Syrupmakers host the Yellow Jackets Friday night

The Cairo Syrupmakers (0-1) will be back in action this Friday night as they face the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets (0-1). Both teams will be looking for their first win of the 2009 season.
The Makers lost to Bainbridge Aug. 22, 16-13, in the 2009 season opener, and the Jackets were beaten by the Thomasville Bulldogs last Friday night 13-9.
“We’ve got to continue to work to get better. We did some things better late in the second quarter and in the second half against Bainbridge, but we’ve got to continue to improve,” said CHS head coach Tom Fallaw. Cairo fell behind to the Bearcats 16-0 before battling back to cut the lead to 16-13. Cairo had some opportunities  late to win the game, but came up just short.
The Jackets had trouble moving the ball last Friday night against the Bulldogs, but managed to pick up some yards late to make the game close, even recovering an onside kick with a chance to win in the final minutes. “The Yellow Jackets are young in some positions, but have experience on the defensive side of the ball. They are well coached and will come in here ready to play, no doubt,” said Fallaw.
The Jacket defense played the Dawgs tough, allowing just one touchdown on defense, and containing the Bulldog offense for most of the game. TCCHS returns several players on defense including Chris Shiver who also has a strong leg as punter, Caleb Heard, Reshard Cliett and defensive end Ray Drew. Offensively, the Yellow Jackets have several new starters, including their quarterback, but have some experience on the offensive line and at running back.
In the last few years, the visiting team has had the upper hand, winning on enemy turf the last several meetings. For the first time in the series’ history, both teams come in searching for their first win of the season.
Kickoff for Friday night’s “Battle for the Barnett’s Creek Water Bucket” will begin at 7:30 p.m. at West Thomas Stadium.