This Friday’s matchup between Greene County (7-1, 2-0) and Lincoln County (8-0, 3-0) has major implications for the Class A Division II playoffs, and, more importantly, region standings.
The No. 6 Red Devils enter this week’s big rivalry game against the No. 7 Tigers in the pole position for Region 8. The winner of Friday night’s top-10 contest in Lincolnton could win the region. Greene County head coach Terrance Banks knows how big this game is. He’s prepared his team all season for big moments, and it doesn’t get any bigger than facing Lincoln County for a shot at the region title.
“It’s a huge rivalry game,” said Banks, now in his third year at Greene.
“The winner will likely win the region.”
Last season, Greene County snapped a threegame losing streak to Lincoln County, winning 28-3.
However, the Red Devils have vastly improved this season under coach Lee Chomskis. They run the ball well on offense and pride themselves on playing stingy defense.
This game will be a battle. Lincoln County runs the wing-T offense, with its bread and butter being the ability to run the ball.
The Red Devils have a stable full of players who run the ball well, averaging 245.1 total yards per game.
Banks knows his defense is up to the task of stopping Lincoln County’s rushing attack.
Greene County has one of the best defenses in Class A Division II but needs to play its best game on Friday.
“That wing-T, they’ve been doing it since Larry Campbell was their coach,” he said. “Lincoln does a great job on that wing-T and going downhill, so defensively, we’ve got to be ready to read our keys.”
Last week, the Tigers started out slow against Lake Oconee Academy before a second-half surge. They need to start fast on Friday versus Lincoln County, which will not back down from a fight. Greene County also must limit penalties.
“Offensively, it could be a problem if we make those mistakes, so we’ve got to be ready to hit them in the mouth.
They’re going to hit us in the mouth, and we can’t wait until the second half to respond,” Banks said.
“They’re a very, very good team, and what they’re doing right now is playing unselfishly. That’s how we’ve got to continue playing and eliminate the pre- and post-snap penalties.”
The Tigers’ offense has been running the ball, led by Travez Gibson and Amari Durham. They’ve combined to rush for over 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground through nine games this year.
Lincoln County’s defense has done a solid job defending the run this year, too, so Greene County’s offensive line must make holes for Gibson, Durham, and others to run through if it wants the win.
“We talk a lot about them, but they both toted the rock well tonight,” Banks said of Gibson and Durham following the win over LOA. “Man, that’s what they do. Once they get warmed up, they go downhill and do a great job. I can’t speak to how well they do once they get going, and that’s got to be our game plan. If you want to beat Greene County, you must stop us from coming downhill.”
Lincoln County leads the all-time series 23-13-1 over Greene County. The Tigers can make it two straight over the Red Devils; however, they’ll need to put forth their best effort to accomplish such a feat.
“They are the standard because they build it that way,” Banks said.
“Our kids have to line up perfectly to [win]. Like I said, we’re going to work on reading our keys all week and hope our guys stay locked in.”