Is that possible? Falcons coach Lee Shaw says absolutely.
"We've talked about playing one game at a time and putting in a championship effort," Shaw said. "If you put in that kind of effort, the wins will come. If we continue to improve and focus on each individual game, sure, I don't see any reason why that can't be something that happens."
Shaw and the Falcons (2-3, 2-3) will certainly be tested Friday when they travel to Johnson (4-1, 4-1) in a huge Region 7-AAA game. Flowery Branch has won two of its last three games to snap a 12-game losing streak and get right in the middle of the Region 7-AAA pack.
The Knights are coming off their first loss of the season to Gainesville and coach Blair Armstrong said he's expects the surging Falcons to be flying high.
"They're the kind of the team that plays with a lot of emotion and they're the kind of team that's very, very dangerous to play when they're playing well, which they are right now," Armstrong said. "I expect it to be a good high school battle."
Despite the loss to Class AA No. 2-ranked Gainesville, Armstrong said the Knights found themselves.
"Our kids realize now that they're not going to be intimidated by anyone. They're raised the bar and realize that they can play with the best teams," Armstrong said. "That's half the battle of trying to move to the next level - believing that you can. I think we showed a lot of people around the state that we can play with anybody. There's a lot of confidence to get from that."
Armstrong also realizes that the Falcons may be the most improved teams in the region. The Falcons wishbone attack will the fourth different offensive style the Knights have faced this year.
"It's different in that you have to cover all the options - the fullback, quarterback, running back, even the pass - to keep it in check. That's what makes it tough to defend. But if we stay at home and play our assignments, we'll be fine," he said.
Johnson has been downright stingy on defense. Cardy McKenzey, Trey Bell and Johnathan Stockwell have led a group that has allowed just 41 points (8.1 points a game) for the season with two shutouts.
Last week the Knights gave up two big plays early to Gainesville but then shut down a potent attack for two-and-a-half quarters.
"We've been playing well on offense," Shaw said. "But they're tough. It'll be the best defense we've seen so far. It'll be a good challenge to see where our offense is at."
Flowery Branch has averaged more than 300 yards offense a game behind quarterback Matt Jones and fullback Andy Espinosa.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/10/170907