ESPN will be on hand at Emory Sewell Stadium to broadcast the Milton at North Cobb game on Friday. While the game doesn't have any region implications for either team, it does pit the #1 team against the #6 team in the 7A classification in Georgia. It will be a serious test for both programs, not to mention the added pressure of a nationwide audience.
Last week, Shane Queen's Warriors lost a tough first game to the Buford Wolves. Buford is the defending 6A state champ, and looked every bit the part in the second half of the game. North Cobb was in control for the majority of the first half, blanking the Wolves 14-0 heading into intermission, but the second half was a different story.
A productive third quarter for the Wolves put them up by a touchdown heading into the final quarter, 21-14. An early score for Buford in the fourth put them in control by fourteen, 28-14. An on-target midfield TD pass by the Warriors' Malachi Singleton to senior receiver Reggie Givhan was the four-play scoring response from North Cobb to close the lead, 28-21.
Buford answered back with a scoring drive of their own to extend the lead back to double-digits with les than three minutes left in the game. Although the Warriors scored again, it was too late. The Wolves ran the clock out and took a 35-27 victory back to Buford.
Milton will be another challenge for North Cobb, but Coach Queen will have his team ready to play. Last week was a wake-up call for the Warriors. A 14-point lead can drain away in minutes when playing these high-caliber teams. Two areas where they need to tighten up is special teams and mental mistakes. The Warriors watched several kickoffs sail out of bounds to give the Wolves great starting position, and sacrificed too many yards in penalties on both sides of the ball. These mistakes can (and hopefully will) be attributed to first-game jitters, but they must be eliminated to avoid an 0-2 start.
Good luck on Friday, Warriors! For those that can make it to the game, dress in your best orange and navy blue outfits. Those that can't make it to the game, make sure to tune in to ESPN.
