Veterans, Perry set for Houston County Rivalry matchup in the Week Five Game of the Week
The 2-1 Veterans Warhawks head to Perry to take on the 1-2 Panthers in The Endzone's Week 5 Game of the Week
KATHLEEN, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Another week of high school football gears up another Houston County matchup in the Week Five Game of the Week.
The Veterans Warhawks, 2-1 under new head coach Steven DeVoursney, appear to be off to a strong start after struggling last season. The Warhawks are preparing for their first of three consecutive Houston County matchups as they travel nine miles south to face the 1-2 Perry Panthers.
DeVoursney said his young group has shown improvement but needs to learn how to finish games. After nearly giving up a 14-point halftime lead two weeks ago in an overtime win over Starr’s Mill, the fourth head coach in program history said the focus is on finishing strong Friday at the Panther Pit.
The Warhawks could not win their home opener but have pulled out two straight victories and are looking to build momentum coming off their bye week. Sophomore quarterback Trey Byrd, junior running back Tylan Glover, senior defensive back Christian Askew and senior defensive end Nolan Thompson have stepped into big roles to help establish a new culture.
With a couple of weeks until region play, DeVoursney said limiting turnovers and explosive plays will be key. The Warhawks are hungry to avenge last season’s 38-0 loss to Perry and even the close 49-41 loss in 2023.
This will mark the 16th all-time meeting between the two programs, both led by state championship-winning head coaches. After losing the last four contests, Veterans is seeking its eighth win in the series.
“It’s been a big change for them, you know, just since day one, and how we practice; what we do at practice,” DeVoursney said. “So just trying to get them to buy in. We’re not where we need to be, obviously, by a long ways, but we’re getting better making steps each day, and that’s all we can ask our kids to do. I think they’re starting to realize and understand how important all that stuff is. Just not this part, it’s the whole process, and that’s what makes a successful program.”
Players said chemistry has been a major focus.
“Chemistry, team chemistry, improving a lot, the most,” Askew said. “This bye week, we spent a lot of time together, focusing, game planning for Perry and how we gonna compete with them. We got to beat them. Before the game starts, a lot of energy. Guys locked in, no playing around. We gotta really focus. It’s a rivalry game. We have an amazing bond. Have great goals for this team, and we’re gonna have a great season.”
Byrd added the new coaching staff has sparked a different mindset.
“I think we’re growing a lot,” he said. “With Coach DeVoursney coming in, he’s been pushing us real hard this offseason. Culture is real different around here, like guys are hungry after last year’s season. We’re just trying to get better one game at a time. We’re trying to get this game real bad. Last year didn’t go as planned. The year before was a real good game. So we’re trying to get back into that spirit, trying to get them this year.”
DeVoursney said the Warhawks are pleased with the 2-1 start but need to find more consistency.
“We’re two and one, which is great for us,” he said. “And the rest of our schedule is going to be a lot tougher than the first three games, and we know that, but I just try and challenge our kids to play hard. I don’t think we’ve played four quarters yet as hard as we can every time we’re on that field. I don’t think our kids understand what that means at practice or in the game. Anything can happen when you play hard. Perry’s got a little better football team than we do, and their D-line is really good. That probably stands out most about them. Their D-line just wreaks havoc every game and just plays so hard. They’ve done a great job with those guys. I just like to see our kids compete with them and play hard with them.”
The Veterans Warhawks take on the Perry Panthers at Herb St. John Stadium on Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Catch highlights from this game, and many others, on this Friday’s edition of The Endzone, only on 41NBC News at 11 p.m. Tune into live pregame coverage from the Panther Pit Friday night on 41NBC News at 5, 5:30, and 6 p.m.
