Brookhaven Academy Cougars head coach Ron Rushing installed a pass-happy offense and the Cougars showed it early Friday night at Prentiss Christian, but the Saints clock-bleeding run game and points off of turnovers kept the Cougars grounded in a 43-0 loss.

Senior quarterback Madison Smith distributed the ball to several receivers in the first quarter as the Cougars put three impressive offensive drives together. Smith found sophomore wideout Cade Brown and senior running back Christian Huffman for big gains on the opening drive. Brown finished with five catches for 62 yards on the night.

The Cougars and Saints both found points hard to come by in the first quarter until an errant snap on a punt attempt gave the Saints the ball near the red zone. Two plays later the Saints’ quarterback Blake Greenlee would punch it in from one yard out and the first quarter ended with the Cougars down 7-0.

The Cougars’ defense, led by senior linebackers Connor Griffin and Connor Smith, who combined for 17.5 tackles, held the Saints rushing attack in check early. Senior defensive back Fisher Warren had nine tackles, one for loss, and senior defensive lineman Kyle Cupit had 6.5 tackles.

The Saints took advantage of Cougars turnovers and quickly turned them into points while taking a 30-0 lead into the half. One interception was returned for a touchdown and late in the game a punt was blocked and returned for a touchdown.

The Cougars home opener is next week vs Central Hinds at 7 p.m. at Red Stuard Field.