Warner Robins Looks to Extend Rivalry Streak with Northside

The Warner Robins Demons lead the rivalry 42-25 all-time heading into the 68th matchup

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – It’s already week three of the high school football season, and one of the state’s biggest rivalries is set for Friday night at McConnell-Talbert Stadium.

The Warner Robins Demons, led by third-year head coach and former quarterback Shane Sams, enter the rivalry matchup 1-1 after a 45-14 loss to Lee County and a 53-0 shutout win over Fayette County. This rivalry game could be the test to see where the Demons stand this season.

Determined to make history, Warner Robins is aiming for a record ninth straight win in the rivalry. That would mark the program’s 43rd all-time victory in the series and continue a legacy that includes 23 region titles and six state championships under head coaches Robert Davis, Bryan Way, Mike Chastain and Marquis Westbrook.

Sams said he is excited about his team despite losing 31 seniors. This year’s roster features 32 seniors stepping into key roles, though it may be hard to replace top talent such as Isaiah Gibson and RaSean Dinkins, both now at the University of Georgia.

The Demons will look to playmakers like seniors Ezra Goings, Jacoby Parsons, Zayvon Burke, Lekayvious Bryant, Jamarcus Allen and Jessie Roberson. On the line, Chase Plank and 6′ 4″ Tre Glover will be protecting sophomore quarterback Chandler Dyson, who Sams said has a high ceiling. Defensively, Sams highlighted outside linemen Jaquavion Ross and Derrick Smith.

Warner Robins also has new coordinators, including former Veterans head coach Josh Ingram, who is running the offense.

“This means a lot,” Plank said. “Growing up, I used to come watch these games as a kid. Warner Robins was always on the winning side. It just makes me feel good that I can play for Warner Robins and be a Demon. If we go out there and win, this would be nine years in a row, and that ain’t never been done. So, why not make history our senior year?”

Sams said his team is showing progress.

“Definitely starting to unify as a team,” he said. “That’s one thing we talked about all offseason, becoming one team and working together. When we turn the clips on, we want to see us celebrate together, picking each other up. That’s what we’re starting to see.”

As for the rivalry itself, Sams said records can be thrown out the window.

“It’s one of the best games ever to be played,” he said. “This game means a lot. It means a lot to these kids, to both teams, and to the community. It’s definitely exciting to be part of.”

Warner Robins and Northside will meet for the 68th time Friday in a rivalry separated by just 2.2 miles, as the Demons look to keep their streak alive. The Warner Robins Demons and Northside Eagles will face off at The Mac, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tune into highlights from the game on The Endzone during 41NBC News at 11 p.m. Catch live pregame coverage from McConnell-Talbert Stadium during 41NBC News at 5, 5:30, and 6 p.m.