By Steve Carter
steve.carter@gaflnews.com
TIFTON — When two evenly matched football teams play, the winner will usually be the squad that gets the most breaks.
That was the case Friday night when the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes fell, 38-28, to the Buford High Wolves in the state Class AA football semifinals.
The two teams were so evenly matched they had identical yardage in the first half — 193 yards apiece. But a big interception by Buford toward the end of the first half led to a touchdown.
Then with about five minutes left in the game, Fitzgerald was down 31-28, but appeared to be driving for a game-winning touchdown. However, the drive ended when Latravious Stewart fumbled, and Buford recovered.
The Wolves then ran out the clock scoring a late, meaningless touchdown to make the final 38-28.
“We were going tit-for-tat with them, but we had that interception in the first half, and the fumble,” said Fitzgerald head coach Robby Pruitt.
Those were big plays, Pruitt stated.
“We did what we wanted to, we kept it close, and had the opportunity to win it,” said Pruitt. “They hadn’t stopped us all night...we had only punted once in the entire game.”
Pruitt continued, “You can’t fault Stewart on the fumble though. If it hadn’t been for him this season, we wouldn’t have been in the position to win the ball game. It’s just a part of the game.”
The Fitzgerald coach, and a majority of his players, stayed on the field long after the game Friday night. Tears were shed, and hugs given, as the Hurricanes had to go through their first loss of the year.
“I am heartbroken for the kids, and the community. But we fought hard all game,” said Pruitt. “We had the opportunity, but just couldn’t get it done.”
Even though he would have loved to have brought his team, Pruitt will be honored in Atlanta during state finals weekend.
The veteran coach was selected as the Atlanta Falcons State High School Coach of the Year for Class AA. He will be honored at an 11 a.m. banquet Saturday at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
“I was thrilled to be selected,” said Pruitt. “It was a tremendous honor for me, and the entire team.”
Local Sports
Bad breaks cost Canes in semifinals
- Local Sports
-
-
Mistakes cost Patriots fourth title
It’s going to be an offseason of what-ifs for the AFC Champions, who lost to the Giants 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
-
TCHS team is like a family
The Tift County Blue Devils have racked up a 10-game winning streak, a regular season region championship and a ton of momentum since returning from Christmas break.
- Tift swimmers headed for state competition
-
Tift County to host state wrestling sectionals
This Friday and Saturday Tift County High School will play host to the state sectionals for wrestling. Some of the best teams in the state, and country, will be competing for spots in the state meet.
-
Blue Devils win regular season region title
Lady Devils lose 59-48
Blue Devils win 53-43
-
Seniors go out with big wins
Dr. Eric Holland and Julie Conner wanted to send their seniors out with big wins on their senior night.
Boy, did they ever. -
Tift dominates on senior night
Lady Devils win, 52-38
Blue Devils win, 67-57
- Tift basketball program to honor seniors
-
Battle of Georgia goes one more Super round
New England Patriot wide receiver Deion Branch, nursing a bout of the stomach flu, had little to do here in his hotel Tuesday evening.
He decided to reach out and text someone.
“There he goes, texting me and talking junk,” said New York Giants safety Deon Grant. “I expected it. He always does.” -
Busy day for signings in Tiftarea
For fans of college and high school football National Signing Day is an unofficial national holday.
If it is truly a holiday, friends, fans and family joined six local players Wednesday in helping celebrate Wednesday. - More Local Sports Headlines
-
