The Apalachee High School football team returned to what has been customary for the Wildcats last week by posting a region win on the gridiron.
AHS defeated Salem 24-7 (see game story on page 4B) and hopes to stay on track in the fight for a postseason berth when Heritage visits R. Harold Harrison Stadium this week.
“Heritage is a good football team,” Wildcat coach Shane Davis said. “They are as good as they’ve been since I have been here. They are big and strong up front and will play a very physical game. They are also athletic at their skill positions.”
Coach Chad Frazier’s Patriots enter the contest at 3-1 with victories against Salem, Loganville and Rockdale County. The lone setback this fall was a 34-14 game with Clarke Central, the No. 2 team in the state. AHS enters the contest at 2-1.
The Patriots operate out of a Wing-T set, Davis said, running some option, relying on the Rocket sweep.
“We will have to be ready,” the Wildcat head coach said. “We are going to have to play our best.”
Offensive coordinator Joel Miller has also spent plenty of time this week preparing for the Patriots.
"Heritage is a very well coached on defense," Miller said. "They play extremely hard and are big, fast and physical. They base out of the 3-4 but will play some 3-5 as well. Last week I felt like we left points on the field. We missed two field goals that we have to start converting into touchdowns. Twice we were in the red zone and penalties backed us up and forced field goal attempts. Hopefully, we have corrected those mistakes this week and we can play a clean game on Friday. We must get more efficient on offense to help out defense out this week."
AHS enters the game in relatively good shape on the injury front.
“A few players are banged up in some places but it shouldn’t keep anyone from playing,” Davis said.
NOTES: AHS senior Shaun Hill was named the Lineman of the Week by the Atlanta Touchdown Club and was honored at the group’s Sept. 20 meeting.
Hill, who is being recruited by various colleges, was recognized for his efforts in the Wildcats’ game against Flowery Branch in which he helped clear the way for a 500-yard plus rushing night.
