steve.carter@gaflnews.com



FITZGERALD — Fans of the Fitzgerald High Purple Hurricane football team may have forgotten the 2001 season is still underway. The last time they saw their Hurricanes on the field was when Fitzgerald defeated Berrien 42-0 on Sept. 7.

After missing a week due to the postponement of games after the terrorist attacks and then taking an already scheduled off week, the Hurricanes will finally play again tomorrow night. The Perry Panthers will come to Jaycee Stadium to take on Fitzgerald in the Region 1-AAA opener for the Hurricanes.

With a three-week span between games, Fitzgerald head coach Robby Pruitt does not know what to expect from his team.

“We have worked hard and it seems like we should be ready to play, but I just don’t know yet how we will respond to the layoff,” Pruitt said. “It is almost like starting all over again.”

“We have done a good job of staying focused. Everyone has continued working hard and I know the kids are anxious to play,” Pruitt said.

While Fitzgerald has been off for three weeks, Perry did play last week. In their league opener, the Panthers were defeated 35-28 in overtime by the Westover High Patriots. That loss dropped Perry to 0-3 on the year.

Even with that record the Fitzgerald coach is not overlooking the Panthers.

“They have been in every game they have played. They only lost to Peach County 3-0 and they gave Hawkinsville all they could handle (a 28-13 loss),” Pruitt said.

Perry’s biggest strength appears to be size. The Panthers average 240 pounds a man across the offensive front.

“They are a very big team. They also have some speed, as well,” Pruitt said. “We are going to have to be ready to play.”

The Hurricanes will try to dent that offensive line with their defense led by Russell West and Troy Williams.

Offensively, Fitzgerald will rely on the running of Tyler Pruitt. The senior has rushed 29 times this season for 236 yards. Pruitt, a 2000 All-State performer has averaged 8.1 yards per carry and has scored 28 points this season.

Tucker Pruitt is the Hurricane quarterback. He has completed 10-of-18 passes this season for 154 yards. Rodney Smith and Michael Mann have been among his favorite receivers.

Game time tomorrow will be 8 p.m.