Former Brookhaven and Wesson football stars played in their season openers in week one of the 2017 college football season.

Mississippi State sophomores Leo Lewis and Farrod Green both got the start for the Bulldogs in their 49-0 win over Charleston Southern Saturday in Starkville. Former Brookhaven Panther and Alcorn State senior wide receiver Norlando Veals made a big impact for the Braves in their 50-21 win over Miles College Saturday afternoon.

Even with being a centerpiece of the NCAA investigation into Ole Miss, Lewis got the start at middle linebacker for Mississippi State Saturday and is expected to be one of the main leaders on defense for the Bulldogs. Lewis underperformed Saturday with only one tackle in the game, but the team didn’t need a heroic effort from Lewis to put away Buccaneers early.

Green played well for the Bulldogs as the sophomore led the team with 68 receiving yards on the game with only two catches. The former Wesson Cobra is expected to play a bigger role this season with the Bulldog offense as the starting tight end.

Mississippi State is on the road this week at Louisiana Tech Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

Veals returns to Alcorn State with big expectations after leading the Braves in receiving yards and receptions in 2016.

The senior made a big impact in his first game of his senior year Saturday afternoon against Miles College. Veals reeled in six catches for 81 yards in the victory. His longest reception of the game went for 25 yards.

Veals is expected to make an even bigger impact for Alcorn State this season as the top receiver on the depth chart for the 2017 season.

Veals and Alcorn State are on the road at Florida International Saturday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.