Now, the Trojans are the hunted as they travel to Chestatee Friday night in a key Region 7-AAA matchup - and what is sure to blossom into one of the better county rivalries over time.
"I'm sure those kids would like nothing better than to beat North Hall. It's been a tough start for them, but they're also getting better. We know they're going to be ready for us," North Hall coach Bob Christmas said.
Christmas also said the Trojans (3-0, 3-0) have been paying attention to action in the area and beyond, where upsets all over the state have been in high frequency the first half of the season.
"Anybody is capable of rising up and beating you so we try to focus on that and what we need to do to keep it from happening to us," Christmas said. "The kids have some lofty goals for this year and they know that if they don't focus on each game as it comes, they won't achieve those goals. So far, they've done a good job of staying focused."
Pardon, Chestatee (0-3, 0-3) however, if it just tries to get through against North Hall in one piece.
You see, the War Eagles are the only team this year who will play Johnson, Gainesville and then North Hall in back-to-back-to-back games. The three teams so far are a combined 10-0.
"That's a tough, tough stretch, but you have to play them some time. The only problem is that we didn't have our starting quarterback and we're still trying to put things together as a new program," coach Matt Fligg said. "And it doesn't help a young team with a start like that to the season."
In those two games against Gainesville and Johnson, Chestatee was outscored 102-7. But believe it or not, Fligg said he was pleased with his defense overall.
"We've made a lot of mistakes on offense that have put our defense in some tough situations," Fligg said. "The defense went too-to-toe with Gainesville's starters in the third quarter (last week) and did not give up any points. They've played pretty scrappy all year."
It doesn't get any easier against North Hall's wing-T, which almost mirrors that of Gainesville. And Christmas said his offense, which is averaging right at 40 points a game, is still improving. Running backs Beau Whitmire and Michael Christmas, fullback T.J. Pitts and quarterback Corey Hutchins give the Trojans perhaps the most explosive ground attack in the region.
"Those guys have been excellent all year. We've just turned the ball over too much and we've had way too many penalties," he said. "We could've scored a lot more if we hadn't made so many mistakes. But the kids are really getting comfortable in the system I think we'll keep getting better as the season progresses."
For Chestatee, the passing attack that was the most potent in the county last year has been grounded most of the season with starting quarterback Tyler Stover missing the first three games. Stover led Hall County in passing last season. Stover is due back next week for the War Eagles
Chad Sage has filled in nicely but is more of a runner than a passer and Miles Hicks saw his first action just last week. Fligg said he has toyed with the idea of changing things up, but says they won't change much this week.
"I've thought about it, but we're trying to put in a system that we feel will work. We have three kids that will be real good but it takes time to build experience," Fligg said. "But when you lose the top passer in the county just before the season, it kind of puts you in a tough spot. Do you change or just hang on until he gets back.
"I would be great for these kids if they could put four quarters together. They need a little confidence boost, and to get it against North Hall would be nice, "Fligg said.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/10/171589