The Winder-Barrow High School football team hasn’t had the opportunity to play within the confines of W. Clair Harris Stadium often this season.
The Bulldoggs will be able to do that this week as they host Cedar Shoals High School for homecoming. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
WBHS is coming off a 28-14 road loss to Loganville while the Jaguars are looking to bounce back after a 27-23 loss to Apalachee in a game where Cedar Shoals held a 10-point halftime advantage.
Chad Platt continues to show an explosive ability in running the football for the Bulldoggs, who enter the game 0-7 overall and 0-5 in Region 8-AAAAA. Platt has rushed for 402 yards on 57 carries and four touchdowns in 2012, despite missing time earlier in the season due to injury. The senior rushed for 159 yards against Loganville and had a kickoff return for a score called back on a penalty.
Chandon Sullivan is the team’s second leading rusher with 225 yards and a score on 50 carries. Sullivan is also the team’s leading receiver with 129 yards on 11 catches.
Quarterback Christian Hodge has thrown for 190 yards in the team’s run-oriented triple option offense.
Defensively, several players continue strong seasons including Al Shotter (36 tackles, 24 assists), Tyree Tanner (21 tackles, 15 assists), Jeremy Ramsey (23 tackles, 20 assists), Cole Baggett (17 tackles, 13 assists) and Augusta Salas (23 tackles, 16 assists, four tackles for loss).
Efa Osuegbu has compiled 32 tackles with 16 assists, three tackles for a loss, two sacks and one forced fumble. Bradyn Randall has 38 tackles along with 23 assists and an interception.
Coach Chris Davis, who is in his first season at Cedar Shoals, said stopping Platt and Sullivan will be key for the Jaguars.
“We have to be aware of where they are at all times,” Davis said. “They stick out like a sore thumb on tape.”
On the defensive side of the football, Davis said he has been impressed with the play of Oseugbu and Salas.
“Winder-Barrow has some quality talent,” Davis said. “They have players who we have to be aware of and prepare for.”
While his team is coming off a disappointing loss to Apalachee in which Cedar Shoals led by 10 points at halftime, Davis said he believes the Jaguars will be mentally ready this week.
“It will be somewhat of a challenge to bounce back, but I think we can,” Davis said. “We find out what kind of character we have. For our seniors, they are down to their final three games. We will try to make it a fun environment for them, both at practice and in the games. We’ll prepare hard each week like we always do.”
