It’s almost 8 Sunday evening and Ben Corley is still at work.
The Winder-Barrow High School head football coach normally has wrapped up the weekend of game evaluation and upcoming opponent scouting. However, this week is different. It’s Apalachee week and Corley is still at work for a variety of reasons.
One, Corley knows what type of challenge the Wildcats will present for his Bulldoggs this Friday. AHS is currently ranked No. 9 in the state and is the only undefeated team remaining in Region 8-AAAA.
Second, the WBHS coach still has last season’s 51-6 loss to the county rival on his mind.
Third, Corley is trying to map out ways to slow down the Wildcat offense this Friday in a game which he knows means a lot to his players and the Bulldogg community.
Yes, it’s a night for burning the proverbial midnight oil to be sure.
“Apalachee is as athletic as any team we will face,” Corley said. “They have a strong stable of running backs. They are all good players and each one is a big-play threat. That’s where they make their money. We will have to try and slow them down somehow.”
One of the encouraging things Corley took from his team’s contest against Habersham Central last week was the performance of his offense. Several school records were broken and the offensive line shined against the Raiders.
“Our line has done a great job with pass protection,” the WBHS coach said. “(Quarterback) Christian (Davila) is playing well and with a lot of confidence. Our line is giving him time to throw and allowing our receivers to make big plays.” He and Trent (Demeritte) both set school records last week. We were clicking pretty well offensively.”
Leading the offensive push up front for the Bulldoggs were Brandon Deaton, Asa Thornton, Matt Harmon, Zach Green and Kyle Phillips. The offense compiled more than 400 yards of offense against Habersham Central last week.
It will take that type of effort again to have a chance at upsetting AHS this week in the annual Battle of Barrow.
