JEFFERSON — It may only be week two of the high school football season, but tonight in Jefferson there will be a distinct postseason feel in the air.
What else would you expect when two undefeated, top 5 programs face off?
The Dragons and Bulldogs -- both 2-0 -- feature rosters stocked with talent and experience amd will square off with a chance to make an early season statement. It's the type of game you might expect to see in the postseason -- and with good reason.
"They're the most talented team we've seen in some time, going back several years," Dragons coach Ben Hall said. "We essentially have a third round (playoff) caliber matchup week three, and it's going to take our best effort."
Bulldogs coach Rob Ridings echoed those sentiments.
"It's going to be a big challenge for us Friday night in Jefferson," Ridings said. "Jefferson's offense and their offensive line -- particularly their offensive line -- may be one of the best offensive lines we've seen in many years."
Certainly the Dragons have had their way in their first two contests of the season, paving the way for a pro-style rushing attack that is averaging 237.5 yards rushing and 6.8 yards per carry. Led by the all-around talents of junior Colby Wood (264 yards rushing, 4 TDs, 7.8 yards per carry; 66 yards receiving and a TD) and senior Zack Boobas (115 yards, 3 TDs, 7.2 yards per carry), Jefferson has plowed its way to an astounding 43 points per game.
And yet the Dragons enter this contest with the second-best rushing statistics.
In its two victories, Thomson has piled up 317.5 yards per game on 7.7 yards per carry -- which includes a win over Class AAAAAA Effingham County last week.
Utilizing a two-back power attack -- out of the shotgun -- the Bulldogs have a number of weapons they can depend on, including leading rusher Mike Thomas (199 yards, 3 TDs), Tyrek Braswell (113 yards, 3 TDs) and Bubba Murray (135, 3 TDs).
And that's not even the most explosive part of what Thomson has done so far this season. That has been saved for the kicking game, where the Bulldogs have blocked punts and returned kicks for touchdowns to help spark big momentum shifts.
"They've blocked several punts. They're big-play threats on kickoff returns. That's where they've been making the big play," Hall said. "They have big play capabilities at every skilled position, offensively, but the first two games for them have been very similar to our first two games, where they've pretty much controlled the game, and they haven't been airing the ball out if you will. But they've had big plays in the run game."
With that in mind, Jefferson hopes to keep its own grinding rushing attack on the field -- though Hall knows that they may also need quarterback Bryce Moore (9 of 18 passing, 151 yards, 1 TD) to make some big plays. And that won't come easy against a Thomson secondary that includes plenty of experience, including four-star FBS recruit Christian Tutt.
"It's probably the best secondary we've seen since I've been at Jefferson," said Hall, who added that the Dragons' passing game was curtailed in last week's storm-riddled win over Riverwood.
"We had intentions of opening it up against Riverwood, and they're talented in the secondary as well, and we thought it would be a good test," Hall said. "But with the rain we were more concerned with getting a half of football in than we were working on the passing game. So we threw two passed the entire night -- we completed both passes so I guess we were 100 percent there. But the passing game is coming along, and play-action looks good -- and we haven't been in a situation where we've had to spread the field and convert long yardage situations yet, but I'm sure we'll have to do that Friday night."
There are sure to be plenty of firsts on the season for both teams on Friday -- and both are eager for the challenge.
"Both sides have great athletes, great linemen, and it's going to be a dogfight," Jefferson senior lineman Caleb Chandler said. "But I feel like we're ready for it, and we can't wait for Friday."
Ridings too says his squad is itching for the opportunity.
"It's going to be a big challenge. We're excited. Coach Hall does a great job up there," Ridings said. "I know our fans travel very well. ... It's going to be a rock and roll environment I know that."
THOMSON at JEFFERSON
- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
- WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Jefferson
- THOMSON (2-0, 0-0 Region 3-AAAA): Defeated Effingham County 35-21 last week
- JEFFERSON (2-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAA): Defeated Riverwood 38-14 last week
- NOTABLE: First meeting between the two teams since 1963, according to Georgia High School Football Historians Association. ... Thomson is scoring 40 points per game (ppg), allowing 10.5 ppg. It is rushing for rushing for 317.5 yards per game, 7.7 yards per carry, led by Mike Thomas (199 yards, 3 TDs), Tyrek Braswell (113 yards, 3 TDs) and Bubba Murray (135, 3 TDs). Bulldogs QB Mills Ridings, the head coach's son, has attempted 22 passes in two games with 2 INTs and 1 TD. Sophomore Damekus Taylor is a big play threat with 4 rushes for 104 yards and 1 passing TD. Thomson strong safety Zach Johnson had 12 tackles, 2 for loss vs. Effingham. ... Jefferson is averaging 43 ppg and allowing 7 ppg. The Dragons are averaging 237.5 yards rushing, 6.8 yards per carry. Colby Wood 264 has yards rushing, 4 TDs, 7.8 yards per carry; he also has 66 yards receiving and a TD. Zack Boobas also has 115 yards rushing and 3 TDs, 7.2 yards per carry. QB Bryce Moore is 9 of 18 for 151 yards and a TD.
