Brookhaven Academy (0-8, 0-3),  under the direction of second-year coach Blake Purvis, suffered a bitter 14-7 loss Friday to the Amite School Center Rebels at home.

This week, BA is home for the second straight week as it takes on the Simpson Academy Cougars.

JT Cline

Madison Smith

The Cougars of Mendenhall (7-1, 1-1), coached by Winston Mullins, defeated the Columbia Academy Cougars 54-27 in district action last week.

BA’s top offensive performer last week against ASC was junior quarterback Madison Smith. He was 21-of-35 passing for 184 yards and added 73 yards rushing on 22 carries to finish with 257 total yards.

Smith hooked up with senior wideout Ross Felder on an eight-yard touchdown strike in the opening quarter. Sophomore receiver Price King and junior receiver Fisher Warren gathered 13 passes from Smith totaling 107 yards.

Defensively, the Cougars allowed only 83 yards passing as senior defensive lineman Roger Rushing had 10 tackles, a sack and fumble recovery to lead the way.

Carter Culbertson and J.T. Cline combined for 15 tackles with two tackles for loss apiece. Culbertson added two QB hurries as he stayed in the face of Rebels’ quarterback.

Connor Griffin and Fisher Warren contributed seven tackles apiece. Griffin also had a tackle for a loss.

Last year, Brookhaven Academy escaped Mendenhall with a 27-0 victory over Simpson Academy.

My prediction: Simpson will overpower BA with a 42-7 win.