Syrupmakers begin region play

The Cairo Syrupmakers are coming off an open week after a big over the Thomasville Bulldogs two weeks ago.  “I wish we could have kept playing, but the schedule is what it is and we just have to get ready for Monroe,” said head coach Tom Fallaw.
The Syrupmakers lost to Bainbridge and Thomas County Central in their first two games, but picked up their first win, 7-3 over the Bulldogs on the road two weeks ago.  Defensively the Syrupmakers held the potent Thomasville offense out of the end zone, while the Maker offense was able to score a second quarter touchdown on a pass from quarterback Brian Walker to Chris Adams.
This week, the Makers face the Monroe Tornadoes in their first region game of the 2009 season. The Tornadoes are  undefeated this season with wins over  Kendrick and Terrell County both 40-0, Glynn Academy 26-3, and Crisp County 17-0.  
The Tornadoes return 15 starters from last year including quarterback Justin Pride who threw over 1400 yards last year. Also returning is running back Dominique Lumpkin who rushed for 600 yards last season. Monroe’s defense also returns several starters and have only given three points this season..
The last time the Syrupmakers played Monroe in Albany was in 2006. The Tornadoes defeated the Makers that year 19-18 a loss that probably cost the Syrupmakers a region championship. “Playing Monroe in Albany will be a challenge, they have a lot of speed at the skill positions and they haven’t given up many points this year,” said Fallaw.
Kickoff for Friday night’s region match up with the Tornadoes is scheduled for 7:30 pm at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany.  The game can be heard on WGRA radio and www.gaprep.com on the internet.