By Dusty Vassey
TIFTON — The Region 1-AA championship could come down to the winner of Friday’s contest between the No. 4 Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane and the Early County Bobcats in Fitzgerald.
The teams are tied for second place in the region with 4-0 region records behind 5-0 Thomasville. But while Thomasville has won several close games and has a 5-2 overall record, both Fitzgerald and Early have been dominant. Fitzgerald is undefeated at 6-0 while Early is 5-1 with its only loss coming to Class AAAA Bainbridge 38-27.
Since the opening game loss, Early has reeled off victories over Miller County (41-0), Cook (34-14), Berrien (40-10), Mitchell County (47-6) and Brooks County (35-19).
If anything, Fitzgerald has been even more dominant — outscoring opponents 248 to 22 on the season. That includes outscoring opponents 176 to 3 in the past four games.
The Hurricane wins the old-fashioned way — with a smothering defense and running game that has not been stopped all season. Nick Williams leads the team with 537 yards on 57 carries with five touchdowns. Dion Ross has 375 yards on 36 carries with six scores. Larry King (321 yards, three scores), Corey Taylor (187 yards, six scores), Jemea Thomas (130 yards) and Jarrell Paschal (96 yards, three scores) also get carries. As a whole, those backs are averaging about 10 yards per carry behind the Hurricane offensive line.
When it passes the ball, the Hurricane depends on quarterback Brad Taylor (209 yards passing, three touchdowns) and a pair of Pruitts. Trenton Pruitt leads the team with six catches for 48 yards while P.J. Pruitt has five grabs for 59 yards.
Early’s offense centers on its quarterback. Whether running or passing, Emanuel Taylor has been one of the most exciting players in Region 1-AA. He also has several targets to choose from as a passer — Elbert Lee (6-foot, 170), John Micah Henderson (6-foot, 175) and Quintetious Davis (5-foot-8, 155). All three receivers run a 4.6-second 40-yard dash or better.
