Huge Win Propels Cats

Eric Tabor
Friday June 20, 2008

With the af2 season 18 weeks long, many people around the country seem to be talking about “must win games”.  Across the board this week there were many teams that were looking to get of their respective basements and into the win column. Some of them played good football and won, while others looked like they didn’t even practice during the week.

A key NFC South Division battle took place Saturday night between the South Georgia Wildcats and Florida Firecats. The Wildcats came into this game with one of the most impressive performances in the league behind them, and they did not disappoint. 

“It was a must win game, and they (Florida) are in our conference,” said Wildcat defensive back Roland Cola. “We had to get this win.”

South Georgia’s defense held Chris Wallace and the Firecats offense to zero points in the first half.

“It’s about the guys playing together,” said Head Coach Derek Stingley. “The guys are doing exactly what I want them to do in coverage and up front.”
 
“We sent a message to Daytona,” said Wildcat linebacker Alvin (Big Play Ray) Jackson, “and everybody was like, ‘OK, that's Daytona. They’re 2-8. Do it against a playoff team.’ Tonight we proved we have a great team, and the only thing we have to do is build, and keep on winning.”

South Georgia also capitalized on three turnovers in the game, with Roland Cola getting an interception, James Harris and Alvin Ray Jackson recovering fumbles.

As the defense shined, so did the offense, with PJ Berry being on the receiving end of four TD’s. While Buchie Ibeh got eight grabs for 69 yards and a touchdown.

“Our plan on offense was just to execute the game plan, hats off to (Wildcat Offensive Coordinator) Coach Davidson for calling a flawless game,” said Buchie Ibeh

When you accompany great defense with a great offense, you have a recipe for success.

Stingley said, "It's a good thing, as a head coach, knowing that you put this group together, knowing that they can make the plays that they were going out there making. I'm just thrilled right know, and I hope that we can keep it going."

The Firecats, on the other hand, are beatup and injured and have struggled to find the end zone. Chris Wallace struggled mightily, with most of his yards coming when the game was already decided, and the Firecats’ offensive line was not able to block anybody.

If Saturday’s game was any indication of how the rest of the Wildcats season will go, we are all in for a major treat. South Georgia wins 42-32.