Wayne County’s powerful War Eagles invade King Field Fridaynight to meet Brookhaven in their second Region 3-5A test of theseason. Kickoff is 7 p.m., 30 minutes earlier than the games thatwere played in August and September.

Coached by Marcus Boyles, the War Eagles are off to a 4-1 startthis season and ranked No. 3 in the latest Associated Press Class5A poll. West Jones is No. 1 and Picayune is No. 2.

Often mentioned in the same breath with Class 6A superpower SouthPanola, the War Eagles have won a number of state championshipsover the years. They lost an epic, 27-21 overtime battle to BHS inthe 2004 South semifinals when the Panthers captured the Class 4Astate title.

“They are the same kind of Wayne County team we have seen the lastcouple of years,” noted Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey. “Theyare very athletic at quarterback and their running back isstrong.”

Peavey pointed to the skills of quarterback Jaleel Lacey (6-1, 170,jr.) and running back Dewayne Davis (5-7, 172, sr.).

Davis has rushed for 424 yards this season. Lacey has completed 19of 35 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns. Jarvis Chambers(5-11, 166, so.) backs up Lacey and his thrown for 219 yards andtwo TDs.

There are 90 players on WC’s varsity roster. Peavey said theoffense hasn’t changed much. “They run the same style, spread andshotgun, they have run the last couple of years.

“They have a lot of depth and roll a lot of people in thegame.”

On defense, Peavey said the Eagles are fast. “Their front peopleare real quick and their linebackers are fast. They can move aroundand put a lot of pressure on you.”

Among the defensive leaders are linebackers LaDarien Sims (5-11,186, jr.) and Nate Cran (5-11, 190, sr.) Sims has 36 tackles to hiscredit and Cran has 35.

The Eagles crushed Stone County 42-14 last Friday while Brookhavenwas losing 31-zip at West Jones. Meridian beat the Eagles 26-6 inthe second game of the season.

Panthers Limping

While the Eagles appear healthy, Peavey and his staff have beencoping with a series of injuries to key players. Tight end NickPeavey went down with a knee injury in the Aug. 27 season opener atFranklin County and quarterback Duwone Harris separated his rightshoulder in the second game against Clinton.

Devonte Stewart moved from the defensive secondary to quarterbackto replace Harris. In last week’s game Stewart also separated hisright shoulder. Sophomore Zach Smith replaced Stewart and playedthe second half.

“We are limping at quarterback,” Peavey admitted. Harris saw someaction at running back against West Jones. Another casualty wastight end Phillip Hamilton. Wide receiver E.J. Henderson (pulledmuscle) is listed as doubtful. Henderson also playscornerback.

In the loss to West Jones, Travorius Showers was Brook’s leadingrusher with 15 carries for 45 yards. Turnovers led to three Mustangtouchdowns.

On defense, the Panthers were led by end Jawaun Merchant with seventackles and four quarterback hurries. Linebacker Jacoby Cooper hadsix tackles and two sacks. Jabari Poole had 5 tackles and asack.