Warner Robins football hosts Veterans on homecoming

With a big 54-44 win over Houston County and the bye week behind them, Warner Robins (3-1) will take aim at Veterans (0-4) in their final non-region contest on Friday.

The Demons are undefeated against in-county opponents so far, and they’ll look to continue that streak as the Warhawks search for their first win:

1. The continued cohesion of Skyler Williams and the Warner Robins offense

Skyler Williams was selected as the Georgia High School Football Daily State Player of the Week in Week 4 after contributing a total 305 yards of offense to go with four touchdowns against HoCo.

During his award ceremony he credited his offensive line for allowing him to get out and run, and that relationship (along with the one with his receivers) will be increasingly important as the Demons head into region play.

Warner Robins football coach Shane Sams said that his offense has made progress since the beginning of the season, and now that many of the players are maturing they’re seeing the fruits of their labor.

It certainly won’t be easy to move the ball against a Veterans offense that features players like Kane Byrd.

2. Can the Demons limit Kane Byrd

Byrd has by far been the Warhawks’ most productive defensive player in the 2024 season.

He’s second on the team in tackles with 21 (18 solo), leads them in tackles for a loss with six, leads with six quarterback hurries and a sack. He’s also caused two fumbles. That’s just through their first three games.

Byrd rips through blockers and single handedly creates pressure both against the run and in the pass rush, and is both fast and strong enough to match up with tackles and guards.

Though the Veterans defense has allowed 32 points per game through their first three, there are still multiple playmakers on that side of the ball Warner Robins will have to take note of including Lincoln Goode, Hudson Warden and Christian Askew.

3. Can the Warner Robins secondary take advantage of an inexperienced Veterans quarterback room

Last year the Demons were not a team that forced a lot of turnovers. This year they’ve come away with at least one in three of their first four games.

Georgia Tech commit Rasean Dinkins has been one of the biggest playmakers on both sides of the ball for Warner Robins and is very much a threat to the Warhawks’ passing attack.

Though Veterans does have talented receivers like Mouhamadou Mane, Kaden Gutierrez and Aaron Evans, there’s inexperience in the quarterback room.

Brooks Masters is the senior who’s taken most of the snaps, but has a 50% completion percentage and two interceptions so far this season. He did have his best statistical performance against Starr’s Mill going 14-of-21 for 139 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, but against a Demons secondary that’s proven solid so far that may not be enough.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20 at the MAC.