CAIRO — A tough early schedule for the Cairo Syrupmakers only gets tougher this week. And then next week.

In their final tuneup before the start of Region 1-AAAA play, the Syrupmakers will return home to host Merritt Island (Fla.). It is a team that has started 4-0, scored an average of 31 points and has allowed just 18 points all season. The Mustangs present a formidable challenge for the Syrupmakers, who look to rebound from last Friday’s 28-13 loss at Fitzgerald.

“They do a good job of what they do. They throw the ball really well,” Cairo coach Steven Devoursney said. “He’s actually a kicker that’s been offered by Georgia and Florida. Defensively, they bring all kinds of pressure every snap. They’re really good at what they do.”

Merritt Island quarterback Brady Denaburg has thrown for over 1,200 yards this season and Devoursney said Georgia and Florida have offered him scholarships for his kicking prowess. 

The Syrupmakers are still trying to find their identity in this young season. But they’ve been hampered by COVID-19 restrictions; first with games either being canceled or postponed and now with players being quarantined. It played a big role in last week’s defeat at the Purple Hurricane.

“We went backwards last week,” Devoursney said. “I thought we had a pretty good beat on what we’re doing, but we kind of went backwards. When you don’t have all your starters in practice or in games, it just makes it tough. We had five starters out last week. We’re probably going to have three or four out this week. It’s hard to climb a mountain when the rocks keep falling.

“There hasn’t been a week go by yet that we haven’t lost starters. We haven’t had every starter at practice or a game since we started the season.”

A win Friday night would boost the Syrupmakers’ confidence heading into next week’s region-opening showdown at West Thomas Stadium against Bainbridge, one of the region favorites.

Devoursney said there are some goals to accomplish with this week’s non-region matchup.

“One, just to get on the field and get more reps; then, two, just to feel good about yourself. You get outplayed, outcoached, outmanned and everything else, it’s not a fun feeling,” Devoursney said. “Hopefully, this week we can get back on track and get a little momentum going into region.”