Can HOCO stop the runaway train that is Warner Robins?

Inner county games just mean more than regular season games. Sometimes, they carry more weight than region games and teams always come in with a little extra intensity. This Friday night will be the showdown between Houston County (3-1) and Warner Robins (2-1). Both squads are riding two-game win streaks with the position to make a statement over the other with a victory.

The Houston County Bears just finished an impressive road tour. They hit the road for three straight weeks, going 2-1 with one of those victories being over old archrival, Coffee. Now the road warriors will take a little ride down South Davis Drive to take on their fiercest competition yet.

Warner Robins is fresh off their 47-0 massacre against Northside where the Demons showed, once again, the team’s lethal playmaking ability all over the field. The impact of the offense is matched by the defense and vice-versa. It’s a team built for a fourth state championship appearance, and they carry that swagger, but that swag is mixed with a vengeance. A vengeance that reminds them every game is another step closer back to the big stage, another step to getting better and sealing the deal once they get to the big stage.

Though Houston County fared well against Crisp County and beat Coffee, this is another proving ground for them. In last week’s win over Statesboro, Houston’s identity offensively began to solidify. The offense had their most productive night on the season last week. They’re finding their groove at a pivotal time in the season, just three games away from their region matchups. The running game has shown to be their attack and they have many variations to strike with it.

Coming in, it was known that Houston running back, Corey Chaisson, would be an impact from the backfield but the Bears have many more options. Running back, Tyler Williams, has received touches through the first four games and finally broke out last week against Statesboro, where he finished with 114 yards. The next option is Simeon Askew, a utility athlete who can do a bit of everything in all three facets of the game. Askew has proven to be a dependable third down and goal line back with four touchdowns on 18 carries this season. That’s not all of them either, quarterback, Christian Lawhorn, brings a fourth rushing presence to round out their attack.

It’s clear what Warner Robins will hone in on during this game. HOCO has a team total of 98 passing yards compared to 548 rushing yards this year. Seeing this puts a smile on Warner Robins’ tenacious front seven because they love to get physical and it starts with senior linebacker, Ahmad Walker. Whether he’s making tackles or leveling blockers, he’s looking for blood every snap. Walker finished with three sacks and four tackles for a loss last week, he’s an engine for the defensive unit and his ferocity spreads around the team. The linebacking corps is rounded out with Demarcious Robinson, Jay Carter and Montrez Dinkins, who have all made an impact this season. Then you obviously can’t forget the beast on the edge in defensive end, Victor Burley, who’s relentless and practically unstoppable one on one.

Houston County’s offense will be in for a day, and the defense will be called on to keep Warner Robins from scoring too often, which is a challenge the defense has accepted all season. Eighteen has been the most points scored against the Bears this season; Warner Robins has scored no less than 25 in each outing and broke the 40-point threshold in the past two games. Their defense will have the tall task of defending the Demon offense led by quarterback Jalen Addie, who’s been balling as of late. The defensive line manned by Hunter Rizer, Jalen Jordan, Jayleem Santos and Larry Fields will need to make a huge impact with the initial push off the ball. Rizer leads the team in sacks with three and out of the company just mentioned, they combine for six sacks and nine tackles for a loss. The front line and the team’s leading tackler in linebacker, Jayson Hodges, must pressure the pocket but also contain Addie’s running ability.

Addie has rushed for 249 yards with three touchdowns in the past two games while passing for another 424 yards and four touchdowns. While the front seven must key in on Addie, running backs, Jahlen Rutherford and Malcom Brown, hard runners that can wear down a defense, making it difficult to keep up with Addie’s scrambling ability for four quarters. Addie’s top two targets, receivers, Daveon Walker and Armon Porter, add more notes to Houston’s game plan. They’re like thunder and lightning. Walker, who finished with 147 yards and a touchdown on three catches last week, is a sure target that is the thunder while Porter is the lighting, with speed to fly past any defender.

The playmakers of Warner Robins give Houston County a full plate with a little extra hanging off the side, but Houston has the appetite for it. We’ll see if they can handle it.

The game is at The MAC Stadium and kicks off Friday, Oct. 2 at 8:00 p.m.

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