The Claxton Tigers have lost two straight, and things don't get any easier tonight when they welcome Savannah Country Day to the Pecan Grove. At 5-2, 3-0 in region play, the Hornets provide a daunting challenge for CHS.
"Along with Emanuel County Institute, they're probably the most complete team we play all season," said Claxton head coach Allen Cartwright. "They're very impressive."
Country Day has reeled off three straight wins to start region play, putting them atop the region with aforementioned ECI. The Hornets made it to the quarterfinals of last year's state playoffs.
As for Claxton, an 0-3-1 start turned quickly when the Tigers put together back-to-back wins against Calvary Day and Jenkins County to begin region play. Since then, the Tigers have fallen to fourth place in region 3-A. Part of the problem has been the Tigers' inability to play a full 48 minutes of football.
Against ECI on Oct. 13, the Tigers trailed 14-6 going into the half. They then allowed 34 points to fall 48 to 14. In last week's game at Portal, CHS trailed 24-0 at halftime, only to win the second half 8-6.
"We've played some excellant halves of football," said Cartwright. "But hopefully a lot of that has to do with the youth and inexperience of our team. I think sometimes people don't realize just how young we are."
Coming into the 2006 season, Cartwright was dealt just 13 upperclassmen on his roster of 36 athletes. Six of those players are seniors, 13 are freshman and two are out for the year with season-ending injuries.
Cartwright hopes his Tigers can play a full 60 minutes tonight to spring the upset.
"We have to eliminate the big play," he said. "We have to make them earn what they get. They play a great defense that swarms to the ball and their offense likes to get you out (one-on-one) in the flats. This game is big for the playoffs, but it's also a big game because it's the next one on our schedule."
Offensive lineman Mac Edwards will out of tonight's line-up with a finger injury.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
"Along with Emanuel County Institute, they're probably the most complete team we play all season," said Claxton head coach Allen Cartwright. "They're very impressive."
Country Day has reeled off three straight wins to start region play, putting them atop the region with aforementioned ECI. The Hornets made it to the quarterfinals of last year's state playoffs.
As for Claxton, an 0-3-1 start turned quickly when the Tigers put together back-to-back wins against Calvary Day and Jenkins County to begin region play. Since then, the Tigers have fallen to fourth place in region 3-A. Part of the problem has been the Tigers' inability to play a full 48 minutes of football.
Against ECI on Oct. 13, the Tigers trailed 14-6 going into the half. They then allowed 34 points to fall 48 to 14. In last week's game at Portal, CHS trailed 24-0 at halftime, only to win the second half 8-6.
"We've played some excellant halves of football," said Cartwright. "But hopefully a lot of that has to do with the youth and inexperience of our team. I think sometimes people don't realize just how young we are."
Coming into the 2006 season, Cartwright was dealt just 13 upperclassmen on his roster of 36 athletes. Six of those players are seniors, 13 are freshman and two are out for the year with season-ending injuries.
Cartwright hopes his Tigers can play a full 60 minutes tonight to spring the upset.
"We have to eliminate the big play," he said. "We have to make them earn what they get. They play a great defense that swarms to the ball and their offense likes to get you out (one-on-one) in the flats. This game is big for the playoffs, but it's also a big game because it's the next one on our schedule."
Offensive lineman Mac Edwards will out of tonight's line-up with a finger injury.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
