Berrien's Armstrong: Pelham 'like us'

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October 23, 2012

Berrien's Armstrong: Pelham 'like us'

Becky Taylor CNHI The Tifton Gazette Tue Oct 23, 2012, 08:53 PM EDT

TIFTON — On the surface, the Berrien Rebels and the Pelham Hornets seem dissimilar. Pelham is an independent city school district, Berrien is a whole county. The Hornets have spent most of their existence as Class A and smaller while the Rebels have been mainstays of Class AA. But Berrien head coach Rob Armstrong feels differently.

“Pelham’s a lot like us,” he said.

Beyond the surface, perhaps there are some similarities, especially considering how their 2012 seasons have developed.

Both will be trying to break losing skids this week. After winning their first game of the season at Baconton Charter, 40-0, Pelham has dropped their next six. Berrien started off the season with two wins in their first three games, but are riding a four-game losing streak and a current record of 2-5. Armstrong said his opponent’s record was not indicative of the team’s talent.

“Their record is deceiving,” he said.

Three of the games in the skid for both teams have been region opponents. Neither Berrien nor Pelham has recorded a Region 1-AA win this year.

“They’ve gotten into this region schedule and have had rough games,” Armstrong said.

The Hornets have dropped games to Fitzgerald, 40-11, Cook, 42-10, and Brooks County, 42-6. All three have seen them play a close first half. Armstrong said they trailed Brooks by only a touchdown. Against the Purple Hurricanes, Pelham even had the lead until late in the second quarter, when Fitzgerald exploded for three touchdowns to take a 26-11 lead.

“Like us, they’ve been outmanned a little bit,” he said.

The Rebels have had similar games, playing close with Early County, Thomasville and Fitzgerald for a half before seeing all three surge ahead after the break.

Though infrequent opponents - the last game was in 2003 - Berrien has enjoyed the series over the years. They have won nine of the last 10 games between them, and other than a loss in 2002, the Rebels have held them at bay since 1983.

Next week, the Rebels have their annual game with the Cook Hornets. This group of Hornets are off to an outstanding start this year, having started 6-1 and are playing Brooks County in Quitman Friday in a showdown of two of the top teams in the region.

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