Brookhaven displayed depth and talent at running back duringThursday’s night scrimmage against Petal’s Panthers on King Field.The host Ole Brook Panthers also showed promise on defense, makingan aggressive show of force and speed versus their Class 5Aopponent.

On a cool night, with temperatures in the low 60s, Ole Brookhead coach Tucker Peavey huddled with his squad after the 3-hourexhibition which was witnessed by approximately 300 fans. Heencouraged the 100-plus member squad to make final exams theirpriority next week so they would be eligible to play during the2007 campaign.

Overall, Peavey was encouraged by his team’s performance. Itfeatured first and second team offenses and defenses, plus theeighth grade players from both schools running plays in acontrolled situation.

“To get that many kids involved in it is a good way do to it,” saidPeavey. “Overall, we played well on both sides of the ball.

“We played fast on defense,” he pointed out. “Offensively, on thelong-yardage situations, we didn’t throw and catch it very well. Wedid show that we have some choices with our skill players.”

Rising senior quarterback Charles (Bobo) Rancifer alternated withrising junior Bud Britt. Semmie Smith and Clayton Winston showedflashes of greatness at running back. Kentrell Brown was the firstrunner to break a longer gainer against Petal.

During the 11-on-11 series, Britt threw the first pass completion,hitting wide receiver Simmie Yarborough for 20 yards. Britt alsohooked up with Marcus McGee on a long pass. Moving to tight end,Britt caught a 10-yarder from Rancifer.

“We must throw and catch the ball better,” observed BHS offensivecoordinator Jaymie Palmer. “The effort was good tonight.

“Our O-line must get more physical,” Palmer pointed out. “Webasically have five new guys up front because we have changed somepositions.”

Both teams worked on extra point kicks last night. There was norush or pressure on the placekickers. Newcomer Chris Lowman went3-for-3 on extra points and tacked on a 40-yard field goal, makingPeavey optimistic. Elliott McKee, another newcomer, clicked on hisonly PAT try.

BHS defensive coordinator Rod Henderson was encouraged by hisunit’s performance. “We stayed real basic and got a lot of goodteaching in during the last three weeks.

“The main thing we wanted tonight was to be aggressive. Ourdefensive line played well and we have established some depth. Theyhave absorbed what we taught them.

“Our linebackers should be OK, but we need experience,” Hendersonadded. “Our secondary has some experience but we need more depth atthe corners and at safety.”

Petal, under the direction of new head coach Steve Buckley, hadlittle success against Brook’s defense. Quarterback Drew Carruthbroke one big play on an option and running back Isaiah Newsome hada few good runs.

“Obviously,we have a long way to go,” said Buckley. “Both teams sawsome good things.”

Buckley said his longtime friendship with Peavey allowed them todevelop a beneficial plan for the scrimmage. “We wanted to do this.It was a heckuva night for football. Both of us got to play oureighth graders, too.”

Peavey’s Panthers begin a rigorous offseason conditioning programJune 3. It starts each day at 6 a.m.

On Aug. 24, BHS will host a jamboree, welcoming McComb, WayneCounty and Laurel to King Field. On Aug. 31, BHS kicks off itsseason at North Pike.