For many high school football teams, the goal is simply to find a way to put up the most points each week. For Statesboro, which can boast more wins than most, everything is about the bigger picture.
The Blue Devils (2-0, No. 2 Class-AAAA) have been impressive in their first two games of the season, knocking off region rival and preseason Top-10 member Brunswick in their opener before traveling to the "House of Pain" in Sandersville and taking down Class-AAA No. 10 Washington County last week. A pair of wins like that would make the season for most teams, but the Devils look at the game film and see more input to be used in their constant quest to step their play up to the next level.
"It’s great getting wins," said SHS coach Steve Pennington. "But win or lose, there’s always something from each game that you can use to learn and improve upon."
This week, Statesboro’s focus will be on improving its defensive performance. The Devils have forced eight turnovers already this season — while not giving the ball back on offense once — but have also been outgained in both of their games. While each turnover can negate many of those yards allowed, Statesboro is looking for ways to bring opponents’ drives to a quicker end.
"One of the worst things is that we haven’t had a chance to see our punt return team in action," said Pennington, half-jokingly. "We’re having trouble stopping some drives, and the defense is ending others and getting the ball back before we force a punt on others.
"A major issue that we’re dealing with are injuries and the heat. That isn’t to make excuses, because those things will happen in football. In previous years, we’ve had 18 or 19 guys that we run out there. Right now, it’s more like 14, so we’re looking for some new faces to step up."
Faced with a similar situation, other teams might not have been able to pull out two wins and might be starting to panic. Statesboro — perhaps showing why it is constantly regarded as a state power — continues to go about its business and always shows its greatness when it counts the most.
The best example of this so far this season came in the fourth quarter last week.
Trailing Washington County 20-17, Statesboro scored to take a lead before sending its defense back onto the field to try to slow a Golden Hawk attack that had been rolling all night. Sensing the moment, the Devil defense responded with a sack and Corey Harden’s interception return for a touchdown that proved to be the winning score.
Harden is just a junior, but that sort of ability to rise to the occasion when necessary is something that Pennington sees in his seniors and a trait that he credits for much of his team’s success.
"Many of our seniors have played for us all four years," said Pennington. "Because of that, they are very aware of what needs to be done. They know when to have fun with the other guys — this is supposed to be fun — but they also know when it’s time to get everyone to work."
And so, with two more weeks to prepare for their trip through the Region 2-AAAA schedule, the Devils will continue to go through the daily grind, constantly working to gain any edge possible in the next game, regardless of how well they played in the last.
The process is one that works — two state titles in the last decade are proof enough of that. But even as it is favored to be in contention for another championship, it is Statesboro’s determination to always be a better team tomorrow than it is today that fosters more success than any dreams of titles or trophies.
Mike Anthony can be reached at (912) 489-9404.
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