CAIRO – Cairo’s surge in recent weeks could meet its stiffest challenge in the second round of the Class AAAA playoffs. The Syrupmakers, winners of five straight, will head to Savannah on Friday to play the Benedictine Cadets.

“Anytime you play a private school, it’s going to be a big challenge. They can do things a lot different than a public school which gives them a big advantage,” Cairo coach Steven Devoursney said. “They’re well-coached, got good players, a lot of tradition. It’s going to be a big challenge for us, but that’s why you play the games to have big games like this. They’re ranked No. 3 in the state for a reason. It’s going to be a fun game and fun atmosphere.”

The Cadets are regular postseason participants who have found success in recent years, including a 15-0 state championship season in 2016 and a 13-2 championship year in 2014, both in Class AA. Benedictine has advanced to the second round of the state playoffs every year since 2011. 

The Cadets are 7-2 this season with two losses to Ware County and Appling County. It rebounded to defeat Troup County 42-35 in last week’s playoff opener.

The staggering statistic about this year’s team is its offensive prowess. The Cadets have reached 39 points in six of their seven wins this season and feature several players with big-play potential, such as quarterback Holden Geriner, running back Leshon Brooks Jr. and wide receiver Trent Broadnax.

“They’re really good offensively,” Devoursney said. “They’ve got a big-time quarterback, big-time receiver, a good running back, and a good offensive line. They’ve scored a lot of points on a lot of good teams.”

One advantage BC, as it’s often referred to in Savannah, has this Friday night is being at home. It is more than four hours from Cairo to Savannah’s Memorial Stadium. 

“I think anytime you have home-field advantage in the playoffs is a big thing. That’s why you try so hard to get the 1 seed,” Devoursney said.