Warner Robins football hopes bye week, matchup against New Hampstead bring health and first region win

Warner Robins is coming off of their second bye week looking for a get-right game, and New Hampstead presents the best opportunity for the struggling Demons.

The last two games have not been kind to Warner Robins, who is trying to avoid their worst season since they went 3-8 in 2016. They’ve made the playoffs every year since 2010, and with a win against New Hampstead the hope stays alive as long as they can win another region game to avoid the tie with Wayne County.

The Phoenix are 1-6 on the year, with their only victory coming on the road to South Effingham (3-3), 14-6.

They were known last year for an absurdly explosive offense behind quarterback RaShawn Truell, who is now at Savannah State.

Truell threw for 3032 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2024 and rushed for 126 more yards and four touchdowns.

But he’s gone now, and without that explosive offense they’ve had a much harder time staying in games. Last year’s New Hampstead defense allowed an average of 41.5 points per game, and while they’ve taken a step up with 32 allowed per game this year, it’s not been enough.

They’ve had a hard time containing the rush in particular. The Phoenix have allowed 150 or more yards on the ground five times, more than 200 thrice and more than 250 twice. That’s not including the Pierce County game for which stats are not available, though it was a 39-14 loss.

In those games they’ve allowed 19 rushing touchdowns, with a high of seven against Ware County in a 57-19 final.

Season-ending injuries to running back AJ Alexander and offensive lineman Chase Plank significantly weaken the run game, even if CJ Gunnings is available, but the run has been the Demons’ strength this season.

It’s unclear what injuries have befallen the defensive line, which was superb in the first several games of the season behind Quincy Davis and Daeveon Dixon.

Limiting self-inflicted wounds such as turnovers and penalties will be paramount for Warner Robins, who’s had problems with those in their last four games in particular.