The Bradwell Tigers closed out their slate of home games last Friday and celebrated the senior football players despite a loss to Region 3-AAAAA rival Richmond Hill.
Tonight, the Tigers try to get back on track at Ware County. Kickoff is 7:30 in Waycross.
Bradwell’s playoff hopes are starting to dim. The Tigers came within one possession of defeating Effingham County but lost, 7-6, when they opened region play more than a month ago. A victory against the Rebels, coupled with back-to-back wins against Jenkins and Windsor Forest, would have given the Tigers an opportunity at a berth to the state playoffs.  
Richmond Hill looks to finish at least second in the region and host a first-round playoff game. Effingham defeated Jenkins, 42-41, and the Rebels currently hold the No. 3 spot in the region.
Ware County, which lost in the state championship game last year to Gainesville, runs a fast spread offense. The Gators score a lot of points and have a stingy defense. Sophomore Dedrick Mills already has offers and interest from several SEC schools, including Alabama.
“We have to play a perfect game this Friday,” Bradwell Institute head coach Adam Carter said. “Our offense has to put together drives early and keep their offense off the field. Defensively, we must get 11 hats to the ball and tackle well. Keep them in third-and-long and give ourselves a chance to win at the end.”
Offensively, Bradwell has not had a problem putting points on the board, averaging 24 points a game. However, the Tigers give up 27 a contest.
Senior quarterback LaBaron Anthony leads the Tigers with 559 yards rushing on 109 carries in eight games. Anthony has been 44-of-97 passing with two touchdowns. Michael Burnette leads in receiving with 13 catches for 155 yards.
Hubert Anderson leads the Tigers in scoring with 12 touchdowns on 79 carries with 489 yards through eight games and has 69 tackles and two interceptions. Junior linebacker Isaiah Barnes leads the team in tackles with 78.
Senior kicker Robert Miller has been a perfect 21 for 21 in point-after kicks and 3-for-3 on field goals this season.
“This season has been a challenge. We have been in every game and have been on the short end in a few too many,” Carter said. “Our kids have competed in every game and are much better now then week one. We have to continue to go to work and finish up strong. I am pleased with the effort and the attitude of my players and coaches.”