Brookhaven encounters a familiar playoff opponent Friday nightwhen they visit the West Jones Mustangs. Kickoff for the Class 4Astate playoff game is 7 p.m.

The Panthers lost 30-7 to West Jones in the opening round of thestate playoffs when BHS was seeded No. 1 out of Region 6-4A and theMustangs were No. 4 out of Region 5-4A. This year, the Panthers(7-2) were seeded second and the Mustangs (8-3) were again seededfourth. West Jones upset Region 7 top seed Gautier 20-14 lastFriday, setting up a rematch with the Panthers.

Ole Brook coach Tucker Peavey said the Mustangs haven’t changedmuch. “To me they look like the same West Jones team we have seenbefore. They are physical and they have good speed. They are notreal fancy. They play good sound football and they hustle.”

The Mustangs have a new quarterback in sophomore Ben Stevens(5-11, 160). Their top running back is Roderick McCullum (6-1, 185,sr.).

McCullum, slowed by an ankle injury much of the season, rushed27 times for 150 yards against Gautier.

“Offensively, they are similar scheme wise,” said Peavey. “Wewill have to play good to beat them. You can’t play poorly againsta good team and expect to win.”

Peavey’s Panthers are fresh from an impressive 42-27 victoryover St. Stanislaus. Brook’s players of the week went to offense,defense and special teams.

Offensively, the Panthers were led by junior running back SemmieSmith who rushed for 227 yards and 3 touchdowns, earning him TheDAILY LEADER’s Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Senior quarterback Bud Britt completed 7 of 13 passes for 142yards and 2 touchdowns. Wide receiver E.J. Henderson had 2 catchesfor 82 yards, including a 70-yard TD. Tight end Nick Peavey caught3 passes for 43 yards, including a TD.

Senior placekicker Chris Lowman was 6-for-6 on PAT kicks

Brookhaven’s offensive line includes are Derrick Henderson andMartin Jones at tackle, Mitch Case at center, Tameas Hooker andJonathan Buie at guard and Peavey at tight end.

On defense, the Panthers intercepted St. Stan quarterback DylanFavre twice. Isaac Jones and Chris Seals intercepted passes.

Senior linebacker Chavon Middleton topped the tackle charts with11 tackles and a blocked extra point. Jones had 5 tackles andJoseph Owens 4.

Pierson Eyes Panthers

West Jones coach Scott Pierson and Peavey are members of theMississippi All-Star coaching staff that will lead the team againstAlabama Dec. 13, in Mobile, Ala.

“Tucker is a good guy and a good football coach,” said Pierson.Like Peavey, he is in his seventh year at the helm. His Mustangsreached the third round of the playoffs last year.

Asked about his impressions of Brookhaven on film, Pierson said,”It’s like looking at yourself in the mirror. Offensively, they arefundamentally sound and a well-coached football team. They areplaying well on defense.”

Pierson said his team played well and “got some breaks” in lastFriday’s win at Gautier.

West Jones has a fast and aggressive defensive unit. Freshmanlinebacker Artis Thigpen (5-11, 195) is the Mustangs’ leadingtackler. Senior defensive end Brian Wells (6-1, 220) is anotherleader.

Panther Paws: In last year’s game on King Field, West Jonestrampled BHS. Senior quarterback Chase Headrick passed for 182yards and 2 touchdowns. Dexter Brown rushed for 144 yards and 1TD.

In 2004, the Panthers defeated West Jones in the South Statechampionship game en route to winning the state title.