Our teams?

Well, the special teams played a major role here, the blocked punt.

The Blue Devil offense had great field position at the Creekside five yard line to plays later.

Jim Davis Walker makes it look easy from a yard out.

Adam Jones kick was good state firm led seven six Seminoles then pulled out this play out of the bag of tricks Chris Rich John guys to Kevin Huggins Amos McCreery decided to go for two and they missed the two point conversion.

They were still down 1312 Chris Rich.

Gets picked off here by Adam Jones and Jones is off to the races.

He'll finally end up at the one yard line, one play.

Later, Jim Tavis Walker gets the call, scores his second touchdown of the night over the left tackle.

It was 2212.

Statesboro, Creekside Chris Rich tries one last desperate time.

Blue Devil Defense proves to be too much states.

Burl hangs on to beat Creekside, 20 to 12, and so that's how the two teams got here to the championship game tonight.

Now, interesting note, nine years ago, a championship game was played right here at Cornette Stadium and the Columbus Area School actually won.

It was Kendrick High School and it was coached by Buzz Busby.

Buzz Busby is now the coach tonight of Statesboro.

So Buzz was popular back then with Columbus area folks tonight.

Not so popular.

Joining me now in the booth to call tonight's game as our guest analyst from Dublin High School, Sam bars.

Sam two interesting teams and there should be some key points tonight to look at.

Big football game.

Don't be a physical football game.

The keys to tonight's a state opera.

Number one is ball control.

They've got to control the clock and shorten the game.

They've got to take advantage of turnovers.

They scored 17 points off of three turnovers last week in the Dome.

And then and then obviously they've got control of running back Sterling Jenkins now allow him to have a big play.

All right.

Now, what about your mojo?

No turnovers, obviously.

Don't give Statesboro a chance to create anything.

Get the ball to Sterling Jenkins through the pass, through the run, get it in his hand ready, make a play and in field position.

They must play good field position because of the weather.

Yeah, that weather is going to make a difference.

The field is very wet.

Yeah, exactly right.

It's going to.

Be a snow.

Make a difference tonight.

All right.

We'll go upstairs now to the guy who's going to give us the play by play all evening long from Clark Atlanta University, Charles Ward.

Hello, Charles.

You dry up there.

Jim?

It's a comfortable 72 degrees up here.

Wish you were with us.

Good evening, everybody, and welcome to the Quad Championship, featuring the Raiders of Shore and the Blue Devils of Statesboro in a ball game that two relative neophytes going after this championship tonight neither team.

You talked about the Blue Devils in your opening gym been here in 1966 of the championship all game first appearance for the raider shows should be an interesting contest as we take a look at the season stats for the.

Blue Devils, the States for a high score 13 and one coming into the night's contest limited passing of the football on the air, 400.

Yards on the season, eight touchdowns in the air.

The big category for the Blue Devils on the ground, over 4000 yards on the ground and 55 touchdowns as a result.

And the two men that are responsible for most of the yardage on the ground, a lot of them right there, Jim Tobias Walker.

Walker with 263 carries for over 1600 yards for the Blue Devils with 25 touchdowns on the season.

His running mate in the backfield, the Landry Turner.

He too at 1600 yards for the Blue Devils with 220 carries and look at the average returner Tanner at 7.3 yards per carry with 22 touchdowns on the season.

So that's a big challenge tonight for the Raiders of Shaw to contend with those two guys in the backfield for the Blue Devils of Statesville High School, but the Raiders of Shaw High School, they too have a pretty potent offense as well.

Take a look at some of their stats on the season perfect in 14 and oh on the campaign.

Are they too limited in the air?

What, only 700 yards a passing the big category for the Raiders as well on the ground over 2800 yards in rushing yardage and 39 touchdowns on the ground.

And Sterling Jenkins, we talked about him in the pre game show take a look at his regular season numbers at 813 yards on the campaign.

But when you factor in the postseason, JENKINS At over a thousand yards for the Raiders.

So the Blue Devils will have their hands full with him as well if they expect to take that championship back up the road to Statesboro.

Our Rob trouble standing by at the sideline for a field report Rob.

Charles, you know, Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be our national symbol, but that's a bird that literally looks up in the sky and drowns itself.

So I'm not sure what that makes me.

But let's take a look at the field.

Both kickers tonight were said to maybe have a bigger impact on this game.

Both can dial it up from 50 yards.

But that middle of the field where it's really worn is all wet and supine now.

So their effectiveness may be compromised.

Jim.

We may be in for a game like last week between Sean Carroll, a 6 to 2 final.

What do you think?

All right.

Thanks, Rob.

One of the championship game is being played tonight.

The single-A finale.

Buford of Commerce will have updates for you throughout the night.

Now, is the plan championship six for a?

Well, the opening kickoff.

Where are you after these messages and word from BP TV.

You're watching the Georgia High School Association Football Championships.

I'm guessing you're okay.

Yes.

And we are live here at Cornette Stadium for the start of the quarter finals between the Blue.

Devils, the state's four high schools and the Raiders of Shore High School.

The winner gets crowned body champ Charles Ward, along with Gerald Riggs, former Atlanta Falcons, running back with the play call from Cornette Stadium.

Gerald should be a good ball game.

We expect most of it to be on the ground ordinarily, but with the rain I've even compounded our makes that more of a reality.

Well, you're right about that, Charles.

And I'll tell.

You what, one thing that Shaw has had some problems with early on in the season, even though he played the play off, was turnovers a game like this tonight?

You know, they're going to have to worry about ball control, making sure they do what they need to do to keep the ball, as they put it, back in the hands over there with that team over there.

But with a wishbone, methodical as it may be, this is an offense that keeps the ball for a long period time.

We talked about this in the pre game that neither of these teams really have been this far in the championship.

If you say that 1966 appearance by the Blue Devils, how much of a factor you think that will be at tonight's ballgame, the jitters of coming into the finals?

Well, you know, it's it's.

Just like we were saying last week, how the field dried syndrome.

Being real, where everybody's just happy to be here.

But now it's kind of like, hey, we got to play the football game.

We got to forget about all the things that we that we talked about before the season started and even.

Working up to it now.

It's time to play ball again.

This is the game.

This where all the marbles, all the kids are going to be nervous and it really is going to be make a big thing for defense when you have that kind of pressure.

The defense is has to step up and do a game because the offense, you know, they're they're going to be all over the field.

They're going to have turnovers, even have a lot of things.

So the defense is going to be important.

The Raiders will kick the football away.

They get a start at you see Sterling Jenkins standing near the goal line for the Blue Devils to receive the kicks as Spencer set to get this quarter championship on the way.

The rains have subsided momentarily here at Connect Stadium as they get set to determine who will be the quarter champs.

It's kind of appropriate.

You know, the rain kind of goes down and you know, when everybody is getting ready to get started, the crowd's into it seems like, boy, everybody here and the community is here.

So it's great for that to happen.

Everybody can kind of get a seat now, watch the game and, you know, at least get into the first part of it.

Hopefully with the rain, we'll.

Stay away through this game.

Spence are set to.

Kick it umbrellas down here to that stadium Stuart early one down one up as Spencer gets set to approach on the way Jenkins driven back into the end zone and Spencer continue his effort of deep kicks for the Raiders.

The Blue Devils will come out from their own 28 to start this offensive possession.

Take a look at the starting lineup for the Blue Devils in the backfield.

It'll be Jones at quarterback Tanner and Walker at the running back screen at the fullback.

We'll talk more about him in a minute.

Take a look at the front line.

Oliver Brown Smith, Palmer, Allen and Sumner at the tight end.

He had a big catch last weekend in the semifinals.

Here come the Blue.

Devils to the line of scrimmage.

Adam Jones with a big semifinal ball game as well under center, catching it left side.

Straight ahead, Jenkins roughed up by the Raiders.

They say they have a thumping.

The officials agree with him.

We'll check it out.

Given that's that's the thing that I hate about being in the rain is tossing the ball.

I'd rather have them hand it off to the running back and have them toss it, because that's the first thing they did.

The first thing that you had to be concerned with is ball control.

Take a look at that replay, Gerald.

They're coming to the left of the screen.

Somebody just got it.

And it was pretty much from the standpoint of when the course he couldn't get his hands on it and then getting hit at the same time lose the ball.

Hey, first blood's drawn by over here by Shaun McFadden Got the recovery for the Raiders They go on offense first and ten from the 22 of the Blue Devils on the ground second man, that's Tanner looking for a block He's got one in the second down.

Finally turned over near the eight yard line stop made by Bucky Hendricks for the Blue Devils.

But that's a big run the straight ahead by Tanner First down pick up for the Raiders first first down pick up in a and I tell you what take a look at the starting lineup for the Raiders up front Washington, Johnson, Smith, Teel Underwood and Floyd.

Well, I tell you what, that's a big boost of confidence but it offensive line and he's got to come out and open up a hole like that that just sends a great deal of confidence great offensive line the Raiders with the football first and ten at the blue Devil eight yard line misdirection they're coming back to the inside.

No gain on the play.

Jenkins with the carry, you know, you still talking about a very, very stingy defense over there.

And for as we take a look at the defense for the Blue Devils, the Statesboro Bird, Mincey, Thompson and Walker, up front linebacker Scott Webb, Clark and Butler keep an eye on Webb.

He's a big into space for Hodge Williams, and he grows the secondary for the Blue Devils coming to the line of scrimmage over a quarterback and a key area.

That was Jenkins for the Raiders.

Jenkins near the first down near the goal line for the Raiders.

The Devils got a stop on him near the two.

This is what this is all going to be about to do tonight.

This game is smash mouth football.

The offensive line is going to have to come off Statesboro.

They're not going to take this needle laying down.

They might get a few plays against them.

But I'll tell you what, this like I say, smash mouth football.

If you saw them come out and establish that line of scrimmage like right here and get this to get the touchdowns going, to send a message to them and give them a great deal of confidence.

But trust me, let's take one team over there.

They're tough to beat.

Raiders take a timeout there, Gerald.

They face a third and about a yard to go for the touchdown.

Same thing that Coach.

Bars talked about in the pre-game show.

The Blue Devils would have to minimize their mistakes in this ballgame and on their first possession, they cough it up.

And right now, the Raiders getting set to get six points.

If they're not, stop, rob.

Trouble standing by the sideline.

Charles, what a story.

Sterling Jenkins in his last year, he went down with a knee injury.

This year he went down with a knee injury, had arthroscopic surgery, missed four weeks, became obsessed with making it back.

And in the process, his rushed for over 800 yards and 11 touchdown.

So Gerald.

Riggs, I guess that's what you call a gamer.

I have to say so.

And I'll tell you what, when you really says a lot about this guitarist, when he can heal and go down from an injury comeback and be successful, it shows you what kind of heart he has.

I guarantee you he'll make any coach happy to be on his fly.

Third and goal to go for the Raiders.

At the one other, the Blue Devils.

It's Jenkins and Lucas in the backfield for the Raiders.

Wilber at quarterback over under center Remember to keep it on the ground Jenkins angles back to the inside It's a signal they get it Touchdown for the Raiders That's one of the most consistent plays around on the goal line Just give it to him right up the middle.

Let the guy follow the big people in it and it's in it is a he's pretty good size guy anyway, so I'd love to follow him through every blade of a head.

On the replay, you take a look at Jenkins angling back to the inside.

Only a yard to go.

They get it for the touchdown.

Raiders take the early lead here in that stadium.

That's good news for the Blue Devils.

They wanted to keep it.

An even keel here, but the Raiders have struck first.

Well, Steelers, you know, these these guys are just kind of getting settled here.

So, of course, getting a fumble early on.

It kind of helps them out.

Spencer The snap was mishandled on the point after and it's blocked by the Blue Devils.

Like I say, the weather conditions, you know, this is but this is what it's all about.

You know, you've got to put all that out of your mind.

You've got to be first things thinking about ball control, whether it's the snap from the center or the holder, they've got to make sure that they they get this down so they won't have this happen the rest of the game.

Sometimes those one point missed field goals may come back and haunt you.

Wilber was holding for the Raiders.

He just never really got a good handle on it.

It's slippery out there at wet conditions at that stadium.

Spencer never able to really get it off the ground.

So it's a six nothing.

Lead for the Raiders as the Blue Devils get set to go back on offense and looking for a better faith in what they had on the first, they turned it over on the fumble.

The Raiders able to get.

It in for the touchdown.

Taking a look at Coach Busby at the sideline.

For the Blue Devils, I believe it was number 22.

BLOCK That that kick their way didn't really have to do too much because it didn't get off of the ground.

So guys coming through like that, you know, with the with mishandled the balls or whatever, you know, like I say, they can't do that.

It is the same for both teams.

When they score, they've got to convert those extra points.

Jenkins set to a ah Walker set to receive it for the Blue Devils as Spencer will take it away backpedaling Walker folds it in the end zone.

Another touchback blue devils from the 20 Let's.

Toss it over to Jim's Pinocchio and touch bar.

By Charles.

Thanks very much coach you hit it right off the top.

Turnovers got to take the football.

You're not going to win a football game if you don't take football.

Another thing that came out was whether the snap back snap on next point may be a factor later on Jim.

Okay.

Back to Charles and Jones.

First and ten for the Blue Devils.

Their start from their own 20 does look like they were in Green Bay.

It's like it's cold out there under center.

It's a wishbone set.

Jones second man through that's Walker passed the line of scrimmage Walker spins the head for perhaps a yard, maybe two.

I'll tell you what a great job by the linebacker there to shoot that gap and really kind of missed as we say blow that play up at the line of scrimmage.

Never got a chance to get started.

I tell you what, the offensive line, they're going to have to start kind of bearing down, making sure they get some things going up front for Charles Kinsey, Bradley Robbins, Murphy and Williams, the front man for the Raiders, linebackers with Jackson and Whaley on the second down and nine play for the Blue Devils Jones GROSS with the football gave it to Walker Walker was pumped at the line of scrimmage and getting tackled by the Raiders as a result, they look like you may have run into a couple of his own blockers on that play.

Gerald, I'll tell you what, Darrell Hendrix is the guy who made that all happen.

This guy this guy came through there and he had a little bit of an attitude with it when he got there.

Daniels, McFadden, Baker and Baker's the secondary for the Raiders.

I'll show a high school third down and eight for the Blue Devils now Jones back to the quarterback wishbone as the six make it in the last second minute for the left side Walker Walker ahead for the three on the carry but low sort of a bit of a first down.

One thing I want to point out about right now about Shaw is that even though they're really hyped up and they're really emotional, right, right now, at this point in time, they're playing very, very disciplined defense.

You know, there's that Matt play, misdirection play.

They all stayed at home, as you can see there.

They didn't they didn't go out of position.

They didn't overrun the ball, which put them in good position to make the tackle.

You talk about a disciplined.

Squad coach, Charles Flowers.

And the Raiders.

They certainly are.

Anytime you take three points off a ballgame, as they did last weekend, you know, you have confidence in your ability as a team.

Court was partially blocked.

The Raiders will have a running back right side.

That's McFadden with the football team not going very far.

That's special teams coverage by the Blue Devils.

And that's another thing that's going to factor in against special teams.

You can't have, as we lost some of those really foggy headed plays, you know, that some of these players may make you put in it, especially this position where they get a chance to stop them, maybe get the ball back, get into offensive ends.

Well, look what happens.

They get a penalty.

They can't have those things happen on special teams flag coming in at the end of that play.

We'll check it out.

Perhaps a roughing up the kicker, but that's let the man in the striped shirt tell us.

Taking a look at Coach Charles Flowers for the Raiders personal foul roughing the kicker 15 yards in the previous spot.

First down the Blue Devils.

Get a break there, Joe.

They get it.

They get a break there.

I tell you this and that with a team like this, like I say, even though their wishbone is real methodical, you don't want to continue to keep the ball in this team's hands because it drives down use of the clock.

And at some point time, it's, you know, just take a look at the record of Coach Flowers overall, 73 perfect 14 and.

Oh this year they lead it six nothing.

Blue devils back the other way on offense though still got a head on the tray at the corner for the Blue Devils.

That's gross coming in That's one of the tailback spots for the Blue Devils goes one to the head for about eight yards.

I tell you what, that was a very, very nicely blocked play.

This offensive line they at the point of attack, they stopped it.

The penetration.

And when you stop penetration you get a chance and running back, you've got to pick your holes.

And that time you pick one on the right side, gets a nice little game.

So keep them right, keep it going.

You take a look at some of the keys on.

Defense for the Raiders.

They've only allowed 71 yards per ball game on the ground, only 55 through the air.

So they are a very stingy.

Defense as they get the stacks, the hit on Walker behind the line of scrimmage, coming with the misdirection.

The Blue Devils were at Walker once again tied up in the backfield.

Yep.

And that time had to give.

Give a little.

Who's that?

Chris Roberts, I believe.

He's the guy who got in the backfield and kind of messed that up again.

Like I say, the penetration is going to be key.

And these weather conditions, if you can start the penetration of the line of scrimmage, the offense has a better chance of making the play happen.

But when they get across the line of scrimmage like they did, then that's what you're going to have, you know, no great loss of yards and all that.

Cross coaches, crazy third and four for the Blue Devils from their own 45 Jones with the wishbone on the ground from right side GROSS stuff behind the line of scrimmage they got close the other quarterback for the blue devils running at one of the.

Tailback spots Gerald and the last two plays hadn't worked too well for the Blue Devils with girls running it from the backfield.

Well, it looks like they're trying to.

Maybe go into a few different things, you know, with a guy who's a maybe maybe can run the ball a little bit better in these conditions or whatever.

But that may be what the coaches are trying to do.

But right now.

It's just they're.

Just stuck in the line of scrimmage and blitzing at every opportunity they can, trying to fill the gaps in and really kind of mess everything up in the backfield.

Jones will kick it.

Away for the Blue.

Devils.

McFadden stands deep.

JONES With this kick the line drive Blue Devils in play Raiders may have a run back.

They will left side as Daniel with the football.

Daniel got a blocked flag coming in there after the tackles on Daniels near the 27 stop was made by Chester McBride, a reserve cornerback for the Blue Devils.

Yeah, you know, those are those things are going to happen.

You might say that's an emotional play.

That's what I call them, a steal early on.

Once they kind of, you know, get settled in.

You know, you won't see too much of that sort of stuff.

Hopefully you need for them.

But it looks like it's going against the Raiders, but we'll wait until we get the.

Call on it.

And that's great, though.

Sorry to see these kids who've never been at this point.

And as and see the whole community come together with something this big like this, whether or not, you know, the draft is great for the sport, it's probably going to help this program.

Both programs out there, you know, for a few years just to continue to get to this point.

And I think with the for the talented the F family and flipping the kids address out here on the receiving team after position the first down and ten all right he told us exactly going on but you know look how many guys he dresses on this team.

I'm like, oh, my goodness, this this is a this is the building blocks of what looks like to be something great, something to fall into.

This coach decides to step down.

We talk about building blocks as one at the sideline.

Charles Flowers, head coach of the Raiders, how to turn this program around down here.

Since the time that he's been here.

Even in his first.

Year, they made it to the playoffs, but this year they're going for it all in the finals, will.

Go under center.

Formation first and ten for the Raiders to keep it on the ground at the right corner.

That's Jenkins.

Jenkins in the boot of a secondary.

Now, that's a 25 near the 26 yard line stops is made by Benitez Walker, the linebacker for the Blue Devils.

Well, I'll tell you what, that was a there was a nice run in that he he didn't he didn't get to them.

But sometimes you notice a difference when a guy runs on his toes, the.

Runs flat foot on.

The ground, gets his weight underneath him, you know, keeps his balance that when he's able to make those kind of cuts, when you do that as a running back, a lot of guys run by you and that's that's the result of that they get a nice gain out of it Jenkins Starting out showing a big evening on hand here first and ten for the Raiders but actually they come to the right side Lucas looking for a hold one fine one couple of blue devils at the corner instead again tackle Lucas and they have lost a yard on the play.

Well, they just play that one.

Well, again, like I say this, they were a team.

They may be maybe down right now, but they're going to keep punching.

They're going to keep going at.

It if they're stingy.

Also, they don't give up much.

The you know, as you can see, they lost the first game of the season.

They haven't lost it since.

You take a look at Jenkins performance.

In the semifinals.

107 yards on the evening with 25 carries, they can get them to duplicate that.

He gets to that stadium, Raiders will be in good shape, second down and ten.

No gain on the previous play by Lucas.

They keep it on the ground.

Defense Jenkins once again and the Blue Devils Secondary again pick up a perhaps seven on the carry by Jenkins Well, I'll tell you all that time that time I should say the the offensive line kind of you can see them just kind of pushing guys around.

You see the the stand on the blocks.

And that's that's what's important.

You know, that's going to that's going to make them be more successful in.

The running game being that, you know, the conditions tonight, the only that's going to permit just a running game so long as they stay on the blocks they're going to have some nice runs here.

They call that front line for the Raiders, the big uglies.

And boy, they just got on that play a third and three after the seven yard kickoff on the ground.

Jenkins at the right corner, scoops ahead.

Second effort there may have gotten the first down as a result of that second push at the corner as it goes, always to keep those legs a punt.

And that's what he did.

The second effort probably got him the first down there and pretty close.

Jenkins after the six two win over Taylor was real concern on the first down run.

We'll take a look at the replay coming right side.

Somebody had him initially right there, but as you indicated, just kind of kept the score momentum going and got a first for the Raiders.

Montel Hodge on the stop for the two Devils after the first down, the run coming in.

Most of the double players for the Raiders now they switch at the left side.

They come this way.

On the ground.

JENKINS Back to the inside, near the 40 yard line stop made by the Blue Devils.

Josh Thompson Oh, the hit.

I was trying to figure out if initially they were going to go outside.

It looked like they were trying to set him up for outside play.

And it may happen later on.

You know, they run that in there a couple of times and set those guys up the next, you know, he's going to bounce it.

Outside once they start it, once they start to really feel.

So watch for that to happen later on.

On that replay, you can see Jenkins wrapping up that football fumbled last week and he was real concerned about that.

They were able to pull.

That football game out and advance to the final second and seven straight ahead.

Not a whole lot on the second down play, though.

Listen to you talk about the fumble because like I say, school has had problems early on, even though they've been able to overcome them and still win and have an undefeated season.

But they have had problems with it, with the turnovers.

And this is not a night that you want to have that to creep back in on.

You.

So, yeah, ball control is important.

I think all these guys have probably said to one another before the game eight.

Let's hold onto the ball, guys.

Let's not give it up to it.

It was Lucas on the previous carry for the Raiders third down and three over under center straight ahead.

That's Jenkins.

He's got the first down in states ball territory now the man that he there's Jenkins going streaking at the 2010 531 touchdown for the Raiders no flags again offensive line give them credit where credit is due right up the middle center and guard over there.

They just kind of move people out of the way.

And like I said, as soon as he got who's that 53 there, he's a he's he's a little off.

Tommie Smith.

Tommie Smith.

What we're looking at, he's just wide with people out.

That's what you want to send us to do that a great downfield block they did he want to do as they say six points the big uglies do the job up front he goes and Sterling Jenkins in on the touchdown run for the Blue Devils for the Raiders of show high school.

56 yard touchdown.

Carry the year Jenkins with a fine run as Spencer comes on to try to pull in after some difficulty with exchange on the snap But Spencer nonetheless kicks it through for the Raiders and it was nice and full they come here I tell you what he he just said, look, that he just said, hey, I know I'm playing at this point, but look at their gaping hole.

They're great downfield.

BLOCK They're my Eddie Underwood.

I tell you what, you appreciate that.

Even though he was in the way for a minute, he got it away and did something.

That's what you want him to do.

Don't stand around.

You know, you got to stand around.

And what?

Get a ticket to get up in the stands.

And he got involved in the play and knock somebody down.

A lot of times you do see the linemen downfield and the running back sometimes runs into him because they're standing.

That's right.

Yeah.

Underwood a fine job of downfield blocking the Raiders extend their lead 13.

To nothing over.

The Blue Devils Then you see some of them, they're kind of standing around and just kind of think They're going to beat you down.

They're running to you like, Hey, guys, catch it up, get behind block or something or whatever.

You know, that's a great play, great play ball and hey, they stayed there.

They're still still backed up right now.

Jenkins almost runs out of this equipment, checking him at the sideline.

66 yard touchdown scamper as we take a look at some tape he has Walker back for the Blue Devils Think there's a chance this guy's going to get the ball, but not the way this guy's kicking it.

Spence is phenomenal punter and kicker for the open a deep 301 remaining in this first quarter from that stadium And we will get a run back here short kick straight ahead to gross gross middle of the pack He's got a block now go still obviously near the 30 yard line.

They'll pull him down near the 28.

Rob trouble standing by with a sideline reporter op chuck I'm with.

Dr. Jim Arnold, the head, the man in charge of discipline here at your high school.

The students been extra wild this week.

Have you had to put the proverbial Board of Education on the posterior of transgressors?

Well, no, sir, we really haven't.

They've been excited, but they've been always well-behaved.

You gotta be excited with what's going on right now.

You're way up.

Yeah, they are.

And, you know, it's pretty consistent with the way our teams played all year long.

All right.

Let's go back upstairs to you, Chuck.

First down, play for the Blue Devils.

They pull Walker down behind the line of scrimmage.

And Rob, you are living up to your reputation as the verbal assassin.

But he's got to be careful.

They don't do that stuff in school anymore.

They've been promoted.

I'm going to be sure.

To watch that.

You might have some irate parents dinner out.

We will.

Matthew was Little Tribbles, the Stone Age guy.

So the second down.

They give Walker our yard on the previous play, second in for the Blue Devils.

They have got to get something going on the ground.

They come right side.

Tanner looking for a block.

That one at the corner.

TANNER Right up near the 37 yard line, but close to the first down marker MENEZ Again end was a that was a good place for them.

Nice lead block out there but a half back and you know they picked up a couple of nice yards here on this play.

Here's what they're really going to have to just kind of just settle down.

Don't get too worried about I mean, yeah, they're down right now, but you don't want to get your team get you know, just so caught up in the fact that, hey, we're down.

You've got to do something to catch up.

You got to do something catch up deep with their game play right now, still very, very early.

And I think they'll be able they'll be all right, you know, and barring another turnover or something disastrous, having third and two Blue Devils straight out Tanner's middle behind the line of scrimmage excellent pursuit by Corey Jackson the junior for the Raiders.

They had a crease and went right into it.

And I tell you what, he's one of the big hitters out there, too.

Again, they just stack in the line of scrimmage knowing that the wishbone, they're not going to.

Pass much at.

All if they're not if they're not going to pass the ball any tonight and that being Statesboro, then they're going to be in some trouble because they just stack in the lions comes eight, nine men in the box and they're shooting the gaps.

And again, that's about about four times I've seen that happen.

And they stopped them in the backfield and Jackson on the.

Stop for the Raiders it's fourth.

Down and three for the Blue Devils that put it away Jones to do it high kick by Jones McFadden Right side He'll have a run back That's a 32 into the middle of the gap now goes to the 40 Somebody got to let Tripp on him down at the 41 yard line stop was made by Richard Clarke.

I'll tell you what drove seeing right now that that size is really I just say hypes up a young world party game.

You factor in the emotion you say, you know, hey, these guys are going to be fired up.

You know, they'll.

Play that way for a while.

Then they'll simmer down and then we'll feel we'll get into a real game playing right now.

Why change anything?

These guys are fired.

Up, you know, keep putting whatever you have on the board out there.

Let them run.

It just seems like everything is working so well.

Or under center first.

And ten for the Raiders from their own 41 coming left with the football look at the corner three devils and on the tackle at the sideline.

Initial hit.

Made by the knee to his walker.

Well, I'll tell you what I think it was just start right there.

Play that.

But I mean he played it nicely, took on the blocker with the same size shoulders like it's like you're taught to do to try to turn.

The play inside.

But the play didn't go inside.

But he was also in position to make a play on outside too.

That was a great play.

By the young man.

We saw the Raiders last weekend stick exclusively with their game plan.

They said they were going to keep it on the ground and they've done it all year.

They did it in the semifinals.

They're doing it here.

And Coach Floor was quoted this week as saying that's what got us here to the finals.

We're going to stick with it.

I like it.

I like that.

You know, some coaches try to get a little confused when it gets playoffs or a big game winning team.

They get it straight ahead.

JENKINS Middle of the pack, not a whole lot.

Their blue devils contend that, well, that was one of those plays with a lot of plays with off the line constant around here missing 13 nothing at the end of the first period come back with the second after this.

You're watching the Georgia High School Association Football Championships on TV.

And right away, some cute faces on a bad night here at Cornette Stadium.

The Raider cheerleaders that guys lead at 13 to nothing on the field.

We're into the second period.

Jenkins with a carry for the Raiders not much going there.

I think that's a good series of defensive downs there for all four seats.

Well, that's a that may give them a little bit of confidence to know that, hey, you cancel the dolphins down here, you just kind of just believe in ourselves and and just be patient and it's still there.

And as you indicate, a lot of football left as a Raiders will kick it away.

Spencer To do it, girls backpedal for the Blue Devils, as does Adam Jones.

Can't separate those two guys.

They alternate at quarterback, they play in the secondary together and both back the receiver, but who knows what's coming at it But Spencer with a high kick for the Raiders throws calling fair catch near the 12 He squeezes it and that's where the Blue Devils take it.

On offense.

Spencer has averaged over 40 yards per kick all season long.

Good job there.

Let's toss it over to Jim Tanaka on touch fast.

All right.

Thanks, Charles.

Coach, I think the story so far has been down the trenches, huh.

Jim?

Is is a battle going on then in defense in this football game so far is shows offensive and defensive line air controlling an offensive line and defensive line of scrimmage?

All right.

Back upstairs to you guys.

Thanks, Jim and coach first and ten.

For the Blue Devils Jones at quarterback whistle orders are set behind him but to.

Challenge misdirection.

Inside the line Walker with the football wrapped up by the Raiders.

Take a look at this first quarter of activity here from that stadium kind of on the story.

Take a look at the Blue Devils on.

The season tonight.

Coming up.

Blank.

Yeah, well, you know, I said it earlier on, it was going to be a smash mouth type of situation.

Yeah, but right now you're the one who's going to smash it.

It's over there.

It's up.

This bill hasn't responded at this point in time.

But like I say, it's still early and hopefully they can get something going girls and at quarterback now for the Blue Devils and this concept that's coming up, Scott Walker looking for a block puts his head down past the 15 near the 16th after 17.

I tell you at that time, the saw defense.

Well, I tell you, they look they look crisp, they look fast they look ready to get after it.

And as you said, the pursuit of these guys, do you but they have a get it to the ball.

They continue to play like that.

What they did look for a good night for them on defense.

It's not just going to it'll get ugly in the bigger games on defense.

They're not just on offense.

Third down and six Jones going to pass them as fast batted at the line of scrimmage Somebody got a hand up there was knocked down at the line by A.S. Williams for the Raiders and now he's one of the one of their big league, big play guys, too.

But that's the other.

I'm glad to see that at least try it because they're going to have to they can't continue to sit back there with the wishbone and thinking that, you know, they're going to just burst to play.

Charles berry thumbs up.

Like I said, they're very quick.

They're doing their job very well right now against the run, but they have to pass.

They're going to have to do that some more.

Williams knocked it up in the air as Adams will pick it away for the Blue Devils.

So they go for, you know what?

The smell of work coming.

Jones will have a kick.

Hello.

You got upset about the 44 takes a state small role near midfield Scottie Simmons awfully close to the football for the Raiders in jeopardy of hitting him pretty close I tell you what it's one those words like you see it coming you kind of nerds to go with it.

If he can just, you know, maybe get that little little little sneak play there you.

Can watch tonight's game.

Online at GPB dot org click on listen watch and enjoy.

Tonight's broadcast.

Tonight's game will also be archived for future.

Both use first and ten for the Raiders after our old 48 yard line.

It's been all Raiders in this first and early in the second period.

Wilber makes the pitch now to come back this way.

Left side Jenkins Rangers near the 40 yard line.

Unbelievable territory.

Nice fake.

It was a nice fake.

I tell you what, everybody went for the toss there and they set that play so nicely.

Jenkins gets up a little bit limping, but they set up pretty nicely, and then he made something out of it as a running back.

He is being an easy one.

They're tough guys.

They took a little pop on the tire.

They were kind of kind of slow getting up.

Good downfield blocking by Troy Bergeron the out as you take a look at coach Charles flowers you got to be happy about the way things are going now you take a look at the total yardage thus far.

SHAW 100th for the Blue Devils at 32/2 down in about a half with the rate of first over maximum movement, the no flag got it from Lucas, the second man.

Now the flag comes in there is a little bit late but he picks he missed he may have had problems getting this leg out or something.

I kind of watch them like, okay, where where is it?

I saw it move and think everybody else.

So I move.

But he kind of held off a little bit just to make sure I got a little wet.

Maybe stuck in the pie.

Yeah, it is a little slip.

Okay, we'll see.

Too many of your favorite will play in the off season as in the second half with you.

Utilities makes it pretty exciting.

It'll go against the Raiders and you take a look at the matchup we have on tap for you on TV, that five eight matchup, the Hoyas of Harrison and the Panthers, a Parkview.

And that should be a good one.

Gerald, scoot back up the road to Atlanta.

That'll be considered a heavyweight bout.

Yes, it would cause a heavy eight week run by Lamar Lucas.

Left side for the Raiders.

That's enough for the first down and a tough run.

I tell you one thing you always want to emphasize with a young man, when you turn upfield is north or south, you get those silver squares, you get upfield, get your shoulders down over you, over your body.

That's what he did on this road.

A nice run, nice pickup line in there.

You take a look at the open hole.

Just some nice steel blocking up front by the big uglies Underwood, Smith.

Hill and Johnson.

That closely guard the whole offensive line is a key player there.

They're their big unit.

All just one big man, right?

One big, ugly miss first and ten.

They also go by the nickname of the Big Boys by the Hawks players like that.

That was a long time first downs on the night for the Raiders.

And there you see Jenkins spinning ahead and looks like he may have gotten another for the rest of that run.

Well, he's having the will of the night so far.

Yeah.

You know, the offensive line, the way they're blocking, the way they're coming off of the ball.

And again, I have to add, besides the fact that they are sustaining the line of scrimmage, they're not they're not letting the you know, the guys over there for the blue or the Blue Devils get get started with the penetration or whatever.

And that's the key.

Running back good running back who make pretty much something out of nothing.

You look at something out of nothing.

Jenkins on the evening, that's a lot.

101 yards averaging 12 yards per carry that day after being already two TDs first and ten for the Raiders on the ground again.

Jenkins And back to the inside.

This time the Blue.

Devils shut it down.

Good play there in the defense lines.

Who was that in their 29?

That this just got.

Yeah, just a nice play.

Take a look.

At this on replay from the Raider m zone.

Looks like it was designed.

To come to the left side, but Jenkins trying to cut it back pursuit caught up with him.

Sometimes you gets a little too much situational in there as a running back you can see the flow you just see the you know, the guys are starting to go across line is going to want to get that cut back.

But there's nobody if there's an extra man there, that's the one you got to take by yourself.

BYOB on your own.

That's it.

Second in eight, straight ahead with the keeper.

That's Wilber.

Looks like it may have been a bust to play there.

JARELL They set it up initially and the Range Rover was up keeping up.

Yeah, I thought that may have been a busted play.

Look like he was getting ready to head up some once and nobody was there.

So as a quarterback, you know, you better you better get going in a early.

Yeah he's going to get the ball I guess he said you know, you guys are getting all the glory.

Let me get it here.

You want to have them here, have all these yards.

He's got 100 yards over.

You know, Jacob has 100 yards.

It's like the quarterback wants to get it on a to one of three and third down conversions for the Raiders.

They face a third and five here as well.

But with the eye behind him on the ground, they keep it.

Lucas trying to turn the corner.

He won't get the first out stop on the initial hit he's made by Josh Thompson for the Blue Devils.

Well, I'll tell you what, he and Josh Taylor played very, very well at the point, fought off a couple of blocks, didn't get the they weren't they weren't to be night on this play.

And they got in there and he didn't keep his seat, but was still a good play on their behalf.

And Justin Thompson on the stop tally butler with.

Some assistance for the Blue Devils that Spencer will come on for the Raiders to try.

Looks like a field goal.

Well, I tell you what, the guy up the other camera got to look out because of trouble.

He's probably coming up there somewhere.

There's this guy has a leg on him.

Spencer does.

He's already hit one for 48 on the season.

So this was well within striking distance.

Spencer's got plenty of leg on and look at the kick So did he get it through?

Yes, he does.

Spencer, I think we know the secret weapon tonight.

Is it conditions is even worse if it got to worse out here, whatever, because this guy can really boom that football Spencer high and plenty of distance on it they extend the lead look at it from the end zone even lost it on cameras so high.

And that's I mean you look at the height that he had on that ball from that distance, it lets you know that this kid has a heck of a leg.

Spencer That's another three.

I know that question about it.

He's a D1 prospect.

Oh, no, that's their lead.

16.

Nothing.

Yeah, this guy's been talked about by some coaches and in a way that things have been going for most of the colleges this year.

He sure will be on the list.

So the Raiders extend their lead.

Spencer will kick it away.

555.

Remaining in the first half, Jeff Walker stands deep blue devils need a big play to stay away from Walker Adams will fill that gap The one Jones at the 20 stalking right side Jones with two separate to near the 30 yard line for the Blue Devils Rob trouble that sideline Charles to throw finds himself in position that merits has found itself in the playoffs down big early and it's not just kind of difficult for a wishbone team to start throwing the ball maybe this is a question to pose to Gerald Riggs.

Can a wishbone team start airing it out?

Well, I'll only add this.

They got a lot of wind behind it.

I don't like the wishbone offers too much.

I mean, I've never had a chance to really play very much in it.

But you throw the ball is is a is a difficult thing because you know how the receivers is.

You know, they're wide outs and it's spread out.

Can't you kind of get the legs to play the ball on the first down play from scrimmage?

They keep it on the ground.

They go with the Landry Turner.

The right side.

For the Blue Devils, and Tanner picks up and appears to be about five, perhaps six on the carry for the Blue Devils.

Well, I was thinking, but what do I know?

These guys are at the championship game, right?

So I could talk about the whistling.

All I want is this deal here, playing in the championship, second down and three for the Blue Devils on the Tanner.

Once again, that's enough for the Blue Devils first down.

You know what?

You saw a little bit of attitude right there, but for the better, for the Blue Devils.

And I'll tell you what, they they start to get that going.

You start to believe in a little bit, get a few plays like this from time to time.

I think it'll help them open up the offense, even though I would say that the Raiders are really still stuck in the line of scrimmage.

On the replays coming in right side to Landry Tanner was the first down run for the Blue Devils.

Now they're at their own 41 yard line and such far left side of the wishbone set both at quarterback and the line of scrimmage.

Walker looking for the corner and the Raiders wrap him up behind the line of scrimmage, Torrey Jackson and Brandon Whaley.

And on the stop for Shaw well I'll tell you what in Williams came through there wasn't come through the lines him and just mess this whole thing up like you see it they just stick in the line of scrimmage you know when they're able to shoot those gaps they don't they can't block everybody and somebody is going to come free at some point in time.

And I tell you what, that's what they're doing.

They've established that, you know, they've got to beat us running the ball.

But it was more than they're going to have to really get after us to do it.

You saw the heavy pursuit there.

They just ran through fullback James Green and bumped Jenkins.

Ah, Walker in the backfield for them on a second down play.

GROSS Going to try to keep it right side the Raiders ready for again that discipline that they have out there with staying and not going for the fakes whatever they were able to know that they the quarterback kept the ball and rolled out they still made something happen on the defensive side.

Take a look at that.

The defensive line for the Raiders, 14 sacks and 58 tackles for loss on the campaign.

Yeah, I think the solid front is pretty impressive.

You know, these guys are just too good.

Sure they can they it out people.

Injured raider on the field a chance for us to tell you that prep sports plus returns to the TV lineup Saturday, January 20th at 11 a.m.. Join Jim, Jim, Akio and the Prep Sports Plus team for a look at high school sports around the state this Saturday January 20th, exclusively on g. Ptv paris baker second to last to OJ.

That's a hell of a job at that level.

Let's go, let's go, let's play.

Ha!

Hey, you got to play hard.

Let's get outside, guys.

Go, go, go.

I am talking to RB and Tennessee.

Key point there.

Don't let guys get outside.

You keep everything bottled up in the middle.

As a defense, we get hurt in this stuff.

We start to get outside, have a few breakdowns here and there, middle breakdowns.

And that's what's going to if they if they get outside, I think it's more of a mental breakdown and that that may hurt Coach Howard Busby at these states for a sideline.

Thus far, the Raiders have followed the instructions of the coaching staff pretty well third down and 11 for the Blue Devils.

Now from their own 40 gross under center extend it I behind them he'll roll it right side out in the flat at the corner that was out of bounds intended for Troy and he's at the sidelines.

Hey, he's not able to pull it in.

Well, I'll tell you what.

McFadden made a heck of a break on the ball.

I thought he was gonna pick it off there, but he was right on top of it.

Kind of a disruptive to the throws or at least a receiver's vision and wasn't able to make it make a good play.

There.

Blue Devils woes continuing in the third down conversion category zero of five thus far.

And you've got them.

Jones will kick it away You got to make some of that Jones with the punch whistles at the line of scrimmage coming in at the line of scrimmage.

348 remaining first half coach procedure against the Blue Devils.

Well, as I was saying.

Early on, special teams.

You know, right now and they need a break.

They need to go out and make something happen.

It would be nice for them to get a form here or something on the on the return.

Not that I want to jinx anybody but.

You know, four.

For them over there on the other side with the Blue Devils, they need something big to happen for them and defensively they've been playing fairly well.

You had a couple of big breakdowns here, but the last couple of series they've done well.

They'll kick it away five yards deeper backpedaling for the Raiders McFadden SEALs at the 26 Looking for the corner.

Russell out of bounds near.

The 35 yard line.

Jim Janaki, you and Coach Byers, your thoughts thus far?

Well, Charles, it looks like as coach has been saying, Statesboro, coach hasn't really found that rhythm yet.

Huh?

Statement.

It just looks off balance.

Everything they're doing to having a hard time doing, nothing's coming easy to him.

We're on the other hand, Jim.

So everything they're doing is working right now, so.

Oh, most definitely on Charles side.

Oh, let's go back upstairs.

Raiders have it with the momentum they lead, it sticks, nothing.

But the last two strike from their old 38.

That's almost leadership we all know about overall Coach Flowers at the sideline well over under seven we got to pass and tend to down feel so Bergeron well covered by Montreal Hodge And now you're starting to get into some things you know you're up you know you got it you've got a little lead here.

It seems like things are going your way.

Why not try to do something different here once in a while?

You know, just to see maybe we can catch him off guard and, you know, perhaps get another play going before halftime, you know, with another score or something.

I think that's good.

That's a good call there for the coaches who.

Kind of mix things up.

Take a look at Bergeron's performance on the season 19 catches.

Bergeron awfully close to catching that football, laid out his body just not able to pull it in second and ten for the Raiders on the ground they give it to Lucas Lucas off one defender banged down hard near the 40 yard line, but that's after.

About a five yard pickup.

I'll tell you what, he would have got more if the backside would have probably block a little bit better that time because onside play, those guys were just moving people out.

They were throwing people around up there just the backside, just did not hold up.

Take a look at the play from the backfield.

Here comes Lucas.

Scott.

And on the initial hit for the Blue Devils and looking at the play is one of those things where as a running back like I say, you you leave the whole thing on your own.

That's what he did.

But in five for the Raiders with some confusion.

As they settle for the play officials.

They're going to come in and take a time out sideline for the Raiders needed the time out the.

Players just weren't set for.

The play there Jarell and they wisely picked a time out a third and five situation let's look at this quote by by coach Busby.

So saying that the.

Greatest things that.

Athletes the athlete teaches is to overcome adversity.

The fact that you want to win, you have to overcome adversity.

Well, this is one those times where we're going to see it.

The lesson is is will learn because they had they're right now being behind a behind the ball, so to speak.

And, you know, they can overcome this, you know, maybe halftime go in and think about it.

And and that's that's going to be the.

Biggest part of the game right now.

So at halftime.

Jim, Pinocchio and Coach Sandbars.

All right.

Thanks, Charles.

Hey, guys, I got to get you to.

Take a look at this picture we're going to put on the screen here.

And it's a guy that kind of looks familiar to me, but I'm not quite sure who it is.

Charles, can you help us out with this?

I'm not quite sure who is that?

Charles?

I know who that is.

Good old Charles Ward from his stage, Carroll High School days.

Back to you guys in the booth.

I owe you one.

JANAKI Yeah, somebody really did this.

Somebody by this doing some scout.

Uh, where does the waving coming from?

That was that was that pretty good straight ahead for the Raiders carrying defenders that's Lamar Lucas near midfield for the Raiders that's enough for another first down and another great run by the running back.

I tell you what, these guys here as a as a as a running back group right now, they're they're really going they run it pretty good.

Look at the run from the end zone.

Lucas is finishing it.

Up real nice for the Raiders.

That's an outright tough run.

You know, it wasn't much there, but I say you keep going and south something's bound to happen.

Gordon Lucas, just a.

Junior for Shaw High School.

So he'll be back next year, first and.

Ten from their own, 47 on the ground.

They get it to Jenkins in the secondary of the Luda Jenkins to the 30 yard line of Statesville.

And it's all happening in the trenches.

The Raiders simply dominating up front.

It is.

That's that's it.

That's the bottom line to it.

Look at those guys just being thrown around all over the place.

I mean, these guys here just they're just doing what they want to do with it.

You know, they're just taking guys, picking them up and run them, throw them out of the way or whatever.

They they look like a well-oiled machine tonight, the Raiders push it inside a blue devil territory clock.

Continuing to push toward the intermission.

Take a look at Jenkins on the evening in the rain ten carries over 100 yards the average continuing to rise and ten misdirection that went nowhere.

Now they stuff the middle there and you know that's the Blue Devils made sure they stayed at home on a play like that it's a.

You know sometimes.

Over you get hurt it you're going after one running back especially when a guy goes in motion kind of 10 to 1 say hey you got to watch him for the fifth.

It's got to let everybody do the job.

Everybody has to stay at home and do what they're supposed to do.

And they did.

You see guys kind of spot in the backfield, kind of looking around one another, see, you know, they can find the football.

And that was a that was a good defensive play it was Lucas on the carry that flowers looking at one over on a second and ten on the ground they keep it Jenkins in traffic and.

Works his way.

Out of it near the 25 yard line for the 25 he's had some some pads a popping on that play there boy Taylor these guys were a they came out the ball alley partner take a look at it from the end zone.

Yeah one of my favorite that's that's my favorite view right there.

I love to see.

In zone shots it always it tells you so much of what's going.

On from the side.

You could see, you know, what's happening.

But then when the end zone shot, it really shows you all the angles that the guys had to take.

Who's shaded, where know it kind of gives you a read on the pre-snap read when you come up to the line of scrimmage third and five after the carry by Jenkins on the ground straight ahead again it's fighting near the first down marker fourth down shy.

Well one thing I.

Could say for.

For the Blue Devils that make it a little bit tougher on him right now.

He's not he's he broke off one a couple of minutes ago but still there.

They're making him.

All those yards.

It's not like they're coming easy clock.

Running with just about 20 seconds remaining in the first, first half, fourth down and about two for the Raider, first.

To see if they sit on this thing here.

Jarell with 12 seconds remaining, they may take a shot at the endzone.

Well, why not?

You got a couple of seconds left and you get the ball off and they get three plays in here.

Robert Stumbling dumps it out in the flats to Jenkins no time remaining Jenkins chased out of bounds near the 13 And now bring us to the intermission Raiders leading at 16 to nothing and it's all it's been all raiders in this first half Gio they just kept dominating and it's at the most in the trenches that's enabled the running backs to have their way in this first down.

Like I say, smashmouth football.

And you have to look to the offensive line.

They right now are the MVP.

Rob Tribble, our sideline reporter, standing by.

Rob, meet with our show, head coach, Charles Flores.

Coach, you get a take, you score.

Sterling Jenkins is averaging over 11 yards a carry.

Was this a.

Perfect half of football?

It was a pretty good half.

When out on our end, we started the game off with a turnover and a guy offensive guy stepped up, been playing pretty good defense, very pleased with the game at this point.

What about the conditions?

I guess they haven't been in a factor since.

You're grinding it out on the ground, both teams going grinding out.

I don't know how long the ball's going to go in the air tonight.

They run the football and.

We do, too.

So I don't think the field conditions have.

Affected either team right now.

All right.

Good luck.

In the second half, 24 minutes like that, a football, they can maybe put the bloom on a state championship.

Let's pause for station break.

We'll be back with more halftime festivities right after this.

You're watching the Georgia High School Association Football Championships on TV.

Welcome back to.

A Wet and Cold Connect Stadium in Columbus.

It's halftime.

Sean leads it 16 nothing.

Let's listen to the state's borrow marching bands.

And our four.

State's girls.

Principal Dale Wilkinson.

I know you're not happy with the scoreboard.

But how gratifying is it as an administrator to see the community and the school come together for your football team?

This football season have been a great experience.

Have kids, have done a great job all season, excuse, very enthusiastic with that.

We finished taking finals today and I saw everyone working hard and now they're ready to play hard and you just can't trust anybody and have just a great atmosphere and space for us this year.

What about the peer parental support of the band and the athletes?

How's that been down there?

Fantastic.

All your weight lift, parents support.

We're great communities.

Florida, Georgia, Georgia.

Seven universities playing for the national championship tomorrow.

So a lot of us are going from here tonight to Chattanooga tomorrow.

So our whole town and community is just on cloud nine with a national contender and a state contender at the same time.

It's just a unique experience.

Well, how many of you are going up to Chattanooga tomorrow?

Are you going yourself?

Most likely are.

Several thousand will be going up tonight, and probably about 50% of the folks here in Columbus tonight will be going up tomorrow.

So is this mean out with this season?

Is your football coach going get a.

Nice lucrative raise?

And I can get a percentage of that because I'm acting like his agent now.

I earned dollars and I the game after that, I guess.

All right.

Thanks a lot.

Let's go to gym to knock you and coach bars.

All right.

Thanks, Rob.

I tell you what, what a windy, cold night here.

It feels like we're at Soldier Field in Chicago.

I mean.

What's what's up with this?

I'm cold and I'm cold.

I promise you.

Hey, what are the coaches telling the teams that they have right now?

Right now, Burns is just trying to settle.

He has set his team down and then he's trying to get something going with his offensive line.

He his offensive line is got to get something going in the second half.

They even don't have a chance to even get back into this football game right now.

Coach.

Coach Charlie Stanton, he is.

All right.

Just keep doing what you've been doing.

All right.

We're at halftime.

The festivities roll on shore leads at 16.

Nothing will be back.

Yeah.

You're watching the Georgia High School Association Football Championships on TV.

And welcome back to Connect Stadium in Columbus.

It's halftime show leads at 16.

Nothing.

Here's the shore marching band.

You are at the White House.

All right.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, yes.

They all got a touchdown.

I'm here with Sean's principal, Andy Overton.

I thought you're going to wear your spikes, shoulder pads and paint your face like.

Those crazy Oakland Raider fans do.

Well, see, Oakland is pretty warm out there.

You feel the temperature here?

I'm being as warm as I can.

No makeup, nothing but Cokes.

And Pat, as you can see, you know, there's an interesting phenomenon going on here.

There's actually a lot.

Of players from other high schools in the area here rooting for Shore.

Tell me about that.

It's been amazing that all of them come together for this one cause and that's to make sure that we're represented in the state, letting people know that there is football in Columbus, Georgia.

We've had greetings from all the.

Other schools, listen as well.

And that's been amazing in itself.

I think it's one thing that's unified our city, which we need, and I think it's going to take us to higher heights, you know, as a job, as Coach Flowers has done, it takes more than just coaches and players to get the job done.

Tell me about the parental involvement and how that's enhanced everything.

Oh, the parents are wonderful.

Right after the game, playing a little celebration over at the school.

And last year they took the students after their season was over, which is undefeated regular season.

They took them to one of the country clubs where some of the kids had never seen before and fed them one very nice meal, had a nice deejay and emcee.

It was a wonderful experience for them and I think it provided a lot of impetus for the school year.

So I guess if they win tonight, you will put on the spikes, shoulder pads and paint your face and run up and down the field.

Right.

I'll even shave my hair.

All right.

It's right here on Cameron's document.

Let's go to Jim Janaki.

M Hey.

Rob.

Trivial.

I think they only do that in Oakland at the Coliseum for the Oakland Raiders, if you know what I mean.

Welcome back.

The halftime festivities roll on with Coach Sandbars.

I'm Jim Tanaka.

We have first half highlights to show you and there are some good ones.

Coach.

Right out of the block.

A big mistake, huh?

Laid it on the ground.

You're not going to win football game.

Doesn't bother.

All right.

We have first half highlights and here they are, the first play from scrimmage.

Activist Walker with a fumble, just got hit, pull his arm was on the football and shell comes up and then.

It's Sterling Jenkins on a.

Two yard run just off tackles missed.

Extra point it was six nothing 139 into the game and then Jenkins gets the call again coach well.

The run the insides only he just cut back in the backside tackle missed tackling he goes 56 way to.

Jail and that made it 30 nothing short as the extra point was good the cats better off.

40 on a coach look look at the kicker he knows he's good right?

Look at his arm.

He knew it.

Was good right off the court.

You bet he did.

And of course, the Raider defense.

What can you say about that boy just playing?

It's swarming the football.

And right now they're playing on state for sideline scrimmage.

And at 16, nothing at the half.

And there you see your stats and look at the rushing yards.

Good dresses and more.

And I didn't realize it that much that much different.

But what, 83 to 39 total yardage, no to one turnover.

Pretty tough.

All right.

Let's go downstairs now with Rob Tribble.

We have a special announcement.

Of them here with Ralph Swearingen, the deputy director of the GHC.

And now you have something kind of non-sports related to tell us about tell me about it.

It's my pleasure to be to announce for the first time the Team Saving Team campaign.

It's a collaborative effort funded by a federal grant.

It involves the governor's Office of Highway Safety, the Georgia High School Association TV.

We're going to have some of our state champion thespians, some scholar athletes put together some public service announcements, dramatic portrayals about teenage drunk driving.

They're going to air on TV starting in early March.

And we're just really excited about having our high school kids talking to their peers about this serious problem.

Well, it's definitely, definitely showing that you guys are not all about sports.

Let's go back to jim janaki m i.

Thanks, rob.

Halftime festivities are wrapping up here in columbus.

We'll have the second half kick off for you coming.

Up shore leads at 16.

Nothing.

Enjoy the second half, everybody.

You're watching the Georgia High School Association Football Championships on TV.

16.

Nothing as a lead for the Raiders of Shore over the Blue Devils of Statesboro.

We head into the third quarter.

Gerald and hopefully the Blue Devils have put together some.

Answers in that halftime.

Well, you know, that's when you find out exactly what some of the coaches really do at halftime, if they can make the adjustments to come out and really get their team back in the game, we're going to see if the Blue Devils were able to do that.

So on the other hand, I don't think they have to do much else.

Hey, that's their day.

Heck, they've been everything they've done is pretty much work.

They've had a couple of series where they didn't do as well.

But still, as you can see by by what's been going on with with the numbers on the season, they still much.

On track and same things up.

Take a look at coach flowers at the sideline data.

This is what's going on here at Kennedy Stadium.

You saw those season numbers for the Blue Devils tonight have been flanked by the Raiders.

In that first half.

Of football.

Well, you know, they kind of they were flat, you know, really, you know, I think there's turnover right away.

You kind of put them in a whole different mindset as the offense is concerned.

The I wouldn't say they were conservative, but they weren't attacking as they probably are normally used to.

And you take a look at what's going on down on field level.

You see the Raiders getting set to receive the football.

They'll have it on offense first.

Normally coming out of that break, you'd like to get that momentum of getting a football and getting in the early score, but the Raiders kicked off first, so they'll have it with a 16 nothing lead.

So that doesn't even favor the Blue Devils at this point as they'll it away.

Adam Jones will do it and the Raiders will have it on offense range starting here in this third period and then off and on all night here to that stadium Jones Sidewinder by Jones that be filled with by Jenkins Jenkins near the 25 yard line and that's where they bring him down Jackson Frazier will look for early on to see if inside the Blue Devils are going to start coming across the ball playing as well as the coach is saying at time that they saw this playing on the other side of the line of scrimmage and now the Blu rays are snapping the ball.

So we'll see if they're able to kind of do the same thing.

This happens, maybe step it up a little bit defensively, it was Mike Jones on the return for the Raiders first and ten for the Raiders from their own 24.

Straight ahead with the keeper that's over over past the 25 turnovers safely I guess maybe you kind of want to see what the defense is going to line up in and maybe catch up, get them off guard, get some sleep in there or whatever.

But no, he did it.

It gets the sleeping at all.

Second down and about seven remaining for the right of first and green.

And he's trying to look at that little bit going up under center formation behind him on the ground and keep it straight ahead near the 30 yard line.

JENKINS On the carry the first the first nice double play score for the Blue Devils.

They they get after the football they didn't really allow much there in the middle on those two plays and they you know, they went at them both times in the middle kind of thinking, well, they may be trying to set him up or something.

Or maybe they just want to see if this team is ready just to kind of like push back a little bit here, teleports a little bit because they need to do it in worst way.

Its third and four here.

Gerald for the Raiders on the ground and keep it straight ahead Lucas with a carry shot of the first down Blue Devils hold on defense the raiders will have to send in the putting unit.

Well, that's that's what you want to see from your defense.

You want to see these guys get that room in there.

You see see whether, hey, they're four guys at the ball.

So you know what that means?

They've decided to.

Get off these blocks and stop letting the offensive line, the big uglies kind of push them up and down the field.

Blue Devils backpedal.

GROSS And Jones to receive the punch from Spencer Spencer averaged over 40 yards and that's a movement a and that's the Blue Devils that's going to be enough for a first down.

Well, those are the ones that will absolutely kill you if it's against this against the Blue Raiders.

Take a look at it from the end zone.

On the replay, as Talley Butler was moving for the Blue Devils up front setting for the punt.

And they just came out set Roy can have those you I mean those are those will kill you every time they you know the.

Defense played a heck of a series.

That time but not really allowing them to get hurt, to hurt them in any kind of way.

And then, you know, the last second you do get a penalty like that those hurt and then they drive coaches crazy.

When you have those things happen, you know, it's like, son, pretty soon you keep.

That up, you're going to be right over here with me if you're going to do that.

Butler gives the first down to the Raiders via the penalty.

Kick it on the ground on this first down play Jenkins angling back to the one side pass the 45 up near the 46 and that was all Jenkins there you know the big ugly steal they cut off the ball, but that was all.

JENKINS Once you get past the line of scrimmage splits in the turn, it was.

Like I they trying to make something happen.

Look at Ben Johnson.

Pulling on the play there.

Jenkins coming back to the end side, carrying a couple of players.

Dale Byrd One of them as Jenkins keeps the feet smooth.

Feet moving, and he's got it to a second down and two for the Raiders so he has a yeah he's you can see those numbers.

He's just.

Just he's really just dominating the game really.

Yeah.

That's what it comes down to.

Added 47 yards on the evening straight ahead with the keeper that's well before the Raider first down near the midfield mark.

You know, one thing about him as a running back, he has a just a very good low center of gravity.

You know, he he doesn't run up high.

You know, he gets his legs underneath him and, you know, real.

Kind of shifty Barry Sanders type.

Of guy, you know, maybe not, you know, as much as all the quickness, maybe because of the conditions tonight.

But tell you what, he's got very, very strong legs and you can tell he got very strong hamstrings, get out there and bounce around like does.

Talk about a strong contest.

Look at this one.

Tomorrow on the five match up, the Hoyas of Harrison versus the Panthers at Parkview 730.

Ball game.

And that will be live and TV will be there for it if you join us for that slugfest ten for the Raiders on the and right side Lucas on the hands got it.

In the states for.

The territory at the 48.

Well that time Jenkins had to at to meet wolves it just got that time Josh Scott came up there and made a nice.

Play as Jenkins was trying.

To lead.

BLOCK gets him in kind of not so much the runner out of the hole.

They're getting up.

I mean, I think the coach over.

There has to say.

That, you know, hey, my guys are responding right now.

Hopefully we can stop him a couple more times and make some things happen on defense.

Second down and seven for the Raiders at the Blue Devil, 49 bodies to the left of Wilber on the ground.

Jake, head down, hanging defenders go chicken hard run on the inside by Jenkins three Got it right hard run I tell you what they they came up that time and he really to take on a couple of blockers and he's done a heck of a job, you know, these first couple plays.

Take a listen at this replay here.

Oh, I'm proud of him.

I love to hear that.

I love you.

And that's what it's all about right here.

You know pads are popping, guys getting out to one another way.

Has a lot of headaches in there.

Third down and four after the tough run by Jason on the ground play over is going to keep the wolves in the secondary global pass 235 near the 34 perhaps the 33 Blue Devils obviously looking a handoff there as Rover kept it on the keeper and that's enough for the first one.

It seems that they've they've seen something up from upstairs.

No.

With the with the quarterback maybe to get him involved with the offense.

I think that's know he's not going to be able to pass the ball much so why not?

Let's let's give the quarterback a couple of.

Misdirection plays you know fake the.

Handoff to put the guys in a take out the middle of the quarterback draw type of deal first and ten after the sneak by Roll the line of scrimmage Blue Devils 33 on the ground Coming right Sad look at looking for a block slam to the surface.

Instead the offensive coverage by the Blue Devils there.

You saw a very, very nice play again on on the defense Talley butler that time played awful nice block to make the tackle get his name in the stats there for four.

For an assist.

Looking out and take a look at the rushing yardage in tonight's ballgame 209 to 39 But truly tells the story.

Gerald Yeah, they look at you say, you know, we, we haven't a.

Night like this offensively.

You know for for the Raiders, you know, this is this is what you was, you know, in these conditions, you want to be able to control a game like this.

And, you know, as long as their defense continues to play well, he'll give it a lot of opportunities to run the ball tonight.

Whistles on the play timeout taken by the Raiders They lead.

It 16 to nothing.

First playoff championship appearance by the Raiders for a plus.

Plus, Georgia's longest running high school sports and academics program returns to TV on Saturday, January 20th.

Join Jim Gervasio for a look at high school sports around the state.

That's Saturday, January 20th, right here on GPB.

That's Jim John.

Ideals everywhere in the air.

You better believe it.

You know, it's kind of reminds me of The Matrix or something, you know.

Where you just you think they feel he's gone.

And also the things just materialize into.

From somewhere, somebody somebody in the media down there in their concession stands or whatever you call the movie The Matrix a little.

Hey, remember how those guys always just kind of appeared who you think they should be?

They got rid of him, and next thing you know, he had one of them again.

So that would be to Nokia.

You watch tonight's game online at GPB Dot, Oregon.

Click on Listen, Watch and enjoy tonight's broadcast.

The night's game will also be archived for future viewing.

Second down and eight for the Raiders at the beautiful throw one misdirection right side.

Wilber raises fires threw it but threw it into the surface.

You know, with a game this quarterbacks you know they want to get the ball so bad that he just kind of rushed that when you know he it was an.

Opportunity for him to complete a pass had to mid open actually just made I would say was a bad choice just kind of rushed himself.

As intended for the tight.

End Terrence Floyd was thrown behind Floyd Wilber hasn't had a chance to throw it much tonight, but he's been, you know, kind of exercised his arm, handed off third and eight for the Raiders on the ground.

They keep it that side that's Jacobs turned over but inside of the 25 yard line going to be close to another eight, a first down.

You know, I really like the way this deal hits the hole.

He he he's constantly moving.

He's not, you know, stopping and, you know, having those little moments of indecision.

Once he up his mind, the goal he's.

Got always seems to know.

Where that first down marker is to Gerald.

They're mighty close to the first down on the run, second effort.

And I think that's probably right now seems like it's just because they have to be to this that he's his second effort is getting him a lot of yards and breaking tackles.

And that's why he's got to hold these guys in a game.

But he's on fourth down and about a yard for the lay, a first down, ten to keep the football on the ground and give it to David Jenkins.

He's got enough for the first inside of the 20 down to the 19 yard line.

You know, I have to point out something that he did really, really nice there was that he got he got hit up with the guy just about to make the tackle.

He didn't take it.

He did get that that that's east west.

It was north and south.

And once he made up his mind is to take the whole take the ball off the hole.

He did so you know, and just giving him just a little bit of an area to hit.

But no, you're not may not have been enough to break the tackle, but he gave him enough to slip by.

Get the first down.

Jenkins can't that stuff you know absolutely not on his way to a sterling performance tonight on the ground as Luke just put the football focus fighting it near the ten yard line down at about the 30 that's what the coach says.

You know what?

You might as well get your son to everything here, everybody.

They're going to be putting the problems on maturity just coming in next after a while.

Well, spreading it around as Luke has at left side on the carry.

Yeah, you're going to have to switch that ball over once in a while.

The Big Ben Johnson, the senior pulling out for the lead on the block for the Raiders.

Is that not one of, those big uglies?

Yes, he is right in the middle of it.

Charles Ward and Gerald Riggs with the play call from Connect Stadium.

The Raiders dominating second down six option play outside well they are used to corner I've seen toward the goal line they pull them down finally near the one now.

Well they they bring something else out the bag here.

You know we haven't seen that option played.

That's the first time we've seen it tonight.

And I tell you what, they weren't they weren't ready for this one as your favorite angle there, Gerald, as they kind of corner nice set up.

They just had too much space to try to cover that.

And here you have a quarterback who's an athlete.

That's what's going to happen.

And the beauty of that play is the pitch man was still open.

This man was open.

But, you know, after a while, you know, he's even when he's getting of the pitch, man still hollered pitch.

You know, it's like, look at me.

Take a look.

I will watch performers on the night five carries 30 yards get down and the first and goal, keep it on the ground.

Diving over the top.

That was Lucas.

Thank you, Shadow.

Somebody put a stick on him in the air.

Lucas, a shot that kind of watching too much of an NFL game.

You know, it's similar to the college game where all these guys jump over in the line of scrimmage.

Always have been a big believer.

Hey, put all seven stars in the ground, but and you know you have a better chance he scored most hits on it looks pretty.

But I tell you what if it does, the ball come loose, a fumble, whatever.

That could change the whole outcome of the games and it's dangerous being up there.

Second and goal the goal for the Raiders at the half yard line of the Blue Devils by extending their lead over Mexico.

Keep it himself at the corner boy.

The Devils knocked him out of there.

Let's say these guys are full of fight.

Steal it.

They may be behind right now.

And and Neal facing another possible score, an opportunity for Florida, for sure.

But I tell you what, these guys are playing defense and they're getting out there.

They're making them earn every year that they get.

It looked like Wilber had it at the corner, but somehow they stuck a pot in there and pushed them out.

So that'll bring it to third and goal for the Raiders under 3 minutes remaining in the third quarter over I'm just saying it out on the ground this time it's the man's happens.

He'll get over the top and get the six for the Raiders.

What better place to give it to you?

He has he has a natural knack for getting in the end zone.

He's had it all night long.

Well, you know, some big plays with the one gets past the line of scrimmage.

Hey, give it to him.

You know, that's Jets.

The guy, he's the man.

Look at it.

He's good people off of the ball.

He went airborne and came down in the end zone.

I think even here you would have gotten together.

They were coming out, they came off the ball.

Then it was an attitude play and and again, the playing on the other side of the line of scrimmage that's what the offensive line Spencer on to try to pull in after Jenkins with the touchdown he was trying to get the other guys into the mix they went with Lucas first then Wilbur from quarterback so and can finally get to it Spencer splits the uprights make it a 23 nothing lead for the Raiders over the Blue Devils Looks kind of like a guys take a look at it again the touchdown Falcons angles back left in the air right Easy Touchdown Rob Trouble standing by the sidelines here the good friend of prep sports plus Dave flat of Dave you've covered these guys all year.

I'm surprised.

Are you at Charles Dominant right now?

Absolutely not.

I think they may have the best defense in the entire state at any level.

I've been saying that for quite a while.

And this is real proof because Statesboro has been able to get nothing go.

This is a town that's really been looking for some recognition for its football.

How hungry is this town.

For a championship?

Oh, hugely.

I mean, it's all she's been talking about one year.

Prove that Columbus can play football.

Beat the team.

They beat the teams from south Georgia.

The city of Columbus.

Has never had a state champion outright since the playoffs just started.

This could be the first one.

All right.

That concludes our media interviewing media segment.

Let's go back to Charles Lewis.

Thank you, Rob.

So I'll call the homers.

Spencer will kick the leg deep, kick by Spencer and Spencer.

Gentlemen, splitting up.

Right.

I think he may have been trying to do that, too.

Just to prove a point.

You.

Yeah.

Jim Janaki, you and coach Sam Barnes.

I know you guys have some thoughts as we progress in this ball game.

Well, I tell you.

Guys, 9 minutes and 13/2 drive, that's ball control.

Jim.

And it all started and it was a kickoff stage for a had him stop and again one of the kids jumped offsides.

Allows him to take the ball and go away and almost put this game out of reach by minute.

Slide of miss tackling to.

Ole Miss tackle is a big, big factor right now.

Suffice to go back upstairs.

Coach flower said this game would be about breaks and right now they're getting the Blue Devils on offense.

Now Walker left side runs into two raiders at the corner.

Well, right now, you know, and that's the only thing about having a pretty much a heavy running team is that when you get.

In these situations.

There's not much that you can do.

You know, you you're so fixed in in the running aspect of it that you.

Can't pass the ball.

And, you know, if this continues like this.

Hey, it's a you know, you don't three inevitable will happen Brandon Whaley on the staff for the Raiders in the previous play second and seven for the Blue Devils Ghost fakes to pick it up himself he runs into or three raiders on that play Boy they're just hungry and they're keeping their eye on the football.

Torrey Jackson leading the pursuit for the Raiders on the stop.

GROSS You what the raiders right now at the point where you know all we need to do is just kind of pin our years back.

We know they can't.

They can't pass the.

Ball.

So we're going to leave our ears back.

We're going to just fire guys into the line of scrimmage, whatever opportunity that we can.

And, you know, that's what's going to happen.

They're going to mess up a lot of plays back there.

Guys in the backfield that's the quarterback hardly gets the ball.

They'll turn around to get a handoff or anything.

They have to some kind of way to get a couple of passes and you try to loosen things up.

Third down and seven, we'll see if they toss it on this play.

GROSS Rolling on the right side, getting pressure.

They chasing at the corner fires threw it low, though and tended near the 35 for Q was Tanner at the pass and his own shot as they feeling the heat I guess you could say he should have gathered himself after he got past that first that first tackler.

I think he would have been able to gather himself.

He would have made that play, as you can see.

Here now, right there, he stops and he gets himself together.

Throw the ball.

I think it would've been all right.

Of course.

You worried about getting a good sack or or having a negative play?

Well, it turns out to be more negative than anything because they're playing the ball away.

Jones hit it off the side of his bounces at the 43, takes the state's four ovals at the 46 yard line.

Raiders will take it over in their own territory.

I'll tell you what, at this point in time, the Raiders are pretty much headed their way.

I mean, they've been able to run the ball, even though they've only tried to fast, you know, once or twice, you know, they've had their way.

Everything is just going the way that they want.

But you can have a better game plan for the coaches.

You talk about going their way.

The Raiders came into the preseason, ranked as a number one team.

They've kept that ranking all season long and were well on their way to finish up that season as the number one team.

That would be great for them.

I tell you what a heck of a job for the coach in the program.

First and ten from their own, 47 on the ground, Jenkins.

Jenkins springing ahead inside the state, more territory to the 47 another another.

Good game for him.

I say as long as the offensive line continues to come off, he hits the hole fairly quick like, say, the missed tackles or when not being in position.

Sometimes it's just killing him.

This is really hurting the boys of their states, really.

They just can't seem to get anything going.

Take a look at the total yardage.

6 seconds on those ball game for the Raiders to 57 States.

Ball under 50 on the ground.

Lucas, with his legs cut from under him, may have gotten it back to the line of scrimmage just.

Top was made upfront by Josh Thompson from action looks like they lose a yard or so and then when they can they can probably do that about ball about 230 some more to the right big play by Thompson up front for the Blue Devils Make it third down and four now for the Raiders The Raiders back to back undefeated regular season as we come to the end of the third quarter 23 nothing the raiders leading the Blue Devils one quarter remaining here from Kenneth Stadium and then we decide the quarter chance.

You're watching the Georgia High School Association Football Championships on TV 23.

Nothing here at Kenneth Stadium final.

Quarter ahead of us Charles Warden Gerald Riggs with the quarter call.

And right now, the call favors the Raiders third down.

And four they.

Have it inside of Blue Devil Territory and they lead six on the ground.

They come option right side Wolverine turns the corner He's got enough for the the first inside of the 40 down to the 39.

What they said that play up again again 60 goes a second time they run in the game I say what.

A great play for gets that quarterback involved in a you know he's he's loving it it's like hey.

Let me get some of this warm you know before the game is over with well but only a junior limping a bit there.

But you see the first downs.

There's another one for the Raiders, 13 on the evening and just two for the Blue Devils.

It's been a masterful defensive effort by the Raiders on offense.

They haven't been bad as well.

They keep it on the ground, Jake.

And straight ahead, somebody took them up.

Jenkins got three on it all that time.

He just, you know, were able to get too much going in there.

The big eagles were kind of laying around that time, but one guy got to sneaks in there and gets in and gets a three.

Oh, really?

He was going I thought he was always ready to come out of there.

And I think it's just showing that way at the initial line of scrimmage.

Oh they just love it.

There's only been just having a good time of is always that way when you win you know it's you win it.

Everybody can do.

It especially back.

By the amount that they're winning right now.

Everybody kind of wants to strut their stuff, so to speak, right?

A brand van strutting its sideline team, strutting its stuff on the field.

Second and eight misdirection on the inside.

Jenkins keeping his balance.

Somebody hit him at the initial honest damage.

Jenkins ahead for three more and even then, just a hair away from breaking another big man, I'll tell you.

Yeah, one guy left by one guy downfield and you see the offensive line kind of watched everybody down there.

He gets clipped up there.

That guy doesn't get it.

He's gone.

As you can see, nobody's going to run behind 53.

They can't even take it.

We can get around, boy.

Nice blocking scheme for the Raiders up front as you take a look at Tommy Smith coming back to his set in the lineup.

You know, I make no reference to his size because I love to see the big line, not because I'm talking about his his girth or anything as he's great to see big linemen out there don't run and do something so big.

Well, you're right on the ground.

Jenkins following a block, turns it back to the inside.

They just keep inching the pack further and further ahead.

He got it close to the first down marker straight.

JENKINS No, we're talking about the wishbone being methodical right now with their offense.

All they're doing is just hold onto the ball, just keep it going, you know, just ball control.

Like they had nine minute drives the last quarter.

You Know they can continue to do this.

You know, there's just no way in the world that does that the Blue Devils would have any kind of chance to get back into this game because they, again, they're not passing the ball right now for us in less than a year or so.

The Raider first, take a look at Tommie Smith telling somebody to come on.

Well, I think, you know, they better come.

I think it's because it's just a fourth and a half on the ground as world.

But following the block of Jenkins he's got enough of the first inside down at the 20 yard line just following Jenkins on the left side.

Again, look at Thomas Smith coming up out of that pile as you look at it on the replay, boy, they just cleared a hole in there.

That was more than enough for the first down, like I say.

And that's what they've doing the whole game.

Smash Mouth Football said it from the beginning.

They played that way.

They kept it that way.

And it's a watch watching he's you know they've done it the whole time all star game they have to be surprised at least a bit here Gerald that played it aside just to get the first down and he's got at least five on the carry on just to keep it.

I think maybe in the beginning they may have been surprised at this point.

I mean they're saying, hey guys, they can't stop this.

You know, let's just beat up on him.

You know, they they have been out of control all day long at the line of scrimmage.

Let's just just have fun and just run the ball up and down the field.

But in terms of the evidence that the team on the ground here, they come right side.

Jenkins barreling ahead inside over 15 to the 14 such as Ward and Gerald Riggs.

We're in the fourth.

Yes, I am here.

And there was this is Columbus to serve as the city of well, just outskirts of Columbus, as it were.

Or you're in Columbus proper.

I was worried.

About lighting for the soon.

I wouldn't have been here a while.

The lightning would have kept going.

I've run out up full got of stadium you would light it so I'm glad that the weather kind of held off.

It makes it a great night for football.

We're glad you made it down here to Columbus.

Whistling is it's 43 nothing for the Raiders second down and four at the state 14.

Here they come option left side of got the corner again a nice open field tackle near the 11 Anthony over close to the first down they played it well they played it play that option very well.

At that point in time I thought he was going to give it up instead the running back again.

But he's get a little stingy now.

He wants to get some yards in there.

I don't blame him.

You know, everybody else is running.

Well, actually was pretty tough at that time to check tally but in or out pursuing for the Blue Devils followed it down the line made the nice stick on Wilber who was turning the corner but his third down and one after the run ball control by the Raiders.

They've eaten up most of the fourth already, third and about a half yard.

The goal for the Raiders first over under center on the grounds Lincoln's right side first down run spinning near the five to Sterling Jenkins eyes states back here in this at the far side as they try to continue to pump up the fans who made the trip from Statesboro over to Columbus.

Oh, I think, you know, to their credit, you know, they these guys have they they've been after him defensively.

You know, it's kind of difficult when, you know, the team is out there running the ball just just holding on to the ball, run it.

They Don't they don't do too many things fancy.

They're not trying to do anything to get out of the rhythm.

You know, they still got after Arsenal.

You know, these guys are still full of fight.

They're still going.

You're trying to get some makes time on defense.

You know, hopefully their offense, you know.

Kind of help out a little bit before this though with the defense.

They they've hung in there.

They've done a great job first and goal for the Raiders will be at the corner once again somebody knocked him off a seat near the two.

Well, they're starting to smell the goal line for the Raiders.

Wants to get one himself.

They're going to take a look at it coming at your screen, the wolves are headed toward the corner.

Well, I guess they certainly no lack of effort on that, on that Blue Devils side over there.

But, you know, it's it's kind of hard when you've got to the size that they so has right there in the middle.

You know, they've got their line.

You talk about them all night long.

They've just just had their way with the second down goal to go for the Raiders up the back is Lucas Jenkins, the second man wolves over the line, which gives it to Lucas Lucas Oh the right side touchdown for the Raiders easily let somebody else count it here you know one man has been pretty much getting all the glory tonight.

Let somebody else get to, you know, get a play in there, having those kind of rules with the quarterback, getting him involved in the running back and all the running backs of all the game.

You know, I'm sure the receivers would love to catch the ball and see, but it's not going to happen tonight.

Lucas stretching out and crosses the goal for the Raiders.

Simple play, you know, just one of those plays where you just, hey, this is line up.

We're going to see if they can beat us then.

You know that lady.

You know, they just happen to win out Lucas Jr Spencer on to try to fill in after Spencer drives it through and it's a 30 nothing lead for the raiders offshore over the Blue Devils Statesboro high school monster state grove just it just didn't this at all you know they they had a lot of they played well all season long but.

The Raiders really had just.

They they made things happen for themselves today.

I think the Blue Devils came out flat.

You know, I'd like to say that they were they had an opportunity there a couple of times early on, but they they just just couldn't seem to, you know, quite get them get the energy up or maybe get out there to maybe win or something.

I don't know what it was, but with these kind of conditions, you got to put it out of your mind as a team and go out there and play and play hard.

I think they've done that.

Just wasn't their night.

What a final some kind of stadium here in Columbus.

There you see a score with 527 in the ballgame.

Little doubt about the outcome of this game.

Spencer will kick it away.

Walker stands near the two Walker still Thomas, but the uprights drives Walker back into the end zone as Spencer kicked it deep once again.

Yeah.

Rob Trouble standing by the sideline.

Rob I mean, with the real backbone of the Shaw High School program, Mayflower, as husband of the alpha male, the Shaw Raiders, how pleased are you right now?

I'm just thrilled about the score right now.

And this has been a long time coming.

I'm just really, just really happy.

What about some of the sacrifices you have to make during the year?

Married to a football coach, he's always drawing X's and O's in his mashed potatoes.

Yes, that is true.

But you have to have patience.

And I understand that's a passion when America it's a lot of hard considerations, a lot of sacrifice and it's just what I understand that it's his job and I love just being there supporting you.

Well, looks like you're going to have a state championship.

Charles for Rob, thanks so much.

He's going be careful.

Manning.

Some of the things that he's done in his play translates to get very good mashed potatoes or something.

X's and O's in X's and O's in the mashed potatoes home.

He will have a winning feast tonight.

Those flowers at the sideline, 30 to nothing.

They lead it is in the backfield.

They're going to have to pass it.

Throws it at the corner pass, but it is complete.

Well, you know, it's kind of like one of those what they say in the middle, maybe a little bit too little, too late or whatever, however the saying goes.

But, you know, those are some of the things I think they should have been able to do the first half when they when they when it seemed like it was kind of getting out of hand, was still having the momentum in their favor.

You've got to do something.

Well, you can't hide all those plays.

You know, you play, but you got to try everything.

And I think, you know, to say they didn't get out of there, their natural rhythm was running the ball.

And so trying to pass it once in a while, it hurts.

It hurt them the first half and it does continue to hurt the whole game.

Jones With the completion on the previous play.

GROSS Rolling in the backfield, getting pressure from the lady on his bicycle and the second laterals may have gotten it back to the initial out of scrimmage.

We'll check it out.

Continuing to run, this will be the first state championship for the Raiders out here in Columbus.

You heard us talking about it in the pregame show over at Hendrick, the head coach of the Blue Devils, coach Busby.

He shared and won a championship with the Kentucky program in 1991.

And when you guys are saying that this would be the first time a Columbus school has outright won the state championship, so absolutely.

On the Rolls-Royce, aside from an honest scrimmage, the Raiders have their pursuit up front.

They were coming.

They knew it was a passing situation.

And Kensi with a big sack for the Raiders.

Well, again, you know, that's one of those things that just lay lay your ears back and just kind of go, you know, they is you just in a very difficult.

Situation as an offensive lineman, knowing that that guy's going to be upfield.

He's not thinking about anything else besides.

Getting upfield, getting to the quarterback, no responsibility.

Looked like he just took off running.

I don't like those.

Well, I wouldn't want to be back as a quarterback, I tell you that.

Take a look at Tennessee's numbers on this season's the season with 44 topping the gap one they're on the third down play devils keep it on the ground it was Walker he stopped well short of a first as look at the five a match up for tomorrow boy is that of Harrison playing the Panthers a park you've got a winner five eight.

Champs in the state.

Of Georgia.

Kick off 730 tomorrow on the orange jumper you'll see that live TV nicely done with the fourth down play for goes and the flats cost him all us got him and that's complete nice He was tearing near midfield and they moved the chains nicely done where they've been all night long you know it's a while waiting now, you know, 2 minutes, 45 seconds left in the game to start going for some of the stuff I thought it and still try this earlier take a look at grove fire the bullet Tanner in stride for the state's.

Ball first down.

You know even though this you know for the most part this game is pretty much out of hand for them.

But I think to do that for that offense next year, you know, you are probably not going to change it very much at all.

But to incorporate that more in his offense would make this team I mean, they've got weapons as it is Aldridge but I think to utilize him even more was helped them out and certainly it's a young team that comes out.

Of state for.

All with Walker coming back next year as is the Landry Tanner and Eugene GROSS, one of those quarterbacks coming back from Statesboro.

And just as a resident of states, well, I can tell you how much they've the whole city has been fired up by this program.

Not only do they have the Eagles at Georgia Southern, but the Blue Devils with a fine performance all season long, got the community behind.

And as you look at this second down play on the nice little dump pass walker near the first down marker, you know, I was wondering if they were going to try if they had a screen in their arsenal because of the fact of how how how sharp that the Raiders will come across line of scrimmage so fast.

That's usually the best way to slow down a team like that.

There are a couple of screenplay screenplays in there and, you know, kind of get them on their heels a little bit so they won't be just firing off and just coming off the field trying to, you know, really mess up the quarterback or whatever.

But that's, you know, like I said, these things have been there.

I'm just kind of surprised that they didn't get it to them a little bit sooner.

First and ten throws it's defense and getting immediate pressure from the Raiders they were coming from both corners Kenzie from one side and royals from the other end like well, Harris Palmer over there on the Blue Raider side.

He's just having a tough time with these guys.

Like I say, they're they're just laying their years back.

And, you know, it's kind of like saying that, you know, you're standing.

Next to a guy who's in a track stance.

And you're going you've got to try to beat him back.

What he's doing out the block.

You know, that's just basically what it is.

Second and 17 after the sack.

It's going to take a short drop to try to set this playing again.

They bring Tanner across the middle, pass goes incomplete and such a heavy pursuit by the Raiders.

It's no no responsibility.

Just go there.

Just go in there.

Taking off.

It's like, hey, take a look at Kenzi.

Like I say, he's a he's on the tracks.

It's like he just blows my mind.

It's it's not that offensive line as a lot is just so you know they're there.

In that situation.

Out of where, you know, the Raiders are just saying, hey, we know they've got a pass now let's just go after those two saying, Well, this is what I'm not supposed to be tackled on.

It's disgraceful.

Yeah, but when you're in the backfield that fast and the screens, you know, it takes a little bit of time.

It's a couple of seconds, you know, it's like as a matter of fact, a running back.

And we always run the 3001 to did you go out?

You know, well, that was one.

That's about all you see is Tanner at the sideline with a grab picks up some of it.

We're under a minute left.

Coach Howard Busby at the state rural sideline talking to girls not a lot.

He can tell them in this situation.

Yeah, no, that much he can really say.

You know you you just kind of a take a look at Coach Flowers in this performance of the.

Last two seasons.

Here at shore 27 and one and a perfect 15 and all they run the table here in 2000 and that's us.

That's it for us.

You know you never say to they have.

Oh yeah that's that's when you know that's all this divide over you see what the hardware calls for.

I see the hardware coming out there.

Everybody wants to have a piece of that and everybody wants to carry it around the stadium and all that stuff.

So and the Raiders certainly have earned it tonight.

Throw to nothing.

They lead it Blue Devils first and ten from the Raiders 48.

They keep it on the ground to the draw play and nothing happening on the inside.

And Tavis Walker as well as glad we can have both and shut down by stingy and suffocating raider defense.

Well you know, it's a still something to build on that's not, you know, just continue to hark on the fact that, you know, they just hadn't had things go their way.

But It's it's something to build on for next year to.

Get some young players.

You said.

As you said and you guys are coming back, you know, this kind of sticks in your craw, you know, as a team.

You're, you know, just the two years and sophomores for the team you know this year you know when they looked at it and look at the film off season, they're going to they're going to want to come back.

Blue Devils.

At the sideline time, I was thinking it's tough to listen to coach for hours like, oh, no, no, no stuff that you want to get that that right yeah.

He scored one goal right but I want to do is go on with you have nothing his head for me.

Yeah.

Oh get eight yards just like coach is staying right on it to the end.

As we take a look at the principles from Shaw High School, they have to be excited.

Top to bottom has been a fun performance and there's a lot of Columbus they're probably worried more about where's the pizza party?

Blue Devils on a second down in the 11th.

Boy was the pursuit heavy on that Brandon Parker and on the sack of gross and you know when these kind of happen like this you kind of look to some people will look at the game and you know what they why they still you know getting at these guys whatever you can you can't really blame the coach is the players you know they want to get out on the field so they have those kind of things out there.

You guys want to show up in the stack.

So I think they're out there.

They just do their thing.

So let's just this is a party game.

This is of all.

Fun, you know, for the team that's winning the team as little as is never for real.

30 nothing.

Raiders lead it.

Jim Pinocchio, coach Sam Barres.

Thank you.

Charles.

Coach, you've been talking the Raiders offensive line has been dominating, to say the least.

Coach Flowers, those this guy raised, I will tell you, boy they have just dominated this football game and that's that state championship, right?

There's one ballot off.

It's like, okay, I could do running backs on that offensive line.

Done a great job tonight.

I back upstairs, you guys.

The big uglies, the big boys, the hogs, whatever you want to call them, coach bars is dead on target with it.

Yeah, because the running backs help them look.

Are you sure you're going to tell the course?

No, I got it.

I got to stick up for the running backs here and you know.

Yeah, I know that's true.

The least we do as a running backs and is as you know guys would carry the ball.

You cannot do it without the guys that they had yesterday.

They have definitely showed tonight that they are probably the MVP of anybody's team.

They deserve it.

It's the offensive line.

They've done a great job.

There's girls scrambling right side again and sacked once again by the Raiders, pushed the Blue Devils back to the 40 and pushed the clock down to 22 and another time out taken by the Blue Devils will be pretty safe to say that the looks like to anybody who wants to come in, win a state championship in the midst of it.

Is this for you in the inequality?

Is this the squad, right?

Yeah, it's the Raiders.

Lead it.

Let's go back over to Coach bars and Jim.

Hey, Charles.

We couldn't help noticing the time of possession.

Coach, that was.

That was incredible.

It's unbelievable.

The stakes for only here.

Three plays in the whole third quarter.

And I was like, they've only had it 5 minutes.

Now, the whole second quarter is unbelievable.

A ton of possession that goes back to the offensive line, Jim.

All right.

Back upstairs.

Yeah.

If you keep it, they can't get it on the fourth down play pass goes to Walker but well short of the first down.

And just like this ball game began, the defense but the fourth down stand on the blue devil offense gives it back over to the offense and let that stop.

They give that championship to the Raiders.

As I was saying before, I think this does obvious and stuff.

It's the state championship is going to come right through here, guys.

He's got to you want to win this.

You don't have to be the team that has lost, but a playoff game actually the last couple of years.

And then they come back and win the championship.

That flowers at the sideline said.

They were going to do it, got them here and they did it tonight.

And that was little enough.

You see coach with his family, they enjoy the celebration.

I've talked about in the comments with Rob.

They are just as much involved in it as he is at the line of scrimmage.

And surprisingly, the Raiders take a turn out of 15.

It was they've got a lot of young players, the field, you know, those guys.

He's just kind of like, Hey Coach, I just wanted to see I got on the field, you know, I don't want to be stand on the sideline, let me get on the field to.

Just to see you.

And then when the clock ticks off.

I want to be out there on the field to jump up and say, hey, I was out there.

Yeah, this kind of part where you see a couple of guys maybe run out there, dove into plugs.

You know, I think they can say they played the game well.

They had something do with it when they actually just sent.

Over there, you know, kind of watch it.

Being a cheerleader still has pompoms or something.

But, you know, this is when they get those guys got to just kind of be out there and they just kind of, you know, just be part of the game.

That's all they want to do and it's just something that carries on for next year.

Awesome.

Coach Flowers in his ninth season, that's the year they get the championship fumble at the line of scrimmage.

They bring in Anthony Williams at quarterback and it's just supposed to sit on the football, but he stuck with it.

I think one way to get it out doesn't have anything to do down exactly right there.

You look at some of the big guys out there sliding the mud and stuff.

So he just getting passed just to get get a part of it.

The coaches meet at midfield coach Busby no stranger to Columbus congratulating Coach Flowers Fine performance by Coach Flowers and the Raiders they will throw to nothing just a tough just a dominating performance by the offensive and defensive lines.

You heard Coach Boris talk about it.

They only gave three plays for the Blue Devils in the third quarter.

Rob, trouble standing by that field level coach.

This is a victory Vince Lombardi or Eddie Robinson would have been proud of old school.

But you got to give all the credit, the world, your offensive line.

Tell me about.

Their play tonight.

Those guys did a tremendous job.

I mean, they came off the football.

They had a goal in mind and they wanted to come out and show those guys that they could play the game.

And play old fashioned football.

They did a great job.

The offensive line did an outstanding job.

Well, hey, I'm just extremely proud of those guys.

How happy are you really?

Is this a surreal moment?

Is this everything.

You thought it would be?

This is everything.

That I thought it would be.

I mean, just for the city and Columbus, you know, they don't give us a whole lot of credit in Columbus for being a a football town or a football school.

But I'm true to proud of our guys.

They stepped up.

And played great football tonight.

What about this woman right here, the back?

When I talked with her earlier, this is the straw that stirs the drink, isn't it?

She's the ball.

She's the coach.

She's my biggest critic, not my best friend.

She does a great job.

She's kind of the spiritual, emotional leader for all of us.

So, hey.

I'm extremely proud of everybody.

All right.

Congratulations, Coach Charles.

Back up to you.

Thank you, Rob.

Congratulations to Coach Flowers and his wife.

They win at 30 to nothing over the Blue Devils.

The stakes were high.

Gerald, been a pleasure working with you.

Will step aside for a break.