The Humphreys County Cowboys have a muddy memory of Brookhaven’sKing Field.

The Humphreys County Cowboys have a muddy memory of Brookhaven’sKing Field. Plagued by six turnovers, the Cowboys self-destructedand Brookhaven’s Panthers capitalized, posting a 28-6 Friday nightvictory over the previously unbeaten visitors from Belzoni.

It was the third straight win for the Panthers (3-1) who took aquick 21-0 lead over the Cowboys (4-1) in the first seven minutesof the game. Junior tailback Cornelius Allen squirmed and slippedthrough the Cowboys’ defense for 156 yards rushing and onetouchdown. Allen scored on a 27 yard run, leading the Panthers to a28-0 advantage midway through the second quarter.

“I love running in the mud,” said Allen. “It was a big advantagefor me. Our line blocked good.”

On a rain-soaked field, made muddier by a Thursday night juniorhigh game, Brookhaven players happily accepted the triumph. Seniorquarterback Fred Perkins was one of the muddiest players on thefield.

“Our offensive line blocked well in tough conditions,” saidPerkins. “It feels good to be on a roll going into our divisionschedule. I give God the glory.”

To start the game, Humphreys collected 3 first downs beforerunning back Chester White fumbled a pitchout. Brookhaven recoveredat its 42.

Allen carried two straight times for 30 yards. That set up atackle-breaking 28-yard gallop by Josh Anderson for the touchdown.The Panthers led 6-0 and 9:06 left in the first quarter.

On the next series, Cowboy quarterback Alexis Scrivens slippedand fumbled at his 2-yard line. Defensive end Don Expose recoveredfor Brookhaven and Perkins scored on a first down sneak. TremellMcArthur scored the 2-point conversion out of the Huddle Play andBrookhaven led 14-0.

The Panthers partially blocked a Cowboy punt on the next seriesand took over at the Humphreys 28. Allen raced 27 yards for the TD,Ben Giust kicked the extra point and it was 21-zip with 5:02 leftin the first quarter.

Humphreys County coach Derrick Hooker was disappointed by histeam’s performance. “We self-destructed the first quarter. We hadtoo many fumbles and penalties.

“Brookhaven has a well-coached team,” said Hooker. “They’re agood ballclub and they got the job done.”

The next Cowboy fumble, this one at the Brookhaven 27-yard line,was recovered by Emanuel Perkins. It launched a 73-yard drive whichrequired 14 plays to reach the end zone. Fred Perkins appeared tobe trapped behind the line of scrimmaged but he escaped the Cowboysand scored from 2 yards out.

Giust’s PAT put the Panthers up 28-zip and 7:57 left in thefirst half.

The Cowboys finally got their offense in gear. They marched 80yards for a TD, aided by 2 major penalties against the Panthers forroughing the kicker and roughing the quarterback.

Cowboy quarterback Alexis Scrivens passed 12 yards to RobertJefferson for the TD. It was 28-6 with 1:34 left in the firsthalf.

Brookhaven coach Greg Wall said the Cowboys’ fumbles were a keyto Brookhaven’s fast start. “They had a few turnovers and we got28. Then we got satisfied. It’s a good thing our defense hung inthere and played tough.”

The Panthers got an interception from Zachary Jones to halt aCowboy drive. On their first possession of the second half, theCowboys realized a first down at Brookhaven’s 2-yard line but theywere denied.

On first down, cornerback Thomas Barlow stunted and tackledCowboy runner James Field behind the line of scrimmage, causing afumble which was recovered by Perry Brumfield.

Barlow recalled the play. “Coach sent me in and told me to hithim (Field) hard and low. Our defense got out there and played hardtonight.”

Defensively, Barlow led the Panthers with 11 tackles,including 67 solo stops. Linebacker Ron Mackabee had 8 tackles, afumble recovery and a quarterback sack.