Salem (1-3)

CAIRO — Since their big loss to Thomas County Central, Cairo has been on a tear, winning four in a row. Now, the Syrupmakers will welcome in Salem for their 2023 Homecoming game this Friday.

Their offense has certainly stormed back since being shut out by the Yellow Jackets. Since week one, Cairo has put up a total of 153 points and their new quarterback seems to have settled into the offense. Juderek Gee-simmons looks to be a solid QB for the Syrupmakers. This season he has completed 38 passes for 536 yards and five touchdowns. He has also proved to be a true dual threat quarterback with 35 rushing attempts on the season for 219 yards and a touchdown.

Gee-simmons has had a few miscues this season. He has thrown three interceptions, two of which have come in the last two games. Despite throwing a pair of touchdowns, Gee-simmons had just 76 passing yards against Pelham, though he had just eight completions on 13 passes.

Cairo seems to be leaning on the run game, led by KJ Spence, more in the last couple of games. In the last two games Cairo threw the ball just 25 times as opposed to running it 57 times and it’s working. Spence is leading the charge with 47 carries on the season for 207 yards and seven touchdowns.

Spence has also contributed on special teams with some big kick returns and a scoop and score for a touchdown on a blocked punt against Pelham.

However, as good as Cairo’s offense is, their defense needs to step it up. Teams have not had a difficult time scoring on the Syrupmakers. Other than Thomasville, every opponent that Cairo has faced has put up at least 20 on them. The Syrupmakers pass defense is solid, but they have been susceptible to the run. Against Pelham, Cairo gave up 294 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. Pelham backs Ja’vin Jones and Den Johnson Jr. both had over 100 rushing yards in the game. Cairo has given up at least one rushing touchdown in three of their five contests and gave up multiple scores on the ground to Central and Pelham.

The good news for the Syrupmakers is Salem, who is 1-3 on the season, has struggled to score. In the first four games of the season, they have scored just 40 points and the Hornets defense has allowed 149 points, including back-to-back games where they allowed over 55.

The Syrupmakers should have no problem with Salem in their last non-region contest of the year. Cairo should be headed into region play with a solid 5-1 record.