Fyffe vs. Geraldine GOW
Game Of The Week 8-30-19
The significance:
This week’s two teams are from different classifications. While Geraldine vs. Fyffe holds no direct playoff significance, this will most definitely be the hottest ticket on Sand Mountain this Friday. It has all the elements of a great game. Geraldine is the team on the rise with something to prove. The Red Devils want to demonstrate that they are still a force to be reckoned with. Fyffe hasn’t lost a regular-season game since 2015 and is viewed as a machine that can steal a team’s heart and soul before they even get off the bus. It’s a big advantage for the Red Devils, and they want to keep it by winning this first big game.
Nothing can be written here to add to the legend of Fyffe Head Coach Paul Benefield. His record and achievements speak for themselves, with three state titles in the last five years. While many coaches and teams look at Fyffe with understandable fear and trepidation, Geraldine Head Coach Brad Waldrop was born in Paul Benefield’s system. He was molded by it, and that’s why the Bulldogs are on the rise and resemble some of Benefield’s early Fyffe teams. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but the Bulldog program is headed in the right direction. This Friday, we’ll see how much Waldrop learned from the master. Lastly, these two teams are next-door neighbors. It’s all about the bragging rights.
The breakdown:
This game of the week will be an old-fashioned slobberknocker. Both of these programs emphasize strength and physicality, so expect the sounds of pads popping and grunting. Just as the Red Devils lost the Class 2A, Region 8 Player of the Year in running back Payton Anderson, the Bulldogs lost Class 3A, Region 7 Player of the Year in running back Andrew Hall. How well these teams fill these holes will be key, not only to this game but to their respective seasons as well. Fyffe lost more to graduation than Geraldine however, and it could be significant that most of the Red Devil’s losses were on the defensive side of the ball. As in most games, whichever team wins the battle in the trenches wins this game.
The coaches:
“Fyffe is who they are. Year in, year out. They’re big, physical, fast and extremely well-coached. It doesn’t matter when or where you play them; you’re going to have to play your best and eliminate mistakes to give yourself a chance.” – Fyffe Head Coach Brad Waldrop
“I think Geraldine is very strong this year. They have several good senior players and several underclassmen who have talent, as well as a good quarterback and good running backs. They’re big and strong in their offensive line, and they’re aggressive on defense. They also have a good kicker, so it’s hard to find any weakness. We will have to play well to stay in the game.” – Fyffe Head Coach Paul Benefield.