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November 20, 2008

Baldwin Braves ready for Shaw

Jessica Luton

The undefeated Baldwin Braves will face the Shaw Raiders tonight in the second round of the Georgia High School Association Class AAA playoffs.

As the Braves prepare for Shaw, the team is excited to have a playoff football game in front of their hometown crowd.

“It’s good to play in front of your fans and see playoff football on your home field, but you’ve got to take each game one at a time [in the playoffs],” said Braves Head Coach Jesse Hicks.

The undefeated 9-0 Braves, region champions for the first time in 23 years, have been preparing for the game just as they would any other, said Hicks.

“We just look at the films and try to put our best offense and defense up against them,” said Hicks. “We had good practices Monday and Tuesday. We’re just trying to get ready and prepare the kids the best way we know how.”

The Shaw team upset Peach County 22-7 in the opening round of the playoffs last week.

The outcome of Friday night’s game will come down to execution, said Hicks.

“We’ve got to execute what we’ve been doing all week and not make mistakes.”

The matchup against the Shaw High School Raiders should prove to be an exciting game Friday night, said Hicks.

“Shaw runs a spread offense,” said Hicks. “They’ve got a great running game and a fast defense, but we’ve got the number one defense in the state.”

The success of the Braves can be attributed to a change in attitude on the part of the students, said Hicks.

“The kids attitude toward what they’re doing has made the different,” he said. “It’s just the attitude of the kids on the field and the student body.”

The Braves will take the field at home tonight at 7:30 p.m., and the team hopes the community will come out and show their support, said Hicks.

“I hope everybody comes out and enjoys the game.”

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