Both teams are going to the state playoffs but Lawrence Countyhas the most to lose Friday night when the Cougars entertainBrookhaven’s Panthers. Kickoff is 7:30 and a large crowd isexpected.

Lawrence County (8-1, 4-1) is currently tied for second placewith McComb (6-3, 4-1) in the Region 6-4A race. The Cougars beatMcComb earlier in the season so they have the advantage inhead-to-head competition.

South Pike (8-1, 5-0) hosts McComb Friday night in a Pike Countyshowdown at Magnolia. Brookhaven (5-3, 3-2) should finish fourth inthe region unless the Panthers upset Lawrence County.

According to Brookhaven head coach Andrew Hickman, South Pikemust beat McComb and Brookhaven must beat Lawrence County by ninepoints for the Panthers to secure second place in the region.

The Panthers were open last week so they are rested and ready torenew the rivalry with Lawrence County. They lost a hard-fought22-8 decision to South Pike the previous week.

Lawrence County first-year head coach Trent Hammond has beenwatching Brookhaven on film this week. Hammond provided his opinionof the Panthers.

“I know we have got to keep it close if we are to have a shot atwinning,” said Hammond. “We need a perfect ballgame. Brookhavencould very well be the biggest, fastest and strongest team we’veplayed.”

Hammond coordinates the Lawrence County defense so heappreciates Brookhaven’s performance on film. “Brookhaven playsgreat defense. They fly to the ball.

“Offensively, their quarterback (Billy Williams) is the realdeal. He makes big plays. Their line blocks well for CorneliusAllen,” a senior tailback.

“Their offense puts you in a bind,” said Hammond. “They could bethe first place team in the region if they hadn’t turned the ballover against McComb and South Pike. I feel like we are probably theunderdogs because of our size and lack of depth.”

Hammond said 215-pound linebacker Wayne Hardy is the largestplayer on Lawrence County’s defense. I’m not a very big person butwhen I’m in the huddle in practice, I’m the biggest one out there,”said Hammond.

Win or lose both teams still play another week. “We could bouncefrom No. 1 to No. 4,” said Hammond. There could be a 3-way tiebetween McComb, South Pike and Lawrence County.

“What we are looking at first is Friday night’s game,” saidHammond.

Lawrence County sophomore Donovan Dixon sustained a knee injury,a dislocated kneecap last week against Raymond, and will missFriday night’s game. “His knee is swollen up about the size of agrapefruit,” said Hammond. “He was doing some stretching exercisesand it just popped out. He was starting in our defensive secondarythe last two games.”

The Cougars boast three of the best running backs in southMississippi. Hardy has made a verbal commitment to sign withSouthern Miss and has rushed for over 1,100 yards. Jonathan Eley, a200-pound senior fullback who gained over 1,000 yards last year,has 990 yards. Teammates Jason Snell and Charles Barnes havecombined for over 1,000 yards rushing.

Hickman Praises Cougars

Coach Hickman said Lawrence County has a stable full of strongrunners. “They have a real good running game. They have sometremendous athletes at the running back position. Their strong suitis running the football.”

Hickman said Brookhaven’s defense would be severely tested. “Forus to be successful and win the game, we must shut down theirrunning game.”

In the loss to South Pike, junior strong safety Emmanuel Perkinsled Brookhaven with 13 tackles and 1 interception. Williams alsointercepted a pass.

“We are in pretty good shape,” said Hickman. Linebacker JoshTownsend is slowed by a knee injury but should be ready toplay.

Allen, a senior tailback, has rushed for over 800 yards thisseason. He is complimented by junior fullback Josh Anderson.

Panther Paws: Last year on King Field the Panthers beat LawrenceCounty 30-14 en route to a 7-3 record and a state playoffappearance. Panther quarterback Fred Perkins rushed for 171 yardsand 3 touchdowns. The Cougars got 99 yards rushing and 1 touchdownfrom Eley.