CAIRO – My how this week has changed for the Cairo Syrupmakers. The Syrupmakers had their preseason scrimmage against Mitchell County because of COVID-19 protocols. But they were able to join Camden County and Valdosta for a preseason jamboree Friday night.

Instead of preparing for the Class A Eagles, the Syrupmakers are now preparing to play against the Class 7A Wildcats and Class 6A Wildcats

“Usually, if you know before Wednesday, you go out there and get a little gameplan on them. Since we just figured this out last night after we had already practiced, we’re just going to do what we can do,” Cairo coach Steven Devoursney said. “We’re not going to be schooled up like we normally are for a game. We are going to have some busts and probably some big plays against us. Hopefully, it’s not too bad. In the end, I think it’s going to be good for us.”

Cairo will play Camden County at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium in Valdosta, starting at 7:15 p.m. After Valdosta plays Camden County, Cairo will play Valdosta in the nightcap. All three games will consist of a half or two 12-minute quarters.

“Our kids should be ready and battle tested,” Devoursney said. “We played Colquitt County in the spring game. We did a padded camp with Lee County. We did a padded camp with Lowndes. Now we’re going to scrimmage Valdosta and Camden. Our kids shouldn’t see anything we hadn’t seen all summer after this.”

Cairo is a little more than a week away from its season opener at Fitzgerald. 

“We’ve got to find some spots to fill. We’re not there yet where we want to be. Hopefully, we’ve got some kids that are going to step up as the year goes on,” Devoursney said.

One of those open spots is at quarterback. Devoursney expects to rotate junior Braylon Robinson, sophomore Juderick Gee-simmons and last year’s starter, senior Kevin Speed, during both halves on Friday.