By Nick Nunn
Staff Writer

No worse for the wear after his celebratory shower on Friday night, Head Coach Bill Malone was ready to be able to knowledgably discuss his strategy against the Gordon Central Warriors.
Which is no mean feat, considering that, last week, Coach Malone wasn’t even sure what Gordon Central’s mascot is.
But lack of direct experience against an opponent isn’t an uncommon occurrence when it comes to facing teams from other leagues in the postseason.
Despite the fact that this game is the first time that Morgan County has ever played against Gordon Central, Coach Malone already has a grasp on what challenges the Warriors are going to pose.
“Schematically, we have seen what they do on offense and we have seen what they do on defense. That’s not going to be different. What’s going to be different is that their defensive line is going to be much bigger than anybody we’ve played.”
During the time between last Monday and the beginning of the game Friday, Malone is going to be working to minimize the effect that the size of Gordon Central’s athletes is going to have on his players.
“[Their size] is something that we’re going to be talking about at soon as I get the kids on the field today. We’re going to start talking about not letting their size become a wow-factor for any reason.”
Still, their size is going to be an issue in the game.
“They are very stiff competition for us,” said Malone. “We definitely have our work cut out for us, but our defense has done a tremendous job all year facing the type of offense that they run.”
Gordon Central’s quarterback, who has accounted for over 95 percent of the Warriors’ offense this year, poses the biggest threat.
“If you want to see what they are trying to do, you watch him,” suggests Malone.
Now that the postseason is here, Malone sees the fruits of the team’s labor coming into bloom.
“We have accomplished one of the things we set out to do, which was to host a playoff game,” began Malone. “Now, we just have to make sure that we are not satisfied to just host a playoff game – let’s win a playoff game.”
And Malone’s ever-present confidence in his team assures him of another great performance this Friday.
“I don’t know their kids – all I really know is ours – but there is no way they’ve got the heart that our guys have got. There is no way they’ve got the determination our guys have got.”
“And it is not for lacking on their end; it is because of what we have.”
Finally, Malone hopes that Morgan County’s loyal fans will find their way to the stadium this Friday night.
“For whatever reason, come out to the game, make a little bit of noise, and show some appreciation for the kids that have worked really hard.”

Printed in the November 15, 2012 edition