Falcons ready to start winning

FLOWERY BRANCH - A young Flowery Branch team seemed to have a grasp on its first-ever win in school history last week against Gilmer.

But it all came crashing down in the final minute and the Falcons left with yet another loss, 13-7. But this time coach Lee Shaw says they aren't taking it as another learning experience.

"You're darn right we're disappointed because we thought that was a game going in we could win, and should have, but didn't," Shaw said. "We made some mistakes down the stretch that cost us and I think the kids also saw it as a lost opportunity."

Shaw will get a real chance Friday night to see if his young team is growing up when they play host to Region 7-AAA rival West Hall, which is just an extra point away from being undefeated.

"I'm interested to see how we respond. I think this will be a big moment for the program, no matter what happens," Shaw said.

The Spartans (2-1, 2-1 in the region) will pose a stiff challenge. Their defense has been stout yielding just 16 points in their first three games.

"Right now we're playing with a lot of confidence and we just don't think that people can drive the ball and score on us and so far we're doing a pretty good job of it," West Hall coach Ken Aldridge said.

The Falcons (0-2, 0-2) offense could give the Spartans a problem. Their triple-option attack has piled up big numbers against North Hall and Gilmer, including one 20-play drive against North Hall.They just haven't been able to convert it into points.

"We're going to have to control the ball and keep their offense of the field," Aldridge said. "We can't let them have any of those long drives. They have really been running it well and have improved every game. It'll be a big challenge for us."

But the Spartans can counter with a solid ground attack of their own. Running back Devon Snapp, who suffered a mild knee injury in the first game, is back and healthy. Snapp scored four TDs in the Spartans' win last week

"He's back at 100 percent and when he's healthy and on his game, he's tough to handle," Aldridge said.

Shaw said they've been looking for a weakness.

"I'm not sure we've found one. But I know one thing. Our kids will have to play at a fast pace because he's got some wheels. and we have to keep him hemmed up because if he breaks loose, he's got the ability to score everytime he touches the ball," Shaw said.

Shaw said all he wants this week is consistency. And he said if his team doesn't find it, it may be another long season.

"For one Friday night our offense and defense have to play well at the same time to win. We get it in spurts right now and until we can get that consistency, we won't win," Shaw said.