Who’s the quarterback?

Entering Brookhaven’s spring football practice, the most popularquestion was who would replace 3-year starter and all-statequarterback Charles (Bobo) Rancifer. The answer is senior-to-be BudBritt, a 2-year backup to Rancifer.

According to Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey, over 90 playersparticipated in spring drills. Due to injuries and late arrivalsfrom the track and baseball teams, Peavey elected to withdraw froma jamboree at North Forrest. Practice concluded Wednesday on KingField.

“Bud Britt has done very well this spring, despite his latearrival from the baseball team,” said Peavey. “He’s been around andhe knows the system.”

Britt, a standout pitcher/shortstop for the Panthers, was a latearrival for spring drills. He played wide receiver and backed upRancifer for 2 years. He is recognized for his strong passingarm.

Backing Britt is rising sophomore Duwone Harris. Rising freshmenRoss Hill and Greg Sims are also seeing action.

At running back, rising junior Semmie Smith returns 1,400-yardrushing credentials. Also back is veteran Clayton Wilson. IsiahWhite will split time at running back and receiver.

At wide receiver, all-stater Simmie Yarborough, a SoutheasternLouisiana signee, must be replaced. He and Rancifer played in lastDecember’s Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Classic.

Harris and White, along with E.J. Henderson, Brice Huckaby,Trent Powell, Patrick Valentine, Devonte Stewart and Joel Patrickare candidates at wide receiver.

At tight end/fullback, Cecil Lyons and Nick Peavey are theleaders.

In the offensive line, all-star center Darrion Smith hasgraduated. He and Rancifer signed with Co-Lin.

Veterans Cortez Lyons returns at right tackle and DerrekHenderson and left tackle. Sam Ballard is a newcomer at center,along with Mitch Case.

At guard, Johnathan Buie is a returning starter. There arenewcomers in Tameas Hooker, Martin Jones, James Michael Patti andNick Thomas.

“Our main concern is getting the offensive line together,”Peavey pointed out. “We must be consistent.

“We have a talented group of wide receivers.”

The Panthers have been working on field goals and extra points.Veteran Chris Lowman and Dewey Staley are the candidates.

Zach Halliwell has been working as a punter.

On defense, Peavey must replace veterandefensive coordinator Rod Henderson and secondary coach PatrickHardy who have accepted positions in administration.

In the line, veteran ends are Latarius Williams and JosephOwens. Demarcus Grace and Kapatrick Mitchell have shownpromise.

At tackle, Cordai Henderson is a returning starter. AnthonyHarris, Jewaun Merchant and Anthony Williams are working attackle.

At inside linebacker, Jarvis Wilbert, Sasha Varnado and JacobyCooper are the leaders. At outside linebacker is veteran ChavonMiddleton. Kendrell Brown, Renaldo Epps and A.J. McKey have shownimprovement.

At cornerback, Victor Bailey and Keyondray Powell havegraduated. Isaiah Williams, Elliott McKee, Devonte Stewart andMelvin Kelly are the top candidates.

At free safety, Jewaun Washington must be replaced. JefferyNewton and Chris Seals are the prime prospects.

“We have a lot of new faces on defense,” said Peavey. “

Our defense needs to get a lot of snaps under their belts. Wehave had as many as 100 out (for practice) but there are a lot ofother activities in the spring.”

The Panthers, defending Division 6-4A champions, posted an 8-2record last season. They begin their vigorous offseason running andweightlifting program June 2, at 6 a.m. They kick off the 2008campaign Aug. 29, hosting North Pike.

Panther Paws: Peavey said renewal notices forchairback seating in the King Field home side stands have beenmailed out. They should be renewed as soon as possible.