Fresh from winning the Division 6-4A soccer title, theBrookhaven Panthers go after bigger game Saturday in the firstround of the state playoffs. They’ll host Oak Grove tomorrowafternoon at 2 p.m., on King Field.

The Lady Panthers, runners-up to Terry in the division race,visit George County at Lucedale tomorrow for a 1 p.m. test. Winnersadvance to the second round of the playoffs.

The Panthers (10-4, 8-0) beat Terry 3-1 last week to clinch thedivision title. Brookhaven head coach Rob McCreary sent his teamthrough a vigorous week of practice in preparation for theplayoffs.

“We have the potential to go a long way,” said McCreary. “Ourkids must step it up a notch to be successful in the playoffs.”

Brookhaven’s offense is led by junior forwards Matt McGeehee andJustin Windham who have scored 21 and 18 goals respectively.Sophomore goalkeeper Domenick DiPaolo has allowed just two goals ineight division games.

Other leading defenders for the Brookhaven squad aresweeper/stopper Daniel Boyd and fullbacks Aaron Oberschmidt and BenRoss.

Sophomores Josh Brister, Judson Langston, Lane Lofton and JoshYoung usually start in midfield.

“We are a young team,” said McCreary. “We have seniors ondefense.”

Last year Brookhaven tied Terry for the division title. This isMcCreary’s fifth year to direct the program.

The Lady Panthers (10-5-1, 7-1) beat Terry in their final gameof the regular season but settled for second place due to atie-breaker. Coach Sally Perkins said her team was shorthanded whenthey lost to Terry earlier in the season.

Perkins is in her third year at the helm. “This is the best teamI’ve coached. They have the most talent.”

She has five seniors on the squad. Forward Devine Porter leadsthe Brookhaven attack with 16 goals. Midfielder Courtney Dickey hasproduced 13 goals. Senior midfielder Allison DeHuff is the team’sthird leading scorer with 9 goals. Forward Chuvaquah Smith has 5goals.

Angela DeLaughter serves as the team’s goalie. Laura Waldrop isthe stopper. Christi Autrey is sweeper. Mitchell Wilson and ElaineSmith are the fullbacks. Katy Braden, Amy White and Suzanne Runggerare midfielders.

Perkins said George County will provide a severe test for herteam. “They have a 20-2 record and they are very fast.”