Eagles on a bye, look to learn from Colquitt loss

The Northside Eagles are on a bye this week following the 52-7 loss to No.5 Colquitt County on the road last Friday. Northside is now 4-2 (including the forfeit win due to Howard’s COVID concerns) on the season.

Against Colquitt, the Eagles were making plays early but a big second quarter from Colquitt put the game out of reach. Mistakes on the Eagles’ end allowed an easy score and couldn’t stop the bleeding after it. Colquitt scored 31 points in the second to get out to a 38-7 lead by halftime.

“We’ve got to learn when something goes wrong we’ve got to stop it right then and there and keep playing,” said Eagles head coach Chad Alligood about the game. “Friday night, we just couldn’t do it. They made a couple plays in a row and we didn’t match them play for play.”

Even if though the scoreboard reads as a loss the Eagles can learn a lot from playing a team like Colquitt. With the region open for the taking and home field advantage in the playoffs at stake, the Eagles could use this game to improve for the region schedule ahead.

“Our two losses are against two of the top teams in the state of Georgia regardless of classifications,” said Alligood. “I kind of tell myself we don’t lose, we learn. I think we’ve learned a lot about our team in those two ball games and I think it’s going to help us down the road once region schedule and playoffs hit. You hate to lose a game but you better learn from it or it’s a wasted opportunity.”

Through the last few weeks, sophomore quarterback Damien Dee has been the starter in place of senior Cameran Brown, who was injured in the Warner Robins game. Dee has shown his potential as the Eagles’ quarterback for the future. His ability to make plays with his arm and legs makes him a threat at all times, and the games against Warner Robins and Colquitt should only help with his growth as a quarterback.

“Damien’s just a playmaker,” said Alligood of the sophomore. “He really understands the game and you never question Damien’s effort at all. I mean he’s giving you all he’s got on every play and sometimes that gets him in trouble a little bit trying to make a big play. But Dee’s going to be an outstanding quarterback at Northside, and all of these reps with Cam injured right now has really benefitted Dee. He’s just an impressive young man, God gifted him with a lot of ability, and it’s been crucial for him to get these reps right now.”

Alligood likes where his team is at this point in the season and the Eagles will rest up this week in preparation for the home game against Luella on Oct.8.

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