GAME OF THE WEEK: Houston County football looks to make it three in a row against Warner Robins

Houston County (3-0) and Warner Robins (2-1) are both fresh off of big rivalry wins against Perry and Northside respectively, but now they’ll take aim at each other in another county rivalry game.

Here are three things to watch in the only football game happening in Houston County this week:

1. The Bears limited the Panthers’ rush attack, can they do the same with Warner Robins?

HoCo stifled what has been a dominant Perry rush attack on Friday, not allowing a single chunk play on the ground. That’s impressive considering the tandem of backs in the Panthers’ backfield, but they’ll have to do it again with the Demons.

Unlike last year, Warner Robins finds their best offense on the ground, particularly in quarterback Skyler Williams.

Williams is 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, and he plays like it. Rather than slide in the face of defenders (for better or for worse) Williams will bulldoze a defender or two for extra yards, and sometimes he’ll even be left standing after tackle attempts.

He’s more than just power, though. He’s incredibly evasive both in the pocket and scrambling.

While Cullen McDaniel is capable of getting out and running, it’s a completely different animal with Williams. Bears coach Jeremy Edwards knows that.

“When you got a running quarterback like that, you got to defend 11 because he’s a threat to run. We’ll have to come up with a plan to hem him up and make sure he can’t get loose,” Edwards said.

2. Can Warner Robins clean up special teams?

The Demons have their moments on special teams with great returns, but they also have plenty of hurtful plays. Whether it be penalties, bad snaps like the one that caused a safety on Friday, or even the blocked field goal they allowed against Northside that was returned for a touchdown, those plays will hurt them in a close game.

Warner Robins football coach Shane Sams acknowledged that post-game on Friday:

“…our special teams hurt us a little bit. I think the game could have turned out differently if we did not have some of the mistakes on special teams, so those are things we have to clean up,” Sams said.

3. How does HoCo deal with Rasean Dinkins?

Isaiah Mitchell has been unstoppable through the Bears’ first three games. He’s posted 536 yards and five touchdowns so far, and has separated himself as the clear WR1.

Perry played solid coverage on HoCo’s other receivers, who weren’t able to create as much separation throughout the game.

With a ball hawk like safety Rasean Dinkins lurking in the Demons’ secondary, can the Bears find the same success?

Dinkins had two interceptions against Northside and is great in both man or zone coverage. He’s got the size to be in the box and speed to cover outside.

He’s also a threat on offense, whether that be running or catching the ball. Defensively, at least, Edwards will look to keep him away from their best players.

“We try to put our best on their worst. So we’ll try to identify who their worst guy is and we’ll put our best guy on him all night,” Edwards said.

Noteworthy

Northside sold out to stop the Warner Robins run last week, which gave the Demons more room to maneuver through the air. Against HoCo, they’ll have to make more tight window throws with less time to do it.

Kickoff is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. on Freedom Field.