It’s the week of the game. Not just any game, but the Northside vs Warner Robins game.
This Friday will mark the 63rd time the Warner Robins Demons (1-1) and Northside Eagles (2-1) have played each other. The overall record between the two favors Warner Robins 37-25, but on Friday night, nothing history has written will matter.
In the biggest rivalry across Middle Ga. there’s always an itching anticipation leading up to this game. Certain players shine in these types of moments and there’s nothing greater than winning in a rivalry that’s gone on for decades.
The matchup:
Warner Robins comes into this game off a bye-week that followed their dominating win over Archer. The Demons have fired on all cylinders, but the defense has been played exceptional and may be even better than it was last year. The Screamin’ Demon defense harasses quarterbacks and blows up plays with tenacious swagger. Led by senior linebackers, Ahmad Walker and Demarcious Robinson, the defensive front also contains sophomore defensive end, Victor Burley, and junior linebacker Jay Carter who are both making a name for themselves this season. Burley came in this season already a highly touted prospect, but Carter is proving to be the next great linebacker at Warner Robins. This defense, especially up front, will be Northside’s toughest task.
Northside is beginning to click though, and they’re riding momentum from the 28-7 win over Howard last week. The Eagles also defeated Peach County the week before Howard, proving this season will be much different from last year’s.
This will be the Eagles’ toughest matchup thus far and quarterback Elijah Robinson, must lead the offense down the field against the Demons’ defense. Robinson is a first-year starter who’s proving to be the right guy for Northside and has elevated his performance every week, but he’ll have his hands full dealing with the Demons. To lighten the load for Robinson, another productive night from running back Jaylen Cephus will be key to keep drives alive.
The Eagles’ defense has shouldered the load as the new offense gels and that trend will continue through this week. They’ve performed well all year especially against the run. The Eagles have allowed just 145 rushing yards total throughout all three games this year. Northside could benefit from limiting the running game, forcing Warner Robins as one-dimensional as possible, which is much harder said than done. Warner Robins running back Jahlen Rutherford is an 1,000-yard rusher who runs hard and quarterback Jalen Addie’s dual-threat abilities add another rushing presence for the Demons. Defensive lineman, Jai’dyn Rumph with linebackers Kayleb Pierce and CJ Radford anchor the defensive front that will need to clog the running lanes and force the Demons to beat them one way.
Big games make names:
This rivalry is the type of game certain players just lose themselves and have one of the best games they’ve ever played. So along with the names already mentioned in the matchup, there are some more dogs on the field to watch for this Friday.
For Northside, wide receiver Justin Luke is the number one target and a productive game from him against a top team in the state like Warner Robins could bring his stock up amongst college recruiters. It’s certain he’ll get his fair share of targets on Friday, so look for the matchup between him a Demons’ cornerback Antwon Jackson. Jackson showed his lock down abilities against Valdosta’s receivers, which is likely, the best receiving corps in the state. With Jackson is defensive back, Xavier Hill, who came up with a timely interception against Archer.
Northside also has a pair of productive defensive backs in Kameron Anderson and Ty Glanton who combine for three interceptions this season. Both of them will have to watch for Demons’ receivers Armon Porter, who’s a speedster that can break off big plays and Daveon Walker, a sure handed target.
A slight difference:
Unlike years past, the atmosphere for this rivalry game will be much different. Only 25% capacity is allowed at McConnell Talbert Stadium this season due to COVID-19. So not all die-hard fans and alums will be in attendance screaming for their team like in year’s past. It’ll be different as far environment but it’s still the same old rivalry.
Kickoff is 7:30 on Friday Sep. 25 at McConnell Talbert Stadium.
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