“We played pretty well in the first half.” said Brookhaven head coach Herbert Davis. “We were able to jump out to a big lead and get our younger guys so playing time and get our starters some rest at the same time. Both of those things are important for us at this point of the season.” Brookhaven forced a Columbia punt on the opening drive of the game, and the scoring onslaught began for the Cougars. Landon Nettles registered the first points of the game at the 7:15 mark of the first quarter on a six yard run, capping a 5-play, 86 yard drive. Tyler Trout added the extra point for a 7-0 Brookhaven lead.
(Above) Brookhaven quarterback Chandler Rogers (#12) picks up yardage on the ground
Nettles opened the scoring in the second quarter at the 10:50 mark as the Cougars marched 76 yards in 7 plays before Nettles’ one yard run. Trout added the extra point for a 21-0 Brookhaven lead.
Trout added a 38 yard field goal with 4:14 remaining in the half to push the Cougar lead to 24-0.
After Brookhaven’s defense forced Columbia into a quick three and out, Rogers hooked up with Keene on a 62 yard bomb with 1:13 remaining in the half. Trout added the extra point for a 31-0 Brookhaven lead.
(Above) Brookhaven freshman tailback Landon Nettles (#30) rushed for 63 yards and 2 tds
Sophomore Gage Posey took over for Rogers in the second half, and on the opening possession marched the Cougars 69 yards in seven plays before scoring on a one yard run. Trout added the extra point for a 38-0 Brookhaven lead.
Columbia got its first score of the night at the 2:37 mark of the third quarter as Josh Broom scored on a 15 yard run. Logan Cook added the extra point for a 38-7 Brookhaven lead.
Brookhaven responded on its next drive as the Cougars went 67 yards in 15 plays before C.J. Duckworth scored on a one yard run with 7:36 remaining in the game. Trout added the extra point for a 45-7 Brookhaven lead.
Columbia added two scores in the final minutes to cut in to the Brookhaven lead. Broom scored on a 63 yard run with 6:32 remaining and Robert Ward added a 60 yard run with 3:22 remaining, ending the scoring at 45-21.
Chandler Rogers led the Brookhaven offense, completing 12 of his 19 pass attempts for 240 yards and two touchdowns in two quarters of play. He was intercepted once. Posey took over in the second half and 6 of his 12 pass attempts for 90 yards. He also picked up 85 yards on 8 carries and a touchdown. Landon Nettles had 9 carries for 63 yards and two touchdowns. Bubba Keene was the leading receiver with 6 receptions for 130 yards and two scores. Sidney Chaffin caught 4 passes for 117 yards.
Broom led Columbia, picking up 140 yards on 15 carries with two touchdowns. Ward followed with 105 yards on 12 carries with a touchdown.
On defense, C.J. Duckworth led Brookhaven with 12 tackles. Hunter Franklin and Bailey Hodge each registered 11 stops. Alan Michael Allred made ten stops. Gage Posey had two interceptions. Brookhaven concludes the regular season Friday night on the road against Bowling Green. Kick off in Franklinton, La is set for 7 p.m.
