Spartans look to bounce back

After the to visiting Centennial last Friday night, it was back to work this week for a Campbell team that travels to Fairburn Friday night to face 1-0 Langston Hughes.

The Panthers of Region 2-AAAAA came from behind to defeat visiting Osborne in Week 1, and would like nothing better than to knock off another Cobb county visitor Friday.

Langston Hughes went just 2-8 last year, one of the losses an early-season 35-29 overtime defeat at Campbell. The Spartans would then lose their final seven games, all in blowout fashion as they’ve dropped eight consecutive overall. But a year after a season-opening 36-0 rout loss at Centennial, the spirited Spartans gave quite the tough and determined effort in Friday’s narrow loss to the Knights.

Campbell senior linebacker Morgan Ford can testify to the work ethic the team has held this week. "A few of us on defense have come in the mornings before school to watch film with the coaches. They want us to be ready for the task we have at hand, and that is stopping a good offensive football team."

He added that the team has had a good week of practice and is ready to win.

Nick Williamson, first-year CHS defensive coordinator, echoed a sentiment of concern when it came to the Langston Hughes offense and its capability to make big plays. "To the defensive unit I have preached all week that we cannot miss tackles," he explained. "They show multiple offensive fronts, including the I-formation. They are definitively going to pass the ball, try to connect short passes, that if allowed will be dangerous."

Senior starting cornerbacks, Marquis Hudson and Demario Fornby, and sophomore free safety Austin Green have been properly preparing for Friday’s game.

According to Williamson, "We cannot give up big plays and will need to play assignment football this week. I think these young men are ready to make some big plays on the defensive side of the ball for us. And I hope the town will come out and support the team as we make a trip to Fairburn. We will need them behind us as we fight for the win."

Smyrna and the Campbell faithful did turn out well for the home opener. But this one is on the road and second-year head coach Willie Cannon, a former Creekside assistant, will have the Panthers pumped at McDaniel Stadium for the 7:30 kickoff. See here for the Langston Hughes school website and directions to the stadium.

The Whitefield Academy Wolfpack began 2011 in solid fashion with a 38-13 win at Walker High's Roberson Field last Friday. Whitefield enjoys its home opener and continues non-region play this week as Pace Academy pays a visit for a 7:30 p.m. game.

The Wolfpack blew a close game wide open in the second half last Friday as five different Whitefield players reached the end zone. Those scoring included senior Ryan Jones, junior Richard Sherrell and sophomore Khalen Pinkett. Junior quarterback Max Kemether tossed a pair of scoring passes, as well.

Class AA state-ranked Lovett is also 1-0 and will enjoy its season opener Friday night, too. The Lions won 14-12 at Thomasville two weeks ago, as Towers prepares to visit the riverbank at Lovett for a 7:30 kick.