If the First Presbyterian Christian Academy Highlanders thought their first football game of the season against Bethesda was going to be a challenge, a bigger one arrives tonight.
The Highlanders (0-4) will host Savannah powerhouse Memorial Day (3-1) at 7:30 p.m. at Long Bell Stadium in Hinesville.
The Matadors are coming off a 42-17 thumping of Toombs Academy last Friday in Lyons. Meanwhile, FPCA struggled against David Emmanuel last weekend.
FPCA is averaging 19 points per game, and keeping the offense on the field will be a priority in tonight’s contest for the Highlanders.
“We know they are fast and athletic, but they are not that physical, so hopefully we can try and be more physical than them,” FPCA football coach Jamie Sharp said. “We also need to control the game, slow the game down and not let their offense be on the field for an extended length of time. We want to keep or defense fresh, so we want to grind them play by play with the offense and not make mistakes on defense … we do that we have a shot to stay in the game.”
It is hard to keep fresh legs in the game for FPCA, which has 14 active players, but keeping the ball in its hands will allow the team to control the tempo and eat the clock when needed.
Sharp said the boys are doing their best and never quit. He knows it may seem hard for the players to realize their first win is in sight, but Sharp added his players just need to stay strong and see this season through.
“Work hard and the results will show … football is a game of patience … If you don’t give up, the results will show,” he said.