In high school football, a team can never take one game — be it a win or loss — and let it cause too much of a hangover the following week.
While obviously disappointed in last week’s 56-0 setback at Apalachee, Winder-Barrow coach Ben Corley knows the Bulldogg coaches and players have to move on at this point.
“Whether you are coming off a good game or a bad one, you have to continue with your season,” Corley said. “We look forward to installing our game plan for Monroe Area.”
The Purple Hurricanes, who will visit W. Clair Harris Stadium this Friday for a Region 8-AAAA contest at 7:30 p.m., are looking to establish their program, similar to the WBHS Bulldoggs. Under the direction of coach Matt Fligg, Monroe Area has shown improvement this season and just narrowly missed ending a 15-game losing streak last Friday after a failed two-point conversion attempt in overtime left the Canes a point shy of defeating Cedar Shoals. Monroe Area also battled region leader Apalachee for a half in the season opener this year.
“They have really played well defensively,” Corley said. “Their defensive front and linebacking core are solid. That has allowed them to stay in several games including last week. They’ve fought everyone tooth and nail. They are a dangerous team. It will be a good, tough contest.”
Until last Friday, the WBHS Bulldoggs had also been in every contest. One key this week will be to stop Monroe Area’s triple option offense which the Cane coaches installed for this season. It is the same one used by Georgia Tech.
“They have several good athletes who are dangerous,” Corley said. “You have to tackle well in space. We have to do a good job of slowing them down.”
Quarterback Demontavious Smith was injured earlier this season but has returned giving Monroe Area more of an offensive threat.
“They are a little more complete with him back in there,” Corley said.
With school out this week for fall break, Corley and his coaching staff are having to reshuffle various elements of preparation. The varsity team was set to practice in the morning Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
While he said it’s never good to have to break away from your usual routine, Corley did say it can be a boost since the players can concentrate solely on football with school being out this week.
