Six local schools will have home games Friday in Week 8 of high school football. The Brookhaven Panthers will welcome the Provine Rams to King Field for homecoming in Region 3-5A action.

In Region 7-4A action, McComb invades Monticello to battle Lawrence County in a huge division showdown.

In Region 7-3A action, Port Gibson visits Wesson at Stone Stadium, and Franklin County entertains Hazlehurst in Meadville.

In Region 7-2A action, Enterprise hosts Bassfield at Harry Cole Field, Loyd Star visits Prentiss to battle the Prentiss Bulldogs, and West Lincoln travels to Liberty to play the Amite County Trojans.

In Region 7-1A action, the Bogue Chitto Bobcats will have the week off to prepare for another tough region test Oct. 15.

In a MAIS contest, the Brookhaven Academy Cougars will entertain the Amite School Center Rebels at R.M. “Red” Stuard Field.

In other games of local interest, Copiah Academy invades University Academy, North Pike hosts Florence, Parklane Academy visits Jackson Prep and South Pike travels to Richland.

Brookhaven (0-6, 0-2), coached by Tommy Clopton, suffered a tough 48-14 loss last week when they battled a strong Wayne County War Eagles team in Waynesboro.

This week, the Panthers are celebrating homecoming as they welcome their new division adversary, the Provine Rams, to King Field.

The Rams (4-3, 1-1), coached by Otis Riddley, captured their first division win of the season last week as they blanked the Wingfield Falcons 35-0.

Senior running back Demarque Brown powered the Rams’ rushing attack last week with 165 yards on 12 carries. Deangelo Shelton completed 5-of-9 passes for 78 yards. Dvondre Morgan was the top receiver with two catches for 34 yards.

Defensively, Brian Collins paced the Rams with five tackles. Craig Harpeand Clarence Thomas contributed four tackles apiece.

BHS’ top performer last week against Wayne County was senior running back Thomas Poole with 24 rushes for 121 yards and a touchdown. Sevante Quinn led BHS’ passing attack completing 6-of-13 passes for 41 yards. Kentravis Tanner was the top receiver with two catches for 22 yards.

Defensively, Kenneth Bellamy and Jordan Blackwell led Brookhaven with an interception each. Willie Bates recovered a fumble. Dedric Smith and Jeffrey Johnson both caused a fumble.

The last time these two teams met on the gridiron was 1986. Provine leads the series 13-9 over Ole Brook.

My prediction:  The Panthers will dip into their bag of tricks to claim a 33-27 victory.