Baldwin Braves Look to Bounce Back in Rivalry Clash With West Laurens
The 2-2 Baldwin Braves will face the 5-0 West Laurens Raiders in a Region 4-AAA Rivalry Matchup
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The Baldwin Braves are rested, recharged, and ready for a rivalry matchup after a bye week for The End Zone’s Week Seven Game of the Week.
The Braves (2-2, 1-1 region), led by second-year head coach Kevin Patterson, are coming off a tough 41-18 loss to Harlem two weeks ago. Now, they head into their third region game Friday night against the West Laurens Raiders, a team Baldwin has beaten five of the last six meetings.
Many of Baldwin’s players have faced West Laurens dating back to middle school and junior varsity, adding extra intensity to the rivalry. Last season, the teams split two matchups in just 10 days, with the Raiders winning in the regular season before Baldwin edged them by two points in the first round of the playoffs.
Patterson, the 16th head coach in program history, said his team is still learning but growing into its identity.
“We are a young team, so we’ve got to go through some things to get it right, but the older guys are bought in,” Patterson said. “They’re sticking together, and they’re trying to lead the young guys the right way.”
Patterson emphasized respect for West Laurens and expects a tough battle in Dexter.
“We know it’s going to be a dog fight,” he said. “We know they’re going to be physical, we know they’re going to be well coached, we know it’s going to be a hostile environment. The goal is to play like our hair is on fire for four quarters and try to win all three phases of the football game.”
Baldwin lost 17 seniors from last year’s 7-5 squad, including quarterback Lamar Pounds and Defensive Player of the Year Q Russell. But the Braves return 18 seniors this season, with leaders such as defensive standout Jalen “Bull” King and versatile playmaker London Blash stepping into bigger roles.
Players say the biggest difference is team chemistry.
“Our biggest improvement is our chemistry,” Blash said. “Last year, we had guys that were kind of selfish, but now I feel like we are tighter as a family. Everything in the program just took a huge leap, and I feel like that’s what’s gonna get us all the way to success.”
For King, the rivalry carries extra meaning.
“I didn’t beat them last year. Last year was their first beating us, so I don’t plan on letting them think that’s going to keep happening,” King said. “I’m a senior, I’m gonna leave the right way. I know we’re faster, stronger, and we play together as a team.”
The Braves will aim for their 13th all-time win in the 17th meeting between the two programs when they face the Raiders on Friday night. Catch highlights from the game of the week, along with several other games, on The End Zone, on Friday night during 41NBC News at 11 p.m. Tune into pregame coverage live from ‘The Shu’ during 41NBC News at 5, 5:30, and 6 p.m.
