"That one hurt because we had some big plays called back, turned the ball over three times, had some penalties that cost us at some key times and then just missing the field goal to win," Aldridge said with a sigh. "It was hard to sleep Friday night."
Aldridge said the curcumstances of last week now put his team in a virtual must-win scenario every week. The Spartans are 2-2, 2-2 in Region 7-AAA, which puts them sixth currently. The top four teams move on to the state playoffs.
"We can't afford to slip up again. We have to take care of business from here on out," he said.
West Hall still has to play Gainesville and North Hall. Last year no team with more than four losses advanced to the playoffs.
The easier part of their schedule actually began last week with Flowery Branch. But Aldridge hopes his kids have learned that there really aren't any easy games in Region 7-AAA.
"White County is getting better each week. They have a new coach, new system and it takes time," he said. "Their defense is improving each week and once they get that offense going, they're going to be hard to stop.
"I think maybe we all took Flowery Branch for granted and you can't do that against anyone. Hopefully the kids and the coaches have learned that we have to work harder every week than the week before."
The Warriors (0-3, 0-3) employ a run-and-shoot style offense, with three, and sometimes, four receivers on the field. Despite a 14-0 loss last week to Gilmer, their defense kept them in the game. They have allowed just 34 points the last two games after giving up 56 to Gainesville in their opener.
For West Hall, the key will be keeping the Warriors' offense off the field. If quarterback Mike Burgamy has the kind of game like he had against West Hall, the Spartans should be in good shape.
Burgamy passed for 120 yards and had 212 yards rushing and scored three times.
"Mike played a great game. We may not see a better individual game from anyone around here like that the rest of the year," Aldridge said. "If he can keep our offense moving, I think we'll be fine."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/9/171829