Baxley hopes to make school history

TIFTON — It is not often that a quarterback can say he helped lead his team to the school’s first region football championship in 23 years.

But if the Tift County Blue Devils can defeat the Colquitt County Packers tonight in Moultrie, Devil signal caller Sean Baxley will have his name in the school’s football history books as a win would give the Devils their first league title since 1983.

Baxley, a senior, is a first-year starter for the Devils. His inexperience showed early in the year, but as the season has progressed, Baxley has quietly gotten better.

That was evident in Tift’s 13-3 win over Lowndes a week ago tonight at Brodie Field. The contest saw Baxley complete 15-of-17 passes for 162 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown toss to Israel Troupe.

The senior’s improvement has been noticed by Devil coach Jay Walls who brought out that he had help in his progression.

“I think Sean has definitely gained confidence over the course of the year,” said Walls. “A lot of that can be attributed to the play of the offensive line, which has played well.”

Baxley’s take on his improvement comes from the amount of work he has put into learning the position.

“I have improved so much, especially since the first game of the region,” said Baxley. “Ever since the end of last year, I have put in a lot of work.”

Walls feels like Baxley has shown a good mental make-up for his role as quarterback.

“I tell you Sean has worked hard, and he is a tough kid,” Walls said. “He is tough on himself. He doesn’t like to make mistakes, and he works very hard not to. I am proud of what he has done this year.”

Baxley agreed with Walls’ assessment.

“I am very hard on myself,” Baxley said. “I am a lot harder on myself than most of the coaches would be.”

Baxley has enjoyed his time at the helm of the Devils’ offense.

“It has been pretty fun,” said Baxley.

The senior also realizes what is at stake this season for him and the Devils.

“I am very excited. I am glad too, because everyone deserves it, because they have worked so hard,” Baxley said.

With his team behind him, Baxley said he feels, “like I am a leader. I am not really out there, but I am a silent leader.”

Baxley also knows he has a chance at doing something special as the Devil quarterback.

“It would feel awesome (to win a region title),” said Baxley. “It would be something you can tell your grandkids about.”

With a chance to make school history, Walls has confidence in Baxley.

“Coming in he was kind of an unknown as he didn’t have any experience starting,” said Walls. “But I knew he worked very hard in the off season. I knew that he was a smart kid, and I knew his heart was in it.”

On the year, Baxley has completed 62 percent, 103-of-166, of his passes, for 987 yards. He has thrown eight touchdowns and has been picked off seven times.

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