Cats rejuvenated after bye week

Eric Tabor
Thursday June 12, 2008

Coming off a much-needed bye week that was used to nurse some nagging injuries, it’s a whole new ballgame for the South Georgia Wildcats.

Cats offensive coordinator Charlie Davidson said earlier this week that this team needed a blowout win. Head coach Derik Stingley wanted the team to play four quarters. 

“Everybody came out to play,” said Wildcat Defensive back Matt Jackson. “We just have to carry it over week to week.”

As usual, there was a message behind Coach Davidson and Coach Stingley’s methods.

“Any time you can fire in all three phases like we did and play a full four-quarter game, because Coach Stingley really wanted us to play that full four-quarter game,” said Alvin Ray Jackson.

“He felt like we’ve played four-quarter games, but not to the best of our ability, when we’d done everything right. It feels real good right now.”
 
In fact, what a difference a week makes for the confidence level and mood of the Wildcats (6-4 overall) heading into a huge showdown game on Saturday against the Florida Firecats.

“Any opponents that come against us,” said Christian Wise. “We come to play.”

After the game Coach Davidson had a new phrase, “Keep the momentum going.”

The Wildcat defense forced seven turnovers, five of which were interceptions, three of those were returned for touchdowns. Ronald Cola led the way with two picks and a fumble recovery on a kickoff for a touchdown, followed by Alvin Ray Jackson, Piere Lee, and Cory Bailey who returned their turnovers for touchdowns. Not to be trumped, the defensive line had three sacks and two fumble recoveries for touchdowns. Melvin Parris fell on a loose ball for a touchdown, as did James Harris.

“The defense set the tempo, the offense followed suit,” said coach Davidson.

Since the team returned from the bye week, there have been a plethora of changes.

One of the biggest was the simplified offensive scheme.

“I spent the bye week reflecting on improving the playcalling,” said coach Davidson. “Condense the offense and stick to the plays we do well.”

Unfortunately for the Daytona Beach Thunderbirds, they played the victim. The Wildcat offense scored on all but two of its possessions, led by QB Andrico Hines 17-of-25 passing for 240 yards and seven touchdowns.

With that said, all is now right with the world, as South Georgia wins 84-28.