By Kyle Dean/Sports Editor
TIFTON – After a 33-14 win over Houston County that kept the Blue Devils’ playoff hopes alive, head coach Jay Walls says his team will face a “hot team” in the Colquitt County Packers tonight at Tom White Field at Mack Tharpe Stadium.
“They are coming off two huge road wins against Coffee and Valdosta. And even though they took it on the chin against Lowndes (in a 31-6 loss), they moved the football on Lowndes,” Walls said.
The Packers ran up over 125 yards rushing and nearly 300 total yards against the Vikings, throwing three first-half interceptions.
And against Coffee and Valdosta, the Packers rallied in the fourth quarter to win two important region games. Colquitt is 5-1 overall and 2-1 in region play.
“No. 4 (Quin Roberson) is a big play guy and he made a big play against Valdosta,” Walls said.
Quarterback Tyler Brown hit Roberson in the fourth quarter on a 43-yard touchdown pass to give the Packers their first win in Valdosta in 11 seasons.
“The quarterback is good – he executes well and the have a big-play running back in No.22 (Tevin King),” Walls said.
And as good as the Packer offense has been this season, Walls has been equally impressed with the defense which is led by coordinator Jack Hines.
“Last year they gave up a lot of big plays. They have improved tremendously on defense. They have a lot of seniors in that group. The biggest improvements have been on the offensive and defensive lines,” Walls said.
The Packers gave up 1,071 yards in three region games last season and this season, Colquitt has allowed only 486 yards.
The Packers will base out of a 4-3 defenses and will blitz occasionally according to Walls.
“They will not go crazy with their blitz package. They have very good tackles and ends and their linebackers run well and will hit you.”
The Blue Devils will hope to continue to move the football after amassing 318 yards rushing against the Bears last Friday on homecoming.
“Our O-line really controlled the line of scrimmage, and our running backs got to the line faster than at any time this season,” Walls said.
Walls and his coaching staff have emphasized the importance of this game, as it is key in the race for a playoff berth.
“We talked about winning and staying in the race – a win keeps us in the hunt," said Walls.
Tift will seek their fourth consecutive win over the Packers in the series that dates back to 1914. Colquitt County claims a 47-35-2 advantage in the series over Tifton/Tift County, while the Blue Devils claim a 36-44-2 record against Moultrie/Colquitt County.
Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m. in Moultrie.
