Brookhaven whipped Adams 52-28 thanks to a powerful rushing performance that helped the Cougars pile up 317 yards on the ground and race to a 42-13 halftime lead. Brookhaven improved to 11-1 on the season and advances to meet playoff newcomer Cenla Christian in the second round. Adams Christian ends its season at 8-4.
(Above) Brookhaven quarterback Chandler Rogers (#12) gets up-ended by Daniel Guedon of Adams Christian
“We knew we had our hands full with Brookhaven with the kind of numbers they put up offensively.” said Hayles. “We made a couple of mistakes and didn’t convert on opportunities when we had them and before we knew it they had pulled away. But I’m proud of my kids. They got down early and still played hard the whole game. We hate to see our season end this way but Brookhaven is a really good team.”
Adams appeared to grab momentum early in the game after a successful onside kick attempt to start the game gave the Rebels the ball at the Brookhaven 48 yard line. But Brookhaven’s defense did its job and force the Rebels into a punting situation. Rebels punter Rusty Blackwell saw the snap sail over his head, giving the Cougars the ball at the Rebels 37 yard line. It took just one snap for Brookhaven to find the end zone as quarterback Chandler Rogers connected with Bubba Keene on a 37 yard strike at the 7:41 mark of the first quarter. Tyler Trout added the extra point for a 7-0 Brookhaven lead.
Brookhaven reached the end zone again at the 4:15 mark of the first quarter, capping a seven play, 56 yard drive that ended with Landon Nettles scoring on a 14 yard run. Trout added the extra point for a 14-0 Brookhaven lead.
Adams put its first points on the board on the ensuing drive moving 68 yards in 7 plays before Brandon Sanders scored on a 30 yard run with 1:05 remaining in the first quarter. Johnny Smith added the extra point, cutting the Brookhaven lead to 14-7.
Brookhaven responded at the 7:43 remaining in the first half as Rogers scored on a 9 yard run. Trout added the extra point, pushing the Brookhaven lead to 21-7.
Adams responded quickly as Kent Yates connected with Daniel Guedon from 27 yards out with 6:13 left in the first half. C.J. Duckworth blocked the extra point attempt, allowing Brookhaven to have a 21-13 lead.
The Brookhaven offense exploded in the final five minutes of the first half as the Cougars were able to put three scores on the scoreboard before the break. Rogers connected with Jennings Mills from 8 yards out at the 4:48 mark, pushing the Brookhaven lead to 28-13 after Trout’s extra point. Nettles added a 15 yard run at the 2:13 mark and Rogers connected with Keene from 26 yards out with 1:31 remaining in the half, giving Brookhaven a 42-13 lead at the break. 
(Above) Brandon Sanders (#33) of ACCS is halted by Alan Michael Allred (#60) and Mark Rushing (#6) of Brookhaven
Nettles opened the scoring of the second half at the 6:06 mark of the third quarter on a 12 yard run, capping a 10 play, 59 yard drive. Trout added the extra point for a 49-13 Brookhaven lead.
Tyler Trout added a 25 yard field goal with 9:19 left in the game to push the Brookhaven lead to 52-13.
Adams got a three yard run from Zack Day with 6:05 remaining and added a 28 yard run from Tyler Buckles with 2:33 left to end the scoring at 52-28.
“We had a solid performance tonight.” said Brookhaven head coach Herbert Davis. “Our offensive and defensive lines dominated the line of scrimmage, and except for two deep balls and two turnovers we played pretty well. We were able to put it out of reach early and get the younger guys in and get our starters some rest. Now we just have to get ready for another challenge next week.
Nettles led the Brookhaven offense, picking up 144 yards on 16 carries with three touchdowns. Rogers completed 9 of his 15 pass attempts for 141 yards and two touchdowns. He added 60 yards on 9 carries with another touchdown on the ground. Bubba Keene was the leading receiver, hauling in 4 passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns.
Kent Yates led Adams offensively, completing 4 of his 18 pass attempts for 74 yards with a touchdown. On the ground he added 46 yards on 8 carries. Brandon Sanders added 44 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown.
On defense, Alan Michael Allred led Brookhaven with 11 tackles and a fumble recovery. Bailey Hodge added 9 stops in support. C.J. Duckworth, Jeff Rushing, and Hayden Hux each added 7 tackles in support.
Brookhaven hosts Cenla Christian of Pineville, La. Friday night in the second round of the MAIS AA state playoffs. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Photos Courtesy of Sherylyn Evans
