The Bradwell Institute Tigers will host Charlton County at 7:30 tonight on Olvey Field, looking for a 2-1 start for the season.
Bradwell hopes to carry over the momentum from last week’s 34-28 win over Savannah High. The Tigers’ strong rushing game earned them the win. Sammie Clayton ate up 142 yards in 16 carries. Tiger quarterback LeBaron Anthony had 84 yards on 13 carries, and Hubert Anderson had 47 yards in 11 runs. The Tigers had nearly 300 yards on the ground, did a good job in eating the clock and converted 18 first downs.
Tiger Robert Miller had to punt the ball only twice in the game and averaged 33 yards a punt. Ziere Diggs returned a kickoff for 96 yards and a touchdown.
For the Indians, starting quarterback Trae Harrington, if healthy, will be a focus for the Tigers’ defense. Harrington was 22-of-53 passing for 360 yards in the Indians’ 34-6 win over Brantley County in the season opener.
The Tigers’ first-year head coach, Adam Carter, said they’ve been ironing out the defensive strategy all week.
“They spread you out and make you cover the entire field,” Carter said. “They are a five-wide team every play, and the only thing we can try and do is give them different looks and not let him (Harrington) get comfortable. If he gets to sit back there and we don’t get a good pass rush on him … he is going to pick you apart. We have to do our best to get physical with his receivers and not let him get comfortable.”
The Tiger defense was successful against Savannah with Isiah Barnes, Lynwood Spaulding and DeMichael Green, each getting a sack for four yards of loss. Barnes also led in total tackles with 20. D’Angelo Smith had 15, Justin Ramsey had 12, Anderson had 11, and Stephon Green had 10 total tackles.
Carter said last week’s win also will help the team stay focused on the remainder of the season.
“Getting that first win out of your way is like getting a big monkey off your back … it’s like a burden being lifted off your chest, and it was good for the kids to get success early and keep them motivated,” he said.
Tonight, all active-duty military personnel with ID will be admitted free for Military Appreciation Night.