HOCO’s defense faces another test of strength

Originally, the Houston County Bears was set to play Statesboro this Friday. But since COVID-19 recently took a toll on the Statesboro’s football program, Houston County (1-1) had to find another team to play. Now they’re matched up against an even tougher opponent in Coffee County (2-0).

No slight at Statesboro, but Houston County has played Coffee the past four seasons and lost each game. Even NFL quarterback, Jake Fromm, couldn’t beat the Trojans during his senior season at HOCO back in 2016. HOCO is fresh off a 12-0 loss to Crisp County, so the level of competition shouldn’t faze them. Crisp County ranks at No.19 in the MaxPreps Georgia Football Rankings, Coffee is ranked No.20 and HOCO is No.83, if you were curious.

This week, it’s inevitable HOCO must focus on taking care of possessions and continue to stand tall on defense. Against Crisp, HOCO turned the ball over on eight occasions but Crisp couldn’t capitilize on most of them because of the Bears’ defense, who shutout Crisp in the entire second half. The game was a winnable one for the Bears, but the new offense is going through some expected growing pains. First year starting quarterback, senior Christian Lawhorn, is being thrown into the fire against good teams as he adjusts to the triggerman position.

Negative plays and turnovers from bad snaps, interceptions off deep heaves and allowing pressure on the pocket are some aspects HOCO will need to cut out in this game against Coffee. Like Crisp, Coffee is another pesky defense and HOCO’s running back, Corey Chaisson, may need to get going this game to help finish drives. Chaisson hasn’t gotten started yet this season with just 17 carries for 57 yards so far. Passing the ball hasn’t faired too well for the Bears either, but an effective and hard-nosed rushing attack this game may begin to open up some of their receivers. Lawhorn is a former receiver who brings a rushing presence himself, and HOCO may start to take advantage of that since the deep ball hasn’t been there for them.

Opposite of the offense, HOCO’s defense has played outstanding. They’ve been the strong suit of the team and will be tested again this week. Thus far, the Bears defense have allowed 22 points scored, 314 yards of total offense, 2.6 yards per carry, one passing touchdown and has two interceptions. Players like defensive back Cam Stewart, linebacker Jayson Hodges, and defensive linemen Jayleem Santos and Larry Fields will be called upon to lead their defense to another solid performance.

Coffee has scored at least 30 points in their first two games and the Bears’ best chance of knocking off the Trojans is to keep it low scoring like they’ve done throughout the first two games. It’ll definitely be a hard-fought battle between these two, but win or lose, HOCO will come out benefitting from this matchup. They have a tough region ahead of them and this game is good to have in preparation for another shot at the playoffs this season.

The game is Friday, Sep. 18 at Coffee County and kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

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