Brookhaven Academy (0-5), under the direction of second-year coach Blake Purvis, faced the ACCS’ high-powered offense and defense last week in Natchez falling to the undefeated Rebels 45-0.

This week, the Cougars celebrate homecoming as they welcome the Columbia Cougars to R.M. “Red” Stuard Field.

Columbia (3-2), coached by Larry Dolan, picked up a big 55-26 win last week over the Sylva Bay Academy Saints in Bay Springs.

Defensively, sophomore Hayden Fornea directed the Columbia-based Cougars with 10 tackles. Logan Bullock contributed nine tackles.

BA’s top offensive performer last week against ACCS was junior running back Grayson Devito with 41 yards on 11 carries. Junior quarterback Madison Smith accounted for 75 passing yards and two interceptions.

Carter Culbertson was the top receiver for BA with three receptions for 22 yards. Ross Felder and Zach Carr combined for four receptions and 53 yards.

Defensively, Connor Griffin led the Cougars with 7.5 tackles, including two tackles for loss. Roger Rushing and Culbertson combined for 8.5 tackles and one tackle for loss by Rushing.

My prediction: Columbia Academy’s size and depth will overpower BA 42-14.