Dragon slayers?

Published 11:35 am Thursday, November 24, 2016

CAIRO, Ga. — The third round of the state football playoffs has arrived, and Cairo’s football team knows that the only opponents left are the ones that are real contenders for a state title.

The Syrupmakers (11-1) will be facing their biggest challenge of the year, taking on Jefferson in their first quarterfinal appearance since 2011 at West Thomas Stadium tonight at 7:30.

Cairo’s defense has stepped up just in time, as that unit has not allowed a single offensive point in the playoffs yet. Baldwin only scored on a safety in Round 1, and last week, Sandy Creek scored one touchdown on a punt return late in the fourth quarter in a 10-7 win for the Syrupmakers. Takeaways by the secondary were key against the Patriots, and head coach Steve DeVoursney finally saw the kind of emotion he’s been wanting to see all year from his squad.

“They played hard and came out fired up,” he said. “They played for four quarters, which I don’t think we’ve done all year. It’s a good time to start.”

With Cairo and Jefferson both in the tournament as No. 1 seeds, home field was decided by a coin flip, which the former won. That’s a positive for the Syrupmakers, who may need every advantage possible against the visiting 11-1 Dragons, who have the players to beat anyone.

Cairo’s defense will be facing a lot tonight, beginning with the player in Jefferson’s backfield. Colby Wood is one of the top running backs from North Georgia, having racked up 1,425 yards and 19 touchdowns for the Dragons this year. Besides him, they have other playmakers who can make a huge difference.

“It’ll be tough this week,” DeVoursney said. “They have a great running back, a great quarterback, great receivers and a great offensive line. Hopefully our defense will rise up to the occasion like they have all year.”

On offense, Cairo’s John Michael Owens and Walter Grant will have to face a very good defensive line full of seniors led by Dontae Wilson, who has six sacks. As always, field position will be a huge factor for the Syrupmakers, and kicker Cole Phillips has been key in that regard in the playoffs so far, using his big leg well on kickoffs and field goals. One of those three-point tries was the difference last week.

“Everybody’s good this time of year,” DeVoursney said. “You’ve got to bring your A-game or you’re out.

“It’s good to be in this round. It’s been a great year so far, and hopefully we can continue what we’re doing.”