All photos courtesy of John Young

Maroon Tide Takes 13-10 Win Over Brookhaven 

by Carey Meitzler

Picayune won their first round playoff game 13-10 over Brookhaven and it wasn't by chance.   But then again, one could argue that is

was "by Chance".  Chance Griffith that is.

Junior safety Chance Griffith's 20 yard interception for a touchdown in the first quarter sparked the Maroon Tide after an uneasy start.

In fact, before Griffith's pick, Brookhaven appeared to have Picayune back on their heels.

All photos courtesy of John Young

Chance Griffith (22) crosses the goal line with his interception as Erich Bochman (33) points the way.

Brookhaven's junior running back Charles Wilson busted loose on a 61 yard run on the opening play of the game for the

Panthers setting up his team at the Maroon Tide 7.  But the Tide stiffened and Brookhave had to settled for a 20 yard

field goal from Will Thibodeaux with 9:36 left in the first quarter.

Picayune threw an interception on their first offensive possession of the game only to see Brookhaven cough up the

football at the Tide 49 on the very next play.

Courtney McDougle (12) takes off on a 20 yard run.   Erveng Gonzalez (4) boots a 37 yard field goal.

Picayune couldn't move the football and punted it to Brookhaven.  On third and 2 at his own 21, Bobo Rancifer tried

to get the ball to his receiver in the right flat, but Griffith timed the pass perfectly and stepped into the passing lane

returning the ball 20 yards for a touchdown.  Erveng Gonzalez's point after made it 7-3 with 2:45 left in the quarter.

Gonzalez would boot a 37 yard field goal with :10 to play before halftime to push the lead to 10-3.

Early in the third quarter, Brookhaven took advantage of a Tide special teams mistake and Rancifer would later score

on a 10 yard run.  Thibodeaux's extra point tied the game at 10-10 with 8:35 showing on the clock.

With 10:54 left in the game, Picayune started from their own 21 yard line and ran 15 plays moving the ball to the

Panther one, but had to settle for a Gonzalez 24 yard field goal with 2:20 to play in the game. 

The Tide defense, which had allowed on 2 first downs the entire second half, sacked Rancifer twice on the next

series to preserve the victory.

All photos courtesy of John Young

Justin Berry (35) was the workhorse for the Maroon Tide in their 13-10 win over Brookhaven.

Justin Berry lead the Tide with 146 yards on 23 carries. Wilson finished with 14 rushes for 127 yards.

Picayune will travel to Wayne County next Friday in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs.