The Ole Brook Panther Pride enter into Friday Night’s Homecoming contest with heavy hearts as friends and families gathered to King Field to show their support and to help cheer on their young players.

But instead, the Panthers came out motivated and pumped as they honored their fallen teammates in their own way by thumping the South Jones Braves 44-7 in Region 3-5A action on King Field.

“This was a emotional and life changing week for us,” said BHS coach Tommy Clopton. “Our guys did a great coming together and overcame their emotions to capture this win to honor their teammates.

“Overall, we did a great job and our guys represented Ole Brook,” continued Clopton. “This was a great victory for our community and I hope this will help us in our healing process.”

Prior to the opening kickoff, the senior gridiron Panthers walked on the field holding their falling teammates jersey #4 (Shaquan Richardson) and #54 (Jevonta Dickey) as they walk to midfield to received the coin toss. South Jones won the toss and gave Brookhaven the opening possession.

In the opening quarter, Ole Brook came out on fire offensively and defensively as they quickly set the tone on the contest and never looked back. Senior running back Tre McDaniel united the charge for Brookhaven’s offense with a 49-yard touchdown run with 9:04 remaining. Tyler Mixon finished the night kicking five-of-six extra point attempts.

Junior safety Dedric Smith helped powered the Panthers’ defensive attack by intercepting a pass and returning it back 79 yards to paydirt with 6:30 left in the first quarter.

Ole Brook’s offense and defense continued to overwhelm South Jones throughout the rest of the quarter as the Braves tried to slowdown the momentum, but the Panthers would not let up as McDaniel cashed in his second touchdown on a seven-yard run with 3:28 left. After one quarter of action, Brookhaven held a commanding 21-0 lead over South Jones.

In the second quarter, Brookhaven continued their offensive and defensive onslaught as they held the Braves scoreless in the first half, while adding three more touchdowns and a field goal to increase their lead 44-0 at halftime.

McDaniel punched in his final touchdown of the evening in the second quarter on a 21-yard run with 10:54 remaining.

Sophomore running back Thomas Poole managed to get into the scoring action for Ole Brook as he cashed in a 48-yard rushing touchdown with 7:03 left.

The Panthers aerial attack also got into the scoring spree as quarterback Jon Mark Mathis connected with Darrian Wilson for a 35-yard touchdown with 4:57 left.

Brookhaven’s special teams conclude the scoring explosion in the first half with a 33-yard field goal by Tyler Mixon with 51 second remaining.

During the halftime, the South Jones and Brookhaven bands entertained the Ole Brook fans with a great performance from both schools.

To start off the second half, both coaches agreed to run the clock due to the mercy rule. Brookhaven’s defense continued to rule the field as they held the Braves scoreless in the third quarter.

Ole Brook’s offense played smart ball throughout the rest of the third and fourth quarters to give their younger talent some playing time.

South Jones did not managed to break up Brookhaven’s bid of a shutout late in the fourth quarter when Shane Barnes scramble in a 11-yard run with 7:06 remaining. Mary Kate Smith was successful on the extra point kick.

Offensively, the Panthers rack up 377 total yard. McDaniel lead the pace on the ground with 12 rushes for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Thomas Poole contributed three carries for 55 yards and a touchdown.

Mathis completed 4-of-8 pass for 54 yards and a interception. Darrian Wilson completed a pass for 12 yards. He was also the top receiver with one catch for 35 yards and a touchdown

Defensively, Darius O’Quinn led the team with six tackles. Willie Bates had five tackles and a interception. Dedric Smith had a fumble recovery and a interception. Ben Robinson intercepted a pass and caused a fumble.

The Panthers (4-4, 1-3) will resume action next Friday as they prepare to host the Natchez Bulldogs for a huge division test on King Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.