The Brookhaven Panthers seek their third straight victory Fridaynight when the visit the unbeaten Port Gibson Blue Waves. Kickofffor the Region 6-4A game is 7:30.

Last week Port Gibson (3-0, 1-0) beat the Terry Bulldawgs 21-14in a Region 6-4A test. Brookhaven (3-1, 1-0) overpowered Raymond’sRangers in its first region test of the season.

Coach Gary Wright is in his fourth year at Port Gibson’s helm.He lost 17 seniors to graduation from last year’s 7-4 team whichwas a 2-year member of Division 6-3A. Many players have steppedforward to fill the vacancies.

At quarterback, Ocie Brown, Jr., (5-11, 165, sr.) directs PortGibson. He’s a senior leader for the Waves.

Melvin Ellis (5-11, 165, jr.) is Port Gibson’s leading rusher.He runs the 200 and 400-meter dashes.

Richard Ellis (5-9, 155, jr.) also is a rushing threat for PortGibson.

On defense, tackles James Farmer (6-1, 270, jr.) and David Wells(6-1, 315, so.) anchor Port Gibson’s line. The defensive leader isJaamal Martin (6-1, 215, jr.) at linebacker.

“Our defense is playing as a unit,” said defensive coordinatorPatrick Hargro. “Each player is taking on his responsibility.

“We have a big test Friday night,” said Hargro. “Brookhavenlooks good on film. They are very impressive.”

Panthers Offensive

Brookhaven scored an impressive 42-20 victory overRaymond last Friday night on King Field, amassing 519 yards totaloffense. Senior quarterback Billy Williams directed the rout,passing for 94 yards and rushing for 144 yards and 3touchdowns.

Senior tailback Cornelius Allen rushed for 166 yards and3 first half touchdowns as the Panthers took a 21-0 lead. Allen wasselected The Daily Leader’s Offensive Player of theWeek.

Coach Andrew Hickman began substituting earlier thanusual as the Panthers waltzed to victory. The defense gave up 397yards.

Directing the Panther defense was cornerback Zach Joneswith 9 tackles and a pass interception. Emmanuel Perkins made 9tackles, including 6 solo stops. Julius Lloyd had 7 tackles andJosh Townsend 5.

Fullback/linebacker Josh Anderson is expected to misshis second straight game due to a strained neck muscle. Hickmansaid an MRI performed Wednesday on Anderson showed no bonedamage.

“Port Gibson will be better balanced than Raymond,” saidHickman. “They run the ball pretty well.

“Their quarterback can scramble pretty well when youflush them out. You have to respect him.”

On defense, Port Gibson runs a 6-2 alignment. “It’s hardto continually run on a team in a box,” said Hickman. “Hopefully wecan make some big plays on them.”

Panther Paws: Brookhaven last played Port Gibson in 1998and the Panthers posted a 49-0 homecoming victory. They beat PortGibson 57-36 in 1997.