The Statesboro Blue Devils were handed their first loss of the season in last week’s region opener to No. 4 ranked Benedictine as they fell 42-21 Friday at Womack Field.
Despite the loss, Blue Devil head coach Matt Dobson found a few positives from the game, including putting up over 400 yards of offense and 270 yards passing against the Cadets.
“I thought we played well overall in the first half and at times in the second half,” Dobson said. “We played pretty good on offense but gave up way too many explosive plays on defense. Offensively we moved the ball well but did have a crucial fumble on the one-yard line. We also had a touchdown taken off the board with a penalty. To have 400 yards of offense against a good team like Benedictine is encouraging but we have to clean some things up this week.”
In a grueling back-to-back, Statesboro must now prepare for a Ware County team who come in 2-2. The Gatord are another program used to battling for state championships having won a state title just four years ago.
“This is another championship quality opponent who is used to going deep into the playoffs,” Dobson said. “They won a state title a few years ago so you know they are going to be well-coached and not make dumb mistakes. They make you go out and beat them as they won’t beat themselves.”
The Gators come in with a balanced attack led by quarterback Demitris Isaiah White who has thrown for over 500 yards and five touchdowns and running back De’Shavius Gibson who has 268 yards rushing and leading receiver Letarrian Hayes with 280 yards and three touchdowns.
“They have a good quarterback and some really talented receivers,” Dobson said,” Their skill guys in general are really talented. Their special teams are as good as anyone we will see all year. Their kicker and punter are really good and they have a knack for blocking punts and kicks. On defense they are really physical in the box with solid linebackers who can run and tough defensive linemen. They are going to make you earn everything you get.”
Statesboro and Ware County are set for a 7:30 start and Womack Field
