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The Panthers (5-4, 3-3) want to take care of business before entering the Class 5A state playoffs next Friday. They are riding a 2-game victory streak after beating archrival McComb 28-12 last Friday on rain-soaked King Field.
"We want to stay on our winning streak," said Peavey. His No. 4-seeded team out of Region 3-5A will face the winner of tomorrow night's Moss Point-Gautier game on the road next Friday.
Forest Hill (4-6, 1-5) won its first 3 games of the season before losing 23-14 to Jackson Callaway. The Patriots rebounded to beat Pearl River Central 30-6 before losing 5 straight, including last week's home- field, 37-6 loss to region foe Stone County.
Forest Hill quarterback Isiah James has come back after missing several games. James (5-11, 175, jr.) can run and throw the football.
"They (Patriots) do a good job throwing the ball and catching it," said Peavey. Wide receiver Zachary Pendleton (6-3, 175, sr.), wearing jersey No. 2, is their primary receiver. "They have several guys who can catch it."
The Patriots are under the direction of Jackson State graduate Mario Lane who is in his fifth year at the helm. Defensively, they are led by inside linebacker Patrick Black, 6-1, 210, sr.) who has been selected to play in the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Classic.
Lane had hopes of his team improving on last year's 7-4 worksheet but new residence in powerful Region 3-5A took its toll on the Patriots. Panthers Honored
Peavey said he and his staff would continue honoring the entire team as Players of the Week since beating Stone County 43-40 in triple overtime two Fridays ago.
Against McComb, senior running back Semmie Smith rushed 24 times for 188 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Panthers overcame a 12-0, second-quarter deficit. Quarterback Duwone Harris rushed for 38 yards and passed for 61, including a 27-yard TD toss to Travorius Showers.
Dewey Stailey kicked 4 extra points and punted once for a 44-yard average.
On defense, Shamonte Brooks led the Panthers with 7 solo tackles and 1 assist. Safety Jeff Newton had 7 tackles, including 2 for a loss, plus 1 fumble recovery. Joseph Owens and Cordai Henderson each had 6 tackles. Jacoby Cooper collected 5 tackles and a fourth-quarter interception.
Panther Paws: Last year at Forest Hill, the Panthers knocked off the Rebels (now Patriots) 31-21 as outside linebacker Chavon Middleton made 9 solo tackles and 6 assists. Devonte Stewart intercepted 2 passes. Renaldo Epps returned an interception for a TD.
On offense, Semmie Smith rushed for 170 yards and 3 touchdowns.
