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Obviously, Peavey and his staff have been impressed by Moss Point on film. "Moss Point is a very good team. They are fast everywhere. Their offensive linemen are good-size guys."
Peavey said Moss Point quarterback Joseph Kirkland (6-1, 161, soph.) "is a good athlete. He can run and throw."
The main mover in Moss Point's attack is shifty tailback Byron James (5-9, 150, jr.). James wears jersey No. 42. He rushed for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win over Gautier.
"Their tailback (James) is really quick," said Peavey. "They are primarily a running team."
The Tigers are coached by Lewis Sims. There are 5 autographed state championship footballs in his fieldhouse office.
Recognized for their defense, the Tigers are led by 2 exceptional defensive ends. They are Keith Barkely (6-1, 215, sr.) and Gabe King (6-0, 220, sr.).
Peavey said, "Number 36 (Barkley) and No. 82 (King) are very athletic players. They are good enough to do whatever they want to on defense. They are as good a team as we've seen."
Region 3-5A is considered the SEC of Class 5A football. No. 1-ranked West Jones (10-0), No. 2 seed Picayune and No. 3 seed Wayne Country are among the best teams in the state.
Stopping the Moss Point rushing attack will be a major challenge for the Panther defense. Peavey predicted, "We must try to contain Moss Point's speed. If you let them run, you've got a big problem."
Peavey said senior defensive lineman Jawaun Merchant is doubtful for the game due to an ankle injury suffered 2 weeks ago in the rain-soaked, muddy McComb game, a playoff-clinching 28-12 victory. Starting Lineups
Brook's starting defensive line features Joseph Owens, Malcolm Stewart, Cordai Henderson, and Devis Cooper.
Austin Barnett and Jacoby Cooper start at inside linebacker. Shamonte Brooks and Jeff Newton are the outside linebackers.
Greg Sims and Isaiah Williams are at cornerback and Chris Seals is at free safety. Dewey Stailey will handle the punting and the placekicking Friday night.
Against Forest Hill, Newton led the Panthers with 7 tackles. Owens had 6 solo tackles and 2 assists, plus a quarterback sack. Henderson and Brooks followed with 5 solo stops and 1 sack apiece.
Starting on offense in the backfield for BHS are Duwone Harris at quarterback and Semmie Smith at running back. E.J. Henderson and Trent Powell are at wide receiver. Nick Peavey and Travorius Showers are at tight end. Ross Hill is at flanker.
In the offensive line, Derrick Henderson is at left tackle, Tameas Hooker at left guard, Mitch Case at center, Sam Ballard at right guard and Stone Underwood at right tackle.
Smith was Brook's leading rusher against Forest Hill with 18 carries for 129 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Panther Paws: Brookhaven hasn't played Moss Point on the gridiron since 1980 when Coach Les Bumgarner's Panthers lost their Sept. 5 season-opener 35-12 on King Field. In 1972, Coach Doug Sullivan's Panthers lost to Moss Point in the Turkey Bowl that was played at Ocean Springs.
