Brookhaven is the runaway favorite to win the Region 6-4Afootball championship for a second consecutive year. According toRegion 6-4A head football coaches polled by The DAILY LEADER,Brookhaven should be favored to win it all in Class 4A.

Brookhaven, 9-3 last year, returns 16 starters. Among them aretwo preseason all-state selections, quarterback Jimmy Johns anddefensive tackle Jessie Bowman.

The Panthers were chosen No. 1 on six ballots. South Pike’sEagles received the other first place vote and 28 poll points.McComb was picked to finish third with 26 points. Lawrence Countywas chosen fourth with 23 votes, followed by Jim Hill (16), Terry(12) and Wingfield (6).

Panther head coach Tucker Peavey said he was flattered by thefirst place nod but was focused more on playing Hazlehurst Aug. 27.He preferred not looking ahead to the state playoffs and a march tothe championship game.

“It’s an honor to have that kind of respect but you still haveto play the game every Friday,” said Peavey. “I hope it (No. 1)ends up that way. It’s good to start on top but what really countsin where you finish.”

Johns passed for 1,443 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Herushed for 820 yards and 7 TDs.

Bowman accounted for 100 tackles and 7 quarterback sacks lastseason as the Panthers advanced to the second round of the stateplayoffs, losing to eventual state champion Wayne County.

“Everybody is playing for second place this year,” said SouthPike coach Randall Huffman. “Brookhaven should win it all.”

Lawrence County coach Mike Davis said the Panthers haveexperience on their side. “They have a bunch of returning starters.They had the state champs (Wayne County) on the ropes lastyear.”

Wingfield coach Chuck Foley said he was impressed byBrookhaven’s depth and skill players. “Brookhaven has got to be No.1. They have a good quarterback, good running backs, receivers andan offensive line.

“They are one of the most experienced teams I’ve seen in awhile,” Foley continued. “I expect them to play for the statechampionship.”

South Pike has eight starters returning on defense so the Eaglesshould be strong. Huffman said his team is physically strongerbecause of an intensified offseason weight training program.