Wilkinson Warriors readying for second home game at Bud Dupree Stadium

Wilkinson County fought tooth and nail with Stratford Academy in the first half before ultimately falling 28-12 on a rainy Friday night last week in north Macon.

The Warriors made plenty of noise in the second quarter, thanks to a barrage of clutch plays. It all began at the goal line, with the Eagles attempting to go up three touchdowns. Senior Kenorian Davis caused a fumble at the 1 yard line, which was promptly picked up by Myles Cobb. Quarterback Quinterrion Sanford then connected with senior wide receiver Jatavius Hill on a 60-yard bomb, which set up a picturesque Sanford-to-Myles touchdown pass in the corner of the endzone.

On the very next possession, Roosevelt Coats came up with a bruising strip sack on the Stratford quarterback, which was scooped up and run into the end zone by Jai’veion Downing. Suddenly, the deficit was reduced to 14-12.

Fatigue and attrition kicked in in the second half, however, with Stratford scoring two more touchdowns and Wilco failing to dent the scoreboard. The Eagles dressed out 44 players, while Wilco had 25 players in uniform.

Stratford moved to 4-0, winning all four games by at least two touchdowns. Wilco, meanwhile, is now 2-2 after beginning the season 2-0 for the first time since 2011.

The row to hoe grows even harder for Wilco this Friday night, as ACE Charter makes the drive from Macon to Irwinton. The Gryphons are 2-1, with its lone blemish being a 33-28 loss last Friday night to Dodge County, which is one of the top teams in GHSA Class A Division 1.

Following that is a bye week for the Warriors, who then begin region play at home vs. Glasock County on Sept. 27, which will serve as this year’s homecoming game.