Brookhaven (1-7, 1-3), coached by Tommy Clopton, traveled to Laurel last week and was overpowered by the Golden Tornadoes 62-14 in Region 3-5A action.

This week, the Panthers are searching for another district win as they prepare to take on the West Jones Mustangs.

The Mustangs (2-6, 0-4), coached by Scott Pierson, are fighting through a tough rebuilding, injured-plaqued season as they are currently on a four-game losing streak. Last week, West Jones fell to the Provine Rams 10-3.

Junior running back John Oliver directed the Mustangs’ offense last Friday with 15 rushes for 77 yards. Sophomore quarterback Peyton Brown completed 3-of-11 passes for 39 yards. Micah Martin was the top receiver with one catch for 27 yards.

Larry Keys powered the Mustangs’ defense with 13 tackles. Justin Haynes was the second leading tackler with nine stops. Tyone Clemons, Brandon Young, DeAdius Page, LaMarcus Keyes and Maurice Marshall provided seven tackles each.

BHS’ top performer last week against Laurel was senior running back Thomas Poole. He finished with 18 rushes for 78 yards. Kenneth Dixon helped with nine carries for 44 yards. Duke Leggett had 10 rushes for 46 yards.

Defensively, Wesley Calcote directed the Panthers with 11 tackles. Jordan Blackwell contributed five tackles. Jemaurian Jones, Tyriq Reese and Dedric Smith had four tackles each. Kenneth Bellamy finished with three tackles.

Last year, West Jones knocked off Brookhaven 34-26

My prediction: Brookhaven edges West Jones 27-24.