THOMASVILLE – Fall practice is under way for football teams in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). For Cairo coach Steve Devoursney, his top objective is to build much-needed depth on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Depth at quarterback and on defense where the Syrupmakers return just five starters are main concerns for Cairo, which finished 10-3 last year and lost 20-17 to Troup in the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs.

“We can’t afford to get anybody hurt this year, not a lot of depth anywhere,” Devoursney said. “We’re having to create depth on both sides of the ball. We’re trying to get offensive guys ready for defense and some defensive guys ready for offense to create some more depth. I think our first 11 we put out there are pretty good and then after that you’re starting to grab from the other side of the ball to keep that same kind of level of productivity.”

Cairo continues conditioning practice this week through Wednesday, July 31. It returns eight starters on offense, including quarterback Matthew Peters. However, he is the only Syrupmaker with any substantial experience behind center after Ronnie Baker transferred to Thomasville High School. Joining Peters among returning offensive starters includes running back Tay Solomon, who started every game a year ago. The Syrupmakers also return three starting wide receivers, including Nick Gosier, Markuii Lovejoy and Maurice Chin. Defense has always been Cairo’s calling card but the Syrupmakers must replace six starters from a season ago.

“I think we’ve done a good job trying to get (the players) in shape, get them game ready. We’ve got to try to keep kids from going both ways as much as we can early on,” Devoursney said.

It’s a busy week this week for Cairo’s football team. On Thursday, the team, along with all other teams in the GHSA, will begin practicing in full pads. On Friday, Cairo will continue its preseason practice while also holding its first day of school.

“We’ve still got a ways to go so we’re just trying to tighten some things up the next couple of weeks before we crank it up,” Devoursney said. 

Cairo’s first regular season game is August 23 at rival Thomasville before hosting its other main rival Bainbridge on August 30.