Greenville, Georgiana ready for region play following #8220Battle of Butler County#8221;

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 6, 2006

Following Thursday's emotion-filled &#8220Battle of Butler County,” both the Greenville Tigers and the Georgiana Panthers return to take action this week, this time on Friday night, against region opponents.

The Tigers, who were victorious over Georgiana 35-0, travel to Booker T. Washington while the Panthers travel to Bayside.

This Tigers only win last season was an 8-0 shutout over Booker T. Washington but the Golden Eagles are coming off a huge 27-0 shutout win over Russell County and Greenville head coach Bryant Vincent said the Golden Eagles have lightning quick speed.

&#8220They are extremely athletic and fast,” Vincent said. &#8220I thought we had team speed but they are tremendous.”

Vincent said the Golden Eagles' quarterback and running back can make plays at any time and the Tiger defense must stay focused to contain the two athletes.

&#8220We've got to know our responsibilities, our assignments and stay disciplined and focused,” Vincent said.

Vincent said the Golden Eagles run a lot of option and power-I offense, although they also often do some things to throw off defenses.

&#8220Our inside linebackers and secondary are going to have to swarm to ball and make tackles,” Vincent said. &#8220We are going to have to have all 11 guys around the ball.”

On offense, the Tigers will hope to repeat Thursday night's four-touchdown effort.

Vincent said his offense should have some extra plays in for the Golden Eagles but they must also be on their toes because he said Booker T. Washington's &#8220defense if just so fast.”

The Georgiana Panthers also will return to the regular Friday night schedule this week at region foe Bayside.

The Panthers fell to the Admirals last season, 32-14, and following Thursday's loss to Greenville, first-year Georgiana head coach Donald Ray Mixon said his team must get back to work.

&#8220We've got to work harder and that's exactly what we're going to do,” Mixon said.

The Panthers only managed 62 yards of offense against the Tigers, with all of those coming on the ground, and will look to quarterback Andre Paige to help open up the Georgiana offense.

Bayside is coming off an 18-14 victory over Millry and will also open up region play with Georgiana.