Hazlehurst is a mystery team. Brookhaven’s Friday night opponenthas a tradition of speed at running back and wide receiver but theparticular players and their positions are unknown.

The Panthers visit Hazlehurst’ s Indians Friday night for the2001 season opener, hoping to avoid an ambush. Kickoff is 7:30.

New Brookhaven head coach Andrew Hickman said Hazlehurst has notfurnished a roster, despite several requests. The DailyLeader also requested a roster but phone calls to theHazlehurst office and attempts to contact Hazlehurst coach WillieBrown were unsuccessful.

Hickman said scouting reports were sketchy at best. “It’s kindof hard because we don’t have a roster. They are going to havespeed in the skill positions. We have to prevent the bigplays.”

One of the top returnees for Hazlehurst is senior running backDamien Gary (5-11, 185). He runs a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash.

Sophomore quarterback Darren Eason (6-0, 180) is the topcandidate at quarterback . The Indians posted a 7-4 record lastyear. They are Region 7-3A members.

Brown is in his third year at the helm. His assistant coachesare Jerry Fletcher, Robert McDaniel and Brian Miles.

“I’m excited about the first game,” said Hickman. ” I had alittle trouble sleeping last night. I know the kids areexcited.”

Hickman said he would go with two veterans in the backfieldFriday night. They are junior fullback Josh Anderson (6-0, 195) andsenior tailback Cornelius Allen (5-10, 180) who both started lastyear. The quarterback is multi talented senior Billy Williams (6-3,200). Williams was a receiver last year but showed plenty ofpotential as a passer and runner in the spring.

The starting flanker is Nick Downs (6-0, 195, jr.) At tight endis Phillip Tobias (6-5, 255, soph.) At wide receiver is MauriceParker (5-10, 145, jr.).

In the offensive line, the strong tackle is Daniel Walker ((6-2,275, jr.) and strong guard is Kern Hoff (6-0, 245, sr.). The centeris Kenneth Fairman (5-11, 300, soph.). The quick guard is JessieBowman (6-1, 305, fr.) and the quick tackle is Rayshone Autman(6-6, 260, sr.).

Asked about the kicking game, Hickman said Williams will be thepunter. Justin Windham ((6-3, 165, sr.) will handle kickoffs.Daniel Gates (5-9, 150, sr.) will kick extra points. Windham alsowill handle long field goals.

Jules Pitts is Brookhaven’s new defensive coordinator. Astarting defensive unit was not available at press time.

Panther Paws: Brookhaven hasn’t played Hazlehurst invarsity football since the 1992 season when the Panthers posted a40-8 victory on King Field, en route to an 8-2 season under formerhead coach Don Coleman.