One of two teams with thoughts of challenging for a playoff spot in Region 7-AAA in 2004 will probably have that dreamed dashed after Friday night.
When Flowery Branch (0-2, 0-1 in region) travels to Cleveland to play White County (0-2, 0-1 in region) there will be little margin for error for either squad.
The game also will be a clash of styles between the Falcons throw-back triple-option attack and White County's wide-open passing attack.
"We haven't had the kind of start to the season we wanted," Falcons coach Lee Shaw said. "But despite all the positive preseason talk about us, we're still a young team in many places and playing with expectations is not something these kids are used too. But, we still think we have a shot at competing for a (playoff) spot and if we want to achieve that goal we have to start winning some games."
White County coach Mark Wilson said improving and winning games were more the focus for his staff, although making the playoffs is the goal of every team.
"We only won one game last year so it's hard to say that making the playoffs was a realistic goal. But, we also knew that we would be better than last year and if things went our way we could be there at the end. We played pretty well last week against a team that just has more experience and talent than we do right now. I think we'll win some games before the year is over."
Flowery Branch was beaten 33-13 by Class AAAA Woodland last week while the Warriors lost to No. 6 Gainesville 40-17 last week. The bulk of the region schedule lies ahead for both teams, but the Falcons still must play the Big Three of Gainesville, Johnson and North Hall.
"If we want to have a chance at making the playoffs, this is almost a must-win game for us," Shaw said. "White County has improved a lot since last year and I'm sure they're thinking this is a game they can win as well. Whoever makes the least mistakes will win."
Flowery Branch has not been able to get its vaunted triple-option attack going this year. After averaging nearly 300 yards a game rushing last year, the Falcons are only averaging around 200 this season. Matt Jones has not been as effective this season at quarterback and Shaw said sophomore Jaybo Shaw will see action.
"We have to do a better job of executing and making the right reads. Matt is our quarterback and he needs to be a little more consistent but we have a lot of confidence in him," Shaw said. "We've played two very good teams and that has had a lot to do with it. But Jaybo has made some things happen at times so we'll try to get him some snaps as well."
Last year's game was the highest scoring game of the year between two Region 7-AAA teams, with the Falcons pulling out a 49-47 win on the final play of the game.
"It was a shootout last year and I'm sure the fans loved it," Wilson said. "But the way both of us have started this year, I don't know if either team can score that many this year."
The Warriors are led by junior quarterback Ryan Locklear and receivers Nick Winters and Roshaad Norman. Junior Montana Morris and and tight ends Mark Garst (junior) and Tyler Jarrard (senior) give Locklear plenty of experienced targets.
White County's Preston Johnson did not play last week due to a broken hand but is expected back this week. And, junior defensive end/fullback James Joos, who has been out after off-season knee surgery, could be ready for the Flowery Branch game.
"They have the firepower to score that many but I don't know if we do," Shaw said. "But I think our defense is much better this year. It should be a very good game and both teams need this one to get some confidence. I'm looking forward to it."
Friday
March 21st, 2025
11:43AM
