. “Red” Stuard Field.

Trailing 8-7 after halftime, the Cougars used the wet conditions to aid their defense as they faced a line of scrimmage battle the entire game. Allowing only 83 yards passing, Cougars leading tackler, senior defensive lineman Roger Rushing, had 10 tackles, a sack and fumble recovery. BA recovered all three of the Rebels fumbles.

Cougars senior defensive lineman Carter Culbertson and J.T. Cline combined for 15 tackles with two tackles for loss apiece. Culbertson added two QB hurries as he stayed in the face of Rebels’ quarterback Davin Booty all night.

Connor Griffin and Fisher Warren contributed seven tackles apiece. Griffin also had a tackle for a loss.

Junior quarterback Madison Smith piled up 257 total yards on 21-35 passing (184 yards) and added 73 yards rushing on 22 carries.

Smith hooked up with senior wideout Ross Felder on a eight-yard touchdown strike in the opening quarter. Sophomore receiver Price King and junior receiver Fisher Warren gathered 13 passes from Smith totaling 107 yards.