Panthers conquer Lawrence Co.

Published 6:00 am Monday, November 6, 2000

When it comes to game plans, quarterback Fred Perkins prefers afast start and a strong finish. All systems were clicking Fridaynight as Perkins quarterbacked the Brookhaven Panthers to a 30-14victory over the Lawrence County Cougars and a berth in the Class4A state playoffs.

An overflow crowd, estimated at 4,000, watched Perkins rush for171 yards and 3 touchdowns in the regular season finale. His76-yard scoring run, on the fourth play of the game, set the tempofor the night. He ran an option to the left, stepped outside, brokea tackle and raced down the sideline.

“I read the tackle and the defensive end bit down,” saidPerkins. “I stepped outside and I was off to the races. We like tocome out fast.”

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Perkins also scored on runs of 2 and 7 yards as the Panthersbuilt a 23-7 third-quarter lead.

“Our defense doesn’t give up many points,” said Perkins. “Ouroffensive line blocked great. They get better every game.”

Brookhaven (7-2, 4-1) enters the state playoffs as the Division6-4A runner-up. The Panthers will play Division 8-4A championGautier Friday night at Pascagoula’s War Memorial Stadium.

Brookhaven head coach Greg Wall has watched a rebuilding seasonproduce many success stories. Perkins, a tight end/wide receiverfor two years, was placed at quarterback when preseason practicebegan in early August.

“Fred is hard to stop once he gets outside,” said Wall. “You mayrun that (option) play four or five times and not get much. Thenyou finally break it and it looks pretty.”

Wall said Brookhaven’s defense played extremely well. Hecredited defensive coordinator Randall Huffman and his otherdefensive coaches with a solid game plan.

“Coach Huffman and the defense deserve all the credit,” saidWall. “Our kids paid attention all week and they were wellprepared. They knew what to expect.”

Lawrence County’s 1-2 offensive punch of fullback Johnathan Eleyand quarterback Jerry Smith concerned Wall the most. Eley rushed 16times for 99 yards, breaking numerous tackles and scoring on a12-yard, first-quarter run. He also caught 2 passes for 43yards.

Smith rushed 11 times for 41 yards but his longest run was 9yards. He completed 4 of 15 passes for 91 yards, including a37-yard scoring strike to Jason Snell midway through the fourthquarter.

Smith was under heavy pressure from Brookhaven’s defense. Manyof his passes were hurried, making them short of the target oroverthrown. A few were dropped.

“Eley is a load,” said Wall, praising the 210-pound junior. “Heis a football player.

“Smith is a tremendous player,” Wall continued. “Our defensecame to play tonight.”

Brookhaven defensive end Don Expose said the Panthers playedwell on defense. “We wanted to stop No. 1 (Eley) and contain No. 2(Smith). We had confidence in our D-backs.”

Brookhaven cornerback Thomas Barlow intercepted Smith on thefinal play of the game. Smith said, “Brookhaven was ready for us.They came to play.”

Lawrence County (6-4, 3-2), the defending Class 4A statechampion, was unable to stop Brookhaven’s triple-threat rushingattack. Fullback Josh Anderson scored an insurance touchdown afterthe Cougars had pulled within 23-14 and 5:58 left in the game.

The Panthers recovered the onsides kickoff at midfield. Perkinspicked up 24 yards to the Cougars’ 26. On fourth down, Allen took afake reverse 22 yards to the 9. A face mask penalty put thePanthers at the 4-yard line. Anderson went up the gut on the nextplay. Cass Brister kicked the extra point and Brookhaven led 30-14with 1:47 left to play.

Lawrence County coach Danny Adams reviewed the loss. “Ourdefense couldn’t stop (Brookhaven). We haven’t been able to stop agood team this year. Brookhaven has two or three good backs.

“I was disappointed with our offense,” Adams continued. “We hada decent year and I’m proud of our kids.

“We wish Brookhaven well in the playoffs.”

After Perkins scored his first touchdown, Josh Townsend ran the2-point conversion out of the Huddle Play. Perkins scored hissecond TD on a 2-yard sneak. Allen ran his right end for the2-point conversion and a 16-6 lead with 5:44 left in the firsthalf.

The Panthers marched 66 yards in 12 plays on their firstpossession of the second half. Perkins faked a handoff, plunged upthe middle, spun out of a tackle and scored from 7 yards out,making it 23-6.