The Perry Panthers Prepare to Welcome the Ware County Gators in our Week 10 Game of the Week
The Perry Panthers (5-2) and their undefeated Region 1-AAAA record host the Ware County Gators (3-3) who look to remain perfect in Region play as well
PERRY, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The Perry Panthers are 5-2 so far this season, as they prepare to host the Ware County Gators in Region 1-AAAA action. Coming off back-to-back region victories, Perry has put up 136 total points in their last two wins to add to their already high scoring average, giving them 42 points a game.
After allowing 47 points in their 80-point region win over New Hampstead, this Panthers defensive unit is giving up just 23 points a game. Including, three games where they allowed seven points or less, and one 38-0 shutout over Veterans.
Now the Panthers face a tough stretch of region games to finish the year, starting with the 3-3 Gators, coming off their 38-14 region win over Benedictine. Ware County dropped to the AAAA after winning 22 games in AAAAA play the last two seasons, including a 14-0 state championship campaign in 2022. However, led by over 30 seniors, this Panthers team is rolling and ready for a repeat of their own.
These two teams haven’t faced since 1993, with the all-time series being tied at 1-1.
Eighth year Panthers Head Coach Kevin Smith talks about executing the game plan, without costly mistakes. “This is always our goal, that we want to improve each week. This is a very important ball game for us because its the next ball game on our schedule. As the season has progressed, you can tell that our team has gotten a lot better” said Coach Smith at Tuesday’s practice.
“They got a really good offensive line, a really good running back, real good quarterback. they are going to run the ball, set up play action, and its going to be a real physical ball game. They’re like us, they like to hang their hat on defense and we are going to have to do a good job of blocking our assignment, and running our assignments. Both programs have a lot of pride and both programs expect to win.”
Coach Smith went on to say, “at this point in the season, you got two really good football teams going at it. It’s going to come down to penalties, it’s going to come down to busted assignments, turnovers, and the kicking game; being disciplined in the kicking game. I really feel like the team that is the most disciplined is going to have a higher chance of being successful this week.”
Senior Nose Guard Chayden Barber is all-in on stopping this Gators run scheme to give the Panthers the best position to win. “They run a lot of stretch, a lot of inside zone, they’re a strictly running team, and if we execute, and fill our gaps, we will be in a great position to win” said Barber. It’s always good to go against good competition. It just means it’s going to be a real good game for us and we need to see it like its going into the playoffs because we are going to get teams that caliber and size every week.”
Even with a great running team, Senior Running Back Ahmad Gordon is ready to outshine Ware County on the ground come Friday night. “I know their defensive line is very good. Once our guys go head-to-head with their guys, hopefully we can get some running lanes, and we can run. I just know its going to be a tough game, so we just have to go out there and play 100% for four quarters.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Herb St. John Stadium.
Catch live pregame coverage during 41NBC News at 5, 5:30 and 6 p.m. Don’t miss highlights from our Game of the Week, and others, on this Friday’s edition of The End Zone during 41NBC News at 11.
