Greene County got back in the win column this past Friday with a 14-8 non-region victory over Laney.
The Tigers (4-1), currently ranked No. 6 in Class A Division II, grinded out the win over the Wildcats (3-2).
Greene County head coach Terrance Banks was impressed with his team's perseverance in a low-scoring affair on a rainy night.
“We had about three touchdowns called back for various reasons. But for us, it was getting back to the type of football we’ve played the past couple of years, which is to run the ball, be opportunistic in the passing game, and play sound defense,” Banks said. “That was the biggest thing.”
Laney got on the scoreboard first as senior fullback James Pride bulled his way into the end zone. The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder scored from four yards out and converted the two-point conversion..
“We got down 8-0 and we need to stop doing that,” Banks said. “They drove the ball down the field on the first series and scored, but from there, we [managed] to right the ship and do what was needed.”
On the ensuing possession, Greene running back Travez Gibson burst through the hole for a 52-yard run, setting up the offense deep inside Laney's territory. Quarterback Landon Garrettson and wide receiver Steve Miller connected for a 12-yard touchdown through the air for a quick score.
The Tigers then tied it up, returning to Miller for the two-point conversion.
Greene eventually took the lead in the second quarter after the Wildcats' shanked punt gave the Tigers great field position.
Greene running back Amari Durhambroke off a long run for a touchdown, giving his team a 14-8 advantage. The Tigers went into the locker room at the half with a lead they never gave up.
Greene’s stout performance on the defensive side of the ball played a key role the entire game, limiting Laney’s rushing attack. The Wildcats never did get their run game going after the first drive.
Laney was driving late in the second half, facing a third-and-short situation when Greene sent a blitz, and outside linebacker Laryous Burt came up with a sack. The senior ruined the Wildcats’ drive.
Laney was held to 195 yards of total offense, with only 103 on the ground. The Wildcats faced Putnam County a few weeks ago and dominated on the ground, so the Tigers took note after watching the game film.
Players such as Burt, Kevin Wynn, RJ Monford, and others played a pivotal role in stopping the run.
“We saw some things on film that we thought gave us [an advantage] because we’ve also played Putnam,” Banks said. “I think that’s big because their offense is very similar to Putnam’s. Having played that single-wing offense helps us prepare for our region rival, Lincoln County, later in the year.”
Greene heads into the bye week looking to get healthy before resuming action next week. The Tigers will host Class AA’s Miller Grove from Lithonia next Friday for a 7:30 p.m. kick-off at Tiger Stadium.