Last Friday, Warren County defeated Lake Oconee Academy 30-14, which was similar to the team’s first loss.
After starting the season 5-0, the Titans have lost back-to-back games, including their region opener.
“We hurt ourselves, you know, it was the same thing against Landmark,” Lake Oconee Academy head coach Patrick Stewart said. “We’ve just got to get under control of when we’re up and not get too ahead of ourselves.”
The Titans were up 14-0 and lined up for a field goal to extend their lead as the first half expired.
Then, the Screaming Devils blocked the kick, returned it for a touchdown, and started the second half with a 99-yard kickoff return to make it 14-12.
“It was a big momentum swing with just those two special team plays,” Stewart said.
The momentum stayed on Warren County’s side, and LOA couldn’t get anything going after the half. Penalties significantly influenced the Titans’ loss to Landmark Christian and were a problem in this game against the Screaming Devils. Their miscues happened on each side of the ball.
“We had nine penalties on offense, and it was simple mental errors,” Stewart said. “So when you have nine penalties on offense and two special team touchdowns, it’s hard to win a game.”
The errors put a speed bump in the game plan that Stewart and the staff devised for the team.
“Our game plan was good,” Stewart said. “From a scheme perspective, we don’t feel like we needed to change anything.”
The Screaming Devils ran the Wing-T offense, which the Titans have seen a lot of this season, so they were ready, and Stewart was proud of how the defense played. They stopped the run on the edge and didn’t allow their opponent to get a single two-point conversion on five attempts.
“Offensively, we moved the ball well,” Stewart said. “Ike [O’Neal] was throwing and running well, and Reid Davis had a great touchdown grab.”
Walker Poyner continued his success in the rushing game, adding 102 yards and another touchdown to his season totals.
“When you’re playing a region especially, you can’t have penalties and special team touchdowns and expect to win a game,’ Stewart said.
LOA is 5-2 overall and 0-1 in region play but can get back in the win column this Friday against Lincoln County.