Houston County hopes to beat Perry for third straight season
The Houston County Bears (2-0) look to make it three straight wins over cross-county rival, the Perry Panthers (2-0)
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The Houston County Bears are preparing to face cross-county rival Perry in the Panther Pit on Friday night.
This game has turned into one of the biggest rivalries in Middle Georgia, not only because of the nine miles that separate the schools but also because of the success both programs have shown over the last few seasons. With only one region championship in its 34-year program history, third-year Houston County head coach Jeremy Edwards has drastically turned this Bears program back into the winning team it once had under former head coach Von Lassiter. Lassiter is currently the Bleckley County head coach.
With this newfound success over the last two seasons, led behind senior quarterback and Memphis University four-star commit Antwaan Hill Jr., Edwards looks to build on the success of the 21-6 record he has accumulated at HOCO by not only becoming 3-0 on the season but also by achieving a perfect 3-0 mark against the Panthers.
Edwards knows the challenge he faces against last season’s 4A state champions but is confident his team can “Bear Down” for another victory.
“It’s exciting for our community, it’s exciting for our kids, because whether it’s here or there, it’s always packed, which is what Friday night lights is all about,” Coach Edwards said at Wednesday’s practice. “Yeah [the last two games] have been close. Lost some years off my life, I think, in both of those games.”
Houston County won 57-56 in 2022 and 42-35 in 2023.
“They’re a great team, they’re a great program, they do a great job, their kids are extremely coached up, and they play really hard,” Edwards continued. “We know we got our work cut out for us when we play them. We’re going to get their best shot. It’s a rival game, so anything can happen. That’s the cool thing about this county, you play your in-county rivals, and it’s for bragging rights for a whole year. I’m sure [the Panthers] have this game circled for the last two years what we’ve been able to do, but it’s a new year and that’s what we preach to our kids. We are just trying to go 1-0 this week.”
The Bears and Panthers meet at Herb St. John Stadium Friday at 7:30 p.m. Catch highlights from this game, and many others, on Friday’s edition of The End Zone during 41NBC News at 11.
