Brookhaven (0-5, 0-1), coached by Tommy Clopton, let another potential win slip through their fingers last week as South Jones escaped King Field with a 24-17 victory.

This week, the Panthers are preparing for a long bus trip as they travel to Wayne County to take on the War Eagles.

The War Eagles (3-2, 1-0), coached by Todd Mangum, clobbered the Wingfield Falcons 60-33 to clinch their first Region 3-5A victory last week.

Freddy Jordan directed the War Eagles’ offense completing 10-of-17 passes for 206 yards. He also rushed for 79 yards on 12 carries. Chris Cooley was the second leading rusher with 67 yards on nine carries. Ramiek Wallace led all receivers with five catches for 108 yards.

Denzell Bonner paced Wayne County’s defense with seven tackles. Malik Jordan contributed six tackles and Deon Smith had five tackles.

BHS’ top performer last week against South Jones was senior running back Thomas Poole with 21 rushes for 156 yards and a touchdown. Freshman quarterback Sevante Quinn completed 7-of-14 passes for 69 yards and rushed for 82 yards on 13 carries and scored one touchdown for Brookhaven.

Zarian Harper was the top receiver for Brookhaven with three catches for 27 yards. Tyriq Reese caught two passes for 20 yards.

Defensively, Jeffrey Johnson led the Panthers with seven tackles. Stephen Springfield and Dedric Smith contributed five tackles each.

Last year, Wayne County soared past Brookhaven 43-7.

My prediction:  Wayne County wins 35-24.