Brookhaven’s Panthers take their Region 6-A cruise on the roadto Claiborne County Friday night. The Panthers (6-1, 4-0), unbeatenin region play, tackle the Port Gibson Blue Waves who are 1-5overall and 0-3 in the region race. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

The Waves, coached by Harry Brown, defeated Crystal Springs intheir season opener but have lost five straight since then, thelatest setback a 33-6 decision at McComb.

“Port Gibson has some skill players who can make some plays,”said Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey. “They are a better teamthan they were a year ago.”

Port Gibson runs out of the I-formation. Peavey said the Wavesshow a variety on defense. “Their skill players aren’t bad.”

Against McComb, Port Gibson got a 1-yard run from JeremiahHoward (5-9, 170, sr.). He led the Waves with 11 carries for 52yards. Rudy Wilson (5-10, 175, soph.) rushed for 45 yards.

Quarterback Robert Barnes (5-7, 155, sr.) completed 1 of 2passes for 7 yards in the loss.

The Panthers are coming off a 31-26 homecoming victory over theForest Hill Rebels. The Panthers struggled on pass defense againstForest Hill. After building an early lead, they had to hang on fora shaky homecoming victory on King Field.

Forest Hill quarterback Jason Johnson blitzed Brooks’ defensefor over 400 passing yards. A last-second interception bycornerback Jewaun Washington in the end zone preserved thevictory.

Brookhaven’s Players of the Week for the Forest Hill game wereCordai Henderson on defense and Keyondray Powell on special teams.There were no offensive players honored.

Recalling the Forest Hill game, Peavey said, “We laid it on theground too much. We lost three fumbles.”

The Panthers forged a 24-12 halftime lead, tacked on athird-quarter TD and then hung on for the victory. BHS sophomoreSemmie Smith rushed for 217 yards in the region test.

Brookhaven’s offensive line includes Darion Smith at center,Grady Autman at left tackle, Anthony Harris at left guard, DerrickHenderson at right tackle and Quartez Lyons at right guard.

BHS quarterback Charles (Bobo) Rancifer completed 6 of 11 passesfor 63 yards and 1 touchdown. He rushed 14 times for 122 yards and2 TDs.

Simmie Yarborough rushed 14 yards for a TD and caught a 14-yardpass from Rancifer for another score. Chris Lowman kicked a 21-yardfield goal and 4 extra points.

Panther Paws: Last year Brookhaven blasted PortGibson 58-6 in a homecoming game on King Field as Semmie Smithrushed for 97 yards. Charles Wilson rushed for 51 yards and 2touchdowns, plus an 81-yard punt return for a TD. Rancifercompleted 5 of 9 passes for 112 yards and 2 TDs.