So with the first week of prep football in the books, what did we learn?
First off, I warned everybody that my “Bold Predictions” usually turn into “Seals of death,” but I let everyone talk me into picking a handful of season-openers anyway. After going 2-3 in my attempt at fortune telling, I think it’s safe to say that this experiment can be placed right back on the shelf.
I think that from now on I’ll just talk about some games, then sit back to wait and see what happens just like everyone else.
What else have we learned?
Statesboro will be just fine with DeAnthony Stevens and Lamar Stimage in the backfield.
The Blue Devils lost to Bradwell in a 2008 scrimmage, rolled past Josey in the season opener and made it all the way to the quarterfinals of the 2008 GHSA Class AAAA playoffs last year. They blasted Bradwell in this year’s scrimmage and had an even easier time with Josey this time around, so it appears this squad is in good shape.
They’ll be tested plenty this season, so it will be interesting to see how they answer the call.
The Metter Tigers looked like the Dome-bound team of old on Friday, throwing the rock around 30-plus times in Portal on their way to a 1-0 start for the season. The Panthers fell behind 17-0, but a third-quarter explosion brought them within four.
They showed their inexperience, but left PHS fans with plenty of reasons to be optimistic in 2009.
In Brooklet, Southeast Bulloch couldn’t match what it did to Dodge County in 2008. It’s no secret the Jackets are on their fourth quarterback in as many years, so SEB will need to figure out how to use the pass to take some pressure off the running game and vice-versa.
Bulloch Academy hit the road on Thursday and beat David Emanuel Academy 51-8. It wasn’t that close. The Gators are sure to pick up right where they left off a year ago.
One prediction I got wrong last week but still stand behind was picking Screven County over Dublin. After a gutsy 14-13 loss against the Irish on Friday, I think one thing is clear (to me anyway). Not only could Screven win at least four times in 10 tries against DHS, but the rest of Region 3-AA had better look out for the Gamecocks.
And finally, with Georgia Southern hitting the turf in against Albany in Saturday’s season-opener at Paulson, we’ll know for sure the football season is in full swing.
You never know how a team with a bulk of its talent barely old enough to vote will play its first game, and nobody seems to know just how good Albany is, so let’s just sit back, relax and be glad it’s time for college football.
What to watch for
The Screven County Lady Gamecocks are off to a 9-0 start on the softball diamond, and junior pitcher Marla Thompson has still gone without giving up an earned run. In fact, opponents are batting .056 against her.
They’ve got hitting, pitching and defense to back it up, and something tells me that winning the 2009 Battle in the Boro won’t be the highlight of their season.
Also, don’t look now, but the Portal Lady Panthers made it to the semis of the Gold Bracket in the tourney, and the gradual improvement PHS has seen over the last several years has really started to take off.
Here’s to another week of fun and excitement on playing fields all over the area.
Matt Yogus can be reached at (912) 489-9408.
