Brookhaven’s baseball team is on the threshold of makingathletic history. The Panthers play for their first-ever statebaseball championship Saturday at Smith-Wills Stadium in Jackson.For sure, the Brookhaven Panthers (29-8) will bring a large groupof supporters with them to Jackson.

Expect the Panthers’ opponent, Pontotoc (33-5) to be supportedby a huge crowd, too. The Warriors are recognized across theMagnolia State for their baseball tradition, winning three statechampionships in Class 3A.

For sure, it has been a dream season for the Panthers. Many ofthese young men have been playing baseball together since they were5-year-olds in the Brookhaven Recreation Department’s T-BallLeague. This is their last game Saturday. For the eight seniors,graduation is Friday night on King Field.

Certainly, there is a roller-coaster of emotions entering thisshowdown. Pontotoc also has eight seniors so you can imagine thelarge amount of adrenalin that will be flowing Saturdayafternoon.

With their backs to the wall Monday night, the BHS Panthersplayed what could have been their best game of the season. Theybeat Pontotoc 11-0 and senior pitcher Scotty Smith tossed a4-hitter, striking out 9 batters. The Panthers were flawless ondefense which made the performance even more pleasing to head coachRandy Spring.

By contrast, last Thursday night had left a sour taste in themouths of the BHS players. They had led Pontotoc 5-1 in the thirdinning as the best-of-three series got under way.

Oops. The Panthers struggled with five errors and Pontotocrallied for a 6-5 triumph on Moyer Field. It was a disappointingloss and when last Saturday’s game at Pontotoc was rained out, itgave the Panthers more time to dwell on the situation.

Shazam!

The real BHS baseball team stepped off the bus at Pontotoc aftera 4-hour plus ride. Playing like they had something to prove, thePanthers made an impressive statement.

Two home runs and 17 hits later, they had a landslide victory inThe Hollow. Those bellowing Pontotoc fans seated on the hillsbehind the outfield fence had little to shout about and quietlydeparted, many before the game had concluded.

Pontotoc head coach Phil Webb said his Warriors could lick theirwounds and think about that setback. He promised they would beready for the Panthers on Saturday, in Game Three.

Pursuit of title scuttles cruise

The Panthers are focused on Saturday’s contest, too. There areplans to be sized for championship rings next week.

Designated hitter Josh Patrick, catcher Adam Ogden and reliefpitcher Matt Walker are the senior members of the BHS squad who hadbeen contemplating a week-long graduation cruise out of New OrleansSaturday. Ironically, the ship was scheduled to depart at 4 p.m.,same as game time.

It’s a sacrifice the players have accepted with maturity beyondtheir years. Patrick explained it best.

“I’d rather have a ring,” said Patrick. “We can ride a boat anyday. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Five years ago Patrick was one of those eager eighth graderslooking forward to playing varsity baseball at BHS. Yes, there weredreams of a state championship, even back then.

“All of us seniors have dreamed about this moment for fiveyears,” said Patrick. “It has all come down to one game, do ordie.”

Xavier Qualls, a speedy centerfielder, is a newcomer to the BHSsquad this year. His family moved here from Ohio.

Qualls smashed a solo homer Monday night in his first time atbat. That got the momentum rolling in Brookhaven’s favor. Hittingis contagious.

For Qualls, his adjustment to Brookhaven has gone well. “This isa great bunch of guys. I stepped out here and they opened theirarms to me. I felt like I had been here five years, like most ofthem.”

Qualls and Ogden have both signed scholarships withCopiah-Lincoln Community College. Star pitcher Scotty Smith isexpected to sign with the Wolves in the near future.

“We really know our team can play,” said Qualls. “We have beenworking hard since Day One.”

Ogden agreed. “This is a big game for us. We have worked hardand we’ve earned it.”

Smith said he’s confident the Panthers can beat Pontotoc again.”We got our revenge. Now we want to get back on top. We want to bethe state champions.”

So do Smith’s teammates and a lot more people in Brookhaven.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz at The DAILY LEADER, P.0.Box 551, Brookhaven, MS 39601 or e-mailsports@dailyleder.com