Football: EaFo could punch playoff ticket with win over Madison Co.

East Forsyth is in a familiar situation: they sit second in the region and control their playoff destiny. 

It was much of the same for the Broncos last season, with only three games remaining on the schedule, needing at least two wins to seal up a playoff spot. But back-to-back losses to Madison County and Chestatee took them out of playoff contention. 

It's all about getting the job done for the third-year program as they prepare to travel to Danielsville to battle Madison County and clinch the program's first-ever playoff berth. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. The game can be heard live on FM 102.9 WDUN and streaming at accesswdun.com. 

"Our players know how big this game is," Allison said. "We talked about it Monday. Our guys know if we win on Friday, that guarantees us a playoff spot, and it'll keep us on the path for a home playoff game." 

So, let's take a trip down memory lane. It's a memory Allison would rather forget, but for context, here goes ... The Broncos jumped all over the Red Raiders last season at Bronco Stadium, going up 17-0 and led 24-14 at halftime. However, Madison County quarterback Camden Smith introduced himself to the Broncos in the second half, leading the Red Raiders on a 14-0 run that included a 70-yard punt return and a 45-yard rushing touchdown. He finished the night with 168 yards rushing. 

"That punt return was the momentum changer," Allison said. "Then he had that rushing touchdown, and the momentum completely flipped."

The bad news for the Broncos, Smith is still there. 

"You know, they're a really good football team that is well coached," he said. "They're a triple-option team and run it really well. Plus, they have a trigger man that makes it go." 

Smith will make it hard on the East Forsyth defense. The Red Raiders were upset last week at Cedar Shoals, an outcome no one around the state expected. It'll be added motivation for Madison County as the Red Raiders are also fighting for a playoff spot in the crowded Region 8-4A.

The East Forsyth defense, led by Jeremiah Foote and Cam Frady, has been pretty good this year, giving up just 13 points per game, but it will most likely be stressed to the max against a hungry, triple-option Red Raider offense.  

"We are prepared for it," he said. "We're a year older and more experienced in several spots, and I feel like, if we play the way we're capable of playing, we can slow down their offense a little bit. But we've got to take care of the fullback, quarterbacked, and the pitch with this team. All three of them can score from anywhere on the field." 

Offensively, the Broncos are averaging 31 points per game behind a solid rushing attack led by Tripp Morris (143-936, 6 TDs). They also have two other backs capable of churning out yards in Gus Martin and Troy Hoover. Offensive line, who is back healthy this week, will be key in the Broncos' rushing production. 

In the loss to No. 2 North Oconee last week, the Broncos rushed for 150 yards behind solid line play -- a positive of the 44-19 loss. 

"Tripp has been running the ball really well," Allison said. "And our offensive line is healthy this week. We were able to rush for 150 yards against a very good North Oconee defense last week. We're healthy upfront, which will be key for us this week." 

Junior quarterback Brock Szackacs has been efficient this season, completing 54-of-97 for 739 yards and six scores. He's also rushed for another 105 yards and a touchdown. 
 
Cannon Hunter has become Szackacs' No. 1 target, catching 13 passes for 242 yards. He's completed passes to four receivers for over 120 yards this season. 

"Brock has to do a really good job of managing the ballgame and putting us in position," Allison said. "Receiver-wise, we continue to improve there and get better on the offensive side of the ball each week." 

Allison says the keys to winning will be eliminating mistakes on offense and slowing Madison County's triple-option offense. 

"We've got to do a great job of slowing down the quarterback and the fullback." He said. "We've got to tackle. We were in positions last year and just didn't make tackles. Offensively, we've got to eliminate penalties and turnovers. Last year, they beat us on special teams, so we've got to be solid on special teams on Friday." 

East Forsyth running back Tripp Morris (44) and quarterback Brock Szackacs will lead the Broncos in a big game at Madison County on Friday.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2023/10/1210127/football-eafo-could-punch-playoff-ticket-with-win-over-madison-co