Forget the Past, Live in the Present, and Smile When Thinking of the Future

Eric Tabor
Tuesday April 24, 2007

For the past two seasons in Albany, Georgia the South Georgia Wildcats have found ways to give up big plays, squander leads, and loose ballgames. Well there is a saying, forget the past, live in the present, and smile when thinking of the future. This quote is profoundly true, as the Wildcats improve to an impressive 3-1.

There were several questions coming out of last week’s loss to the Alabama Steeldogs.

First and foremost the kicking game, second the lack of a consistent pass rush, and third several blown pass coverages. But remember part of the quote I just used, forget the past.

“In that locker room last week after Alabama, I saw in all their eyes they were really upset,” said Wildcats Head Coach Derek Stingley. “This team loves to win, they want to go out there and win every game that we go out to play.”

Fast forward to the present.

With Wide Receiver Scott Cloman and Lineman Brandon Washington out with injuries, the Wildcats would need help from the rest of the team. 

To defeat a very good Tennessee Valley Viper squad everyone would need to step up.

The defense answered the challenge and rose to the occasion, notching three sacks, two by Defensive Lineman Courtney Young and another by fellow Lineman Joe Woolridge.

However, that was trumped by Defensive Back Daryon Brutley’s three interceptions.

The special teams also answered the call; Kicker Byungwoo Yoon, who was maligned after the Alabama game for missing several extra points, was eight-of-nine on point after touchdown attempts this week.

“I made some changes in my kicking,” said Yoon. “I kinda figured out the problem why it (the ball) sailed a little bit.”

It was tit for tat until the second half, with the score 37-27, South Georgia took control for good on quarterback D. Bryant's 15-yard pass to Wide Receiver Chavis McCollister with 5:15 left in the third quarter and added a fumble recovery for a touchdown to lead 51-27 less than a minute later.

D. Bryant put in another stellar performance completing 18 of 35 passes for 232 yards and five touchdowns. Fullback Derrick Lloyd had six rushes for 30 yards and two TDs.  Wide Receiver James Robinson had six catches for 106 yards and two scores.

“We played a good game,” said James Robinson. “Still gotta correct a little bit more, we should have scored a little more, but it’s good to bounce back.”

The Cats have a lot to smile about during this bye week, looking to the future as they win 64-42.