Time to start the second season

Eric Tabor
Thursday August 2, 2007

Forget the talk that the South Georgia Wildcats are the last team the Florida Firecats wanted to see in the playoffs.

The Wildcats will make a trek down I-75 to take on an af2 perennial power, the Florida Firecats (11-5). This will be the toughest road trip since the Wildcats moved to Albany from Cape Fear. The South Georgia record of 10-6 is by far the best of their three seasons in Albany, but it isn’t the only record to fall.

Quarterback D. Bryant set an af2 record for single season passing yards with 4,680 on the season.  He also became only the 3rd quarterback in league history to pass the 100 touchdown plateau by tossing 102 touchdowns on the season.

Wide Receiver Chavis McCollister set a Wildcats’ franchise record with 1,738 yards receiving on the season.  He accomplished that feat in only 15 games. 

The Wildcats are first in the af2 in yards per game (316.6) and passing yards (296.8).Their 54.7 points per game is fifth in the league.

“They play pretty well,” said Firecats head coach Kevin Bouis of the Wildcats. “They have two real good players -- D. Bryant is probably one of the better quarterbacks in the league and then (Chavis) McCollister (115.9 receiving yards per game and 36 TDs) is playing extremely well. Good combination, and it makes for a pretty potent offense.”

Wildcats defensive back Daryon Brutely joined in the record-breaking also by setting a franchise record with 9 interceptions.

“Obviously this season has been a big step for our franchise, but we’re not done yet,” said Wildcat General Manager Darren McPhail.  “As an organization we would like to commend our coaches and our entire team on such an exciting ride.”

Florida counters with the league's second scoring (32.8 ppg), passing (211.2 ypg) and total yardage (224.1) defense.

Magic Benton, Ethnic Sands, and Chris McKinney give the Firecats their first trio of 1,000-yard receivers in a single season. Chris Wallace did not throw an interception in eight of Florida's final nine games. (The only pick was by South Georgia’s Greg Golden)

“This is a great situation, to win the division and be hosting. South Georgia,” said Firecats head coach Bouis. “We've had two close games with 'em, could've gone either way. Should be a good matchup.”

If past history is any indication, it will be a tight game. Four of the past six regular season games have been decided by seven points or less, and Germain Arena will be packed since the Firecats made tickets available Monday.