TIFTON — One of the best second-round matchups in the state Class AA football playoffs will take place tonight at Fitzgerald’s Jaycee Stadium.
The homestanding Purple Hurricanes (11-0, and ranked No. 2 in the Georgia High School Football Daily state poll), will face off against the Swainsboro Tigers (10-1, No. 8 in poll).
Being in the second round of the state playoffs is nothing new for Fitzgerald head coach Robby Pruitt. In six of Pruitt’s eight seasons at Fitzgerald, the Purple Hurricanes have played at least 12 games.
The Hurricanes seemed to be ready for their latest go around in round two.
Practice “has gone well this week,” Pruitt said Thursday. “We have a few players banged up, but nothing more than you would expect at this point of the season.”
Swainsboro will come in with one of the best quarterbacks in the state, Malcolm Eady. The senior has accounted for 2,501 yards of offense this year through his arm and legs.
“They have got a great quarterback,” said Pruitt. “He is very athletic, and he can throw it and run it.”
The coach added, “Their defense is solid, as well. They have some good quality athletes (on that side of the ball).”
Sophomore Kaleb Nobles has had a strong season as the Hurricane starting quarterback.
“We have had several different people on offense contribute at various times this year,” Pruitt said.
“Our quarterback (Nobles) has been very consistent all season. I bet he has completed over 70 percent of his passes.”
Nobles threw for 184 yards in Fitzgerald’s 42-21 win over Greene County in the opening round of the playoffs last week.
“(Vanderbilt verbal commitment) Trenton (Pruitt) has played well, and we have gotten contributions from Latravious Stewart and Tevin Stewart-Gaulden all year. Our fullback, Nick (Williams) has been banged up a little lately, but he has played well,” said Pruitt.
Williams leads the Hurricanes with 904 yards rushing. Pruitt has 727, Stewart has 633 and Stewart-Gaulden has 261 on just 19 carries. That is an average of 13.7 yards per carry.
On the defensive side of the ball, Pruitt said, “It is like our offense, we have gotten contributions from different guys each week.”
Among the names Pruitt mentioned were Deon Smalls, Jamal Terrell and Michael Haddon.
Pruitt said his team has not felt any additional pressure about being unbeaten and having the state’s No. 2 ranking.
“When you get into the playoffs, you stub your toe, you go home,” said Pruitt. “Everyone feels that same pressure. You just try to coach ‘em up, and hope for the best.”
Tonight’s game will be at 7:30 p.m., and will be broadcast on WRDO, 96.9 FM.
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