Greene County was able to avenge last year’s loss by defeating Oglethorpe County 14-7 last Friday in a closely contested game.
The Patriots were able to come back and win 2022’s installment 34-33, so the Tigers’ performance last Friday was important for the team’s confidence heading into its first bye week.
In an interview earlier this week, second-year head coach Terrance Banks told the Lake Oconee News he was proud of the way his guys fought until the end of the game and how they handled adversity.
“This was really the first time all year that we faced adversity on the road,” Banks said. “I think that was big for us to get that result because it was probably the first time where we were favored and had to claw our way back to win the game. It showed them that even if you get into a dogfight, you’re still expected to overcome and persevere, which I thought we did.”
The Tigers did have to travel to Oglethorpe for the non-region matchup, and it was a low-scoring affair. Both defenses were ready for the occasion, and the first two quarters ended with zero points from both teams.
Banks acknowledged that the offense was able to figure things out in the second half, and that’s what ultimately got the Tigers’ over the hump.
“Oglethorpe had a very good game plan, wanting to run the ball and limit our offensive possessions, and they executed that well,” Banks said. “I think we only had four offensive possessions in the first half, and it was 0-0 at halftime. In the second half, our offense was able to figure some things out, and the defense kept doing what they were doing all night.”
Junior quarterback Steve Miller was able to finally get things going with his feet in the second half and scored the team’s only two touchdowns. He ended the night with 10 carries for 75 yards and got help from his backfield.
Amari Durham, Travez Gibson and Aveon Baugh never found the end zone, but the three combined for 156 yards on the ground.
Banks attributed the Tigers’ second-half success to the Patriots’ game plan when it came to stopping the run or the pass.
“We had to change the lineup a little bit due to some injuries, and just never got into a consistent rhythm,” Banks said. “Steve was able to make some things happen with his feet, and some of that was because of Oglethorpe’s game plan. Once we got into our run-pass option stuff, they tried to take away the pass, and that opened up some things on the ground.”
Aside from the offensive struggles, Greene County’s defense continued to perform to a high standard.
The Tigers held the Patriots to seven points, and their scoring drive came after a kickoff return to Greene’s 30-yard line. When Oglethorpe didn’t have good field position, it didn’t score.
Banks believed it was the most complete game his defensive unit has put together all season.
“We knew coming into the season that the defense was going to be our calling card,” Banks said. “They play very well, and they are what’s keeping us afloat each week. I think this last game was the most complete game as a unit they’ve had all season. Even on the touchdown they gave up, Oglethorpe returned the kickoff to our 30, so they didn’t have a long way to go to score.”
With a 5-0 record, the Tigers now enter their first break of the year with a bye week this Friday.
Greene County’s next game will be at the end of the month. The Tigers will be hosting the Indians of Towns County on Sept. 29.