Georgiana proved quick as it shutout Samson 25n0 in the season opener last year.

The Tigers are just hoping to be able to catch the Panthers when they visit this Friday night.

"They've got a lot of quickness and a lot of speed," SHS head coach Jay Mikel said. "I think that was the deciding factor last year; we couldn't catch them. Those are things, if you don't have them, you can't coach them. Coach York does a good job with the kids at Georgiana and they're very disciplined. I think their quickness and speed are certainly their biggest asset."

GHS head coach Keith York said despite such a convincing win last year, he expects Samson to play hard.

"They should be improved," York said. "It should be a pretty good match up. They've got a couple of good running backs. It just depends on who plays the best defense and who has the fewest turnovers."

As for most high school coaches, York said it's hard to get information about what's to expect from his opponent this season.

"We don't have much information on them playing first other than what we had last year," York said. "Basically, they'll run the same stuff. Hopefully that will give us something to work against this week in practice."

Both coaches believe turnovers will be the key to winning, but Samson had the most trouble turning it over last year. The Tigers had 250nyards rushing last season, but fumbled six times inside the 20nyardnline.

"We have to hold on to the ball," Mikel said. "We couldn't produce any points. We've got to hold on to the football and put it in the end zone."

With the Panthers' speed, Mikel said fundamentals would come into play for his squad during the contest.

"I think the key for us is going to be our ability to hold onto the ball offensively, then defensively make tackles and cover our assignments," Mikel said. "Our secondary has to be disciplined."

Mikel also said his players will have to play assignment football on defense and lock up on tackles.

"They don't let you get a second chance to tackle them," Mikel said.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Directions:

From Opp, travel Highway 52 east about 17 miles. In downtown Samson take a left at the first red light, go two blocks and turn left to the stadium.