The Bradwell Tigers play their second Region 3-AAAAA game of the season at 7:30 tonight when they host Jenkins for their homecoming game on Olvey Field.
Last week, the Tigers lost, 7-6, to Effingham County in their region opener in Springfield. The Tigers were on a scoring drive when they fumbled at the Rebels 10, sealing their fate. The Tigers’ defense held the Rebels to one touchdown, but the Rebels held strong as well, giving up only two field goals. The loss dropped the Tigers to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the region.
“We played pretty well, but we still have a lot of mistakes on both sides of the ball,” Tiger football coach Adam Carter said. “Our defense did play well, but it wasn’t mistake-free and that is what we need to do to win football games.”
Based on posted stats, Bradwell and Jenkins seem matched in terms of the running game. But Bradwell will have to stop the passing of senior quarterback Brenden Carter. Carter is averaging 175 passing yards per game for the Warriors. Carter’s go-to guys are Juan DeLaRosa and Malik Benlevi. DeLaRosa has 20 receptions for 337 yards and three touchdowns in five games. Benlevi has 13 receptions for 234 yards and five touchdowns. In addition to being an accurate passer, Brenden Carter also leads the team in rushing yards with 579 in five games.
“They have him (Carter), but they also have a lot of threats at the perimeter that he is throwing to,” coach Carter said. “He can throw it up to them and they will go get it. We are going to try and contain him and not let him get out of the pocket and scramble on us.”
The Tigers will show multiple blitz formations to pressure the Warriors’ passing game, but coach Carter said his defense needs to shore up any lanes to shut down the run.
On offense, the Tigers have amassed 759 yards on the ground. Bradwell quarterback LaBaron Anthony is averaging 48 passing yards per game and is spreading the ball between Sammie Clayton, Mike Burnett, Hubert Anderson, Lorenzo Brinson and Ziere Diggs.
During halftime, the Tigers will cap off spirit week announcing their homecoming king and queen.