The bad news for the Statesboro Blue Devils is they have lost four straight games, and currently sit 0-2 in region play. The good news is the Blue Devils are coming off a bye week, and still control their own playoff destiny as they close out the season with games at South Effingham, and home against New Hampstead.

Last season the Blue Devils were in a similar situation as they entered the South Effingham game on a six game losing streak, but managed to knock off South Effingham 12-7, and then pulled off a 35-21 win at New Hampstead in grabbing the number three seed into the state playoffs.

“Our kids got some rest this past week with the bye week,” said Statesboro coach Jeff Kaiser. “We were able to get our legs back under us, and try to get ready for these next two ballgames. We control our own destiny, but we are definitely facing a couple good teams. In order to get back to the state we are going to have to play well.”

The Blue Devils will also be facing two of the more prolific scoring teams in all of Class-AAAAA. New Hampstead is averaging 35 points per game, while this Friday opponent South Effingham, is averaging 38 points per game.

“I’m glad we had a little extra time in preparing for South Effingham,” Kaiser said. “They are so multiple offensively, it’s hard to just focus on one aspect of their offense. They are very explosive, and have proven to be a tough team for anyone to stop.”

For the Mustangs it al starts with their quarterback senior Taylor Jackson. The six foot one signal caller has thrown for 1,713 yards and 19 touchdowns this year. He also has 250 yards on the ground, and another four touchdowns. His leading receiver is senior Zack Taylor, who has 607 yards receiving, and four touchdowns, while senior Noah Hoang has 577 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. Senior running back Rocko Griffin has 791 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns.

The Blue Devils strength this year has been their defense, which will be tested Friday night. The problem is there may not be much room for error, as the offense has fallen off a cliff. After scoring 95 points in their first three games, the Blue Devils have scored a total of 42 points in their last four contests, including three games in which they managed only one touchdown.

“That is a concern going into Friday’s game,” Kaiser said. “We have done well throughout the year with our defense kept us in ballgames. What we can’t afford to do Friday is to get behind big early, and have to scramble to catch up. We have to be more productive offensively.”

“We are a running football team, and we want to run the ball,” Kaiser said. “When we have proven to not be productive running the ball is when teams have stacked the box, and challenged us to throw it. A lot of our throwing miscues have been drops, some have been inaccuracy, and some have been because of a lack of pass protection. We have to continue to get better at all aspects of the game .”

Statesboro 3-4, (0-2) and South Effingham 6-3, (1-2) are scheduled for a 7:30 kickoff in Guyton.