CHULA — Defense reigned supreme Friday for Tiftarea Academy in its scrimmage against Randolph-Clay. However, it also reigned supreme for the Red Devils. Neither team scored in their preseason finale.

Head coach Erik Soliday said his squad ran to the ball well against Randolph-Clay, who is coached by former Panthers assistant Charles Truitt.

What could have been big Tiftarea plays were whistled early with quarterback J.R. Walker on the run, to ensure he stayed protected. “And that’s a lot of what we do,” Soliday said.

John Jackson had a nice catch and he said the receivers did a good job blocking down the field.

Soliday said there were no injuries to his players, which may be the most important part of the outcome.

From here, the Panthers hit the road for Central Fellowship to open the regular season.

“Tough place to play,” he said, adding they had their hands full.

Central Fellowship went 7-3-1 a year ago, falling in the quarterfinals of the GIAA Class 2A playoffs to Southwest Georgia Academy. The tie was to the Panthers, breaking Central Fellowship’s 21-game winning streak.

The Lancers won a GAPPS state title in 2021, then in the GIAA in 2022.

Following Central Fellowship, Tiftarea will stay on the road, albeit a much quicker bus ride. On Aug. 23, the Panthers travel to Turner County, a mere 15 minutes up the road. A 3-8 team last year, the Titans open their season at home against Worth County.