"The game is a big game for us and a big game for our program," Panther head coach Kirk Warner said of tonight’s match-up against Baldwin Braves at Donell Woods Stadium. "We have not had that big signature win for our program and I think Baldwin would be that win."
The Braves are tied with Washington County in Region 3-AAA at 3-0. The Panthers are ranked just beneath the two undefeated teams. A big win could push them into second place and a possible home game for the first round of playoffs.
However, Warner said he expects a tough game from the Braves, who shutout the Panthers last year in Baldwin 35-0.
Although Warner said the Braves’ offense is more basic than Burke’s, the Braves are good at what they do.
"They have two quarterbacks that are equally good," he said. "They both run the offense well."
He said the Braves are capable of spreading the ball like his offense does.
Once again, Warner gave kudos to his defense in their 21-20 overtime win against Burke last Friday.
He said the offense fumbled and turned over the ball three times in the second half, but Burke was unable to capitalize only becauseof the Panthers strong defense.
Marcus Jefferson leads the defense with 69 tackles for the season so far. Thomas Penny has 65 for the year, Aaron Bennett has 50 and Tucory Rhodes has 48.
Both defenses are comparable, as the Panthers have allowed 12 points per game and the Braves have
allowed 13.9. The Panthers’ offense is averaging 21.8 points per game and the Braves average is 26.1.
It’s also senior night at Donell Woods and the Panthers will honor their senior players, cheerleaders and band members. Kickoff is at for 7:30.