Syrupmakers advance in playoffs
Quarterback Brian Walker #10 scores for Cairo late in last Friday’s night contest with Troup County.
The Burke County Bears (8-3) are the next challenge for the Syrupmakers (10-0) in the state AAA playoffs. The Bears defeated Mary Persons High School last Friday night 42-14, while the Makers shut out Troup County 48-0.
Cairo coach Tom Fallaw says the Bears possess a potent offense with many weapons. “They have a quarterback who has thrown for over 1,000 yards and rushed for just about as many. He can make plays all over the field, and is a very accurate passer,” said Fallaw. The coach says the Bears can also run the ball behind a very talented offensive line. “This will be a big test for our defense, they can run it and throw it, and just seem to find ways to beat you,” said Fallaw.
The Cairo defense, which allowed the Troup Tigers just 20 yards of offense last week, doesn’t give up a lot of points or yards. The Syrupmaker “D” is giving up fewer than 5 points a game, while the Maker offense is averaging over 31 points a game. The Syrupmakers have recorded three shutouts, with teams scoring late touchdowns on reserves in at least four games.
The Bears’ defense has averaged surrendering a little over 18 points a game, while their offense is scoring almost 28 points a game. The Bears lost 27-34 to Ware County, which defeated Thomas County Central last week. They have also lost 19-28 to Statesboro, which is 10-1 on the season, and 7-17 to Baldwin, still undefeated at 11-0.
Among the Bears’ wins for the season are victories over Brunswick, which beat TCCHS last week, Washington County and Thomson. The Makers and Bears are 1-1 against each other. The Bears eliminated the Syrupmakers from the playoffs in 1997, 24-17, and lost to the Makers in 2000, 27-7.
“At this point, everyone is good or they wouldn’t be in the playoffs. We’ve got to continue to play well each week, because it’s do or die now,” said Fallaw.
Tickets for Friday’s game are $8 and now on sale at Cairo High School. Friday night’s game will be broadcast live on WGRA radio with the pregame show at 6:30 p.m. and kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
