The Brookhaven boys and girls begin their Class 4A soccer statetitle quest today at separate locations. The Panthers host WestJones at the Sports Complex, starting at 5:30 while the LadyPanthers play at Northeast Lauderdale in Meridian at 6. A victorytonight would allow the Panthers to host the second roundSaturday.

In another game tonight, Wesson’s girls play ResurrectionCatholic at 7, at the Complex.

The Panthers won the Division 6-4A title while the Lady Pantherswere runners-up to McComb. The Panthers advanced to the secondround of last year’s state playoffs.

Brookhaven’s boys starting lineup for tonight’s game includesDominick DiPaolo at goalkeeper, Ben Giust at sweeper, Maurice Irvinat stopper, David Easley and Seth Flynn at fullback, Josh Brister,Judson Langston and Zach Harrison at midfield and Daniel Gates,Matt McGehee and Justin Windham at forward.

Spencer Errington and Tedrick Ratcliff are the utility players.They will be used mainly at defense and midfield.

Brookhaven is 12-4 overall and 6-0 in the division. Amisinterpretation of the tie-breaker system originally hadNortheast Lauderdale advancing to the playoffs as runner-up afterbeating West Jones in overtime.

Panther head coach Rob McCreary said his team has overcome manyobstacles this season but they have become stronger because of theproblems.

“We have had five people hurt during the year,” said McCreary.”A lot of our kids who hadn’t seen much action, have seen a lotduring the year. They can help us coming off the bench.”

McCreary has used seven different starting lineups this year. Herecorded his 100th career victory last week when the Panthers beatdivision runner-up McComb 3-0. He has a 100-29 record in 6 years atthe helm.

The Lady Panthers (9-8, 4-2), coached by Kevin Bower, play atNortheast Lauderdale at 6 p.m. today.

Forward Elaine Smith is the team’s leading scorer. She has beensidelined by a knee injury.

Bower has a young team with just two seniors on the squad,Devine Porter and Amie White. In a recent 4-1 win at South Pike,White scored 3 goals and teammate Taylor Crane scored 1.