Clint Thompson
THOMASVILLE – Thomas County Central’s defense has fueled its 11-game winning streak.
Being opportunistic has aided the Region 1-AAAA champ during its playoff run.
Entering Friday night’s third-round playoff game with Sandy Creek, Central has forced 38 turnovers. The takeaway total is capped by six the Yellow Jackets recorded last week against Richmond Academy.
“We’ve done a really good job with interceptions and fumble recoveries,” Central defensive coordinator Cliff Heard said. “You’d like to think it’s because they hit them pretty hard.
“We knew when we came into the season we had a good group. We preach all the time, what we talk about on Friday when we have our last meeting, tackle well and create turnovers.”
Central has forced a turnover in every game this year. Its second-round total marked the seventh time this year the Yellow Jackets have forced three or more turnovers in a game. A big reason for the Yellow Jackets’ defensive success is the experience and leadership they have on that side of the ball. Between players like defensive ends Caleb Heard and Ray Drew, linebacker Greg Wolf and defensive back Reshard Cliett, Central is loaded with starters in their second or third years.
“We’ve got a bunch of really good football players. They play their role,” Heard said. “Whatever they’re supposed to do, they do. It’s a lot of fun to be around them. They play hard, and they’re determined they’re going to win. But we knew they’re going to be pretty good coming into the season.”
Forcing turnovers has only been half the battle this year for the Yellow Jackets. They are focused, a lot of times, on returning those takeaways for scores. Senior linebacker Chris Shiver has two touchdowns, including a 14-yard fumble return against Americus-Sumter and a 34-yard interception return against Upson-Lee. Even last week, A.J. Larkins returned an interception 50 yards that immediately set up a Yellow Jackets score.
“Obviously, those kids being in the right place at the right time is important. Coach Pickett and coach Skipper did a heck of a job (last week) making sure we were there on the right coverage,” Heard said. “People that like to put their hats on the ball and tackle people pretty hard, when you do that regular enough, you’re going to get a few balls on the ground. We’ve been fortunate that we’ve recovered a lot more than we’ve lost this year. It’s put us in a good position most of the time.”
The turnover battle will be key Friday night when the Fighting Patriots come to Thomas County Stadium. Led by future Mississippi State running back Raijon Neal, Sandy Creek has scored at least 20 points in all but one game this year. He is the featured back in a multiple-I offense.
