Much Improved Laney to be Tested again Friday
After a homecoming triumph, the Wildcats will shoot for their third road win over a top 10 opponent, this time against region power Putnam County
Laney coasted to a region opening 42-0 homecoming game win over Glenn Hills Saturday. The victory further established the Wildcats as one of the state’s most improved teams during the season’s first several weeks as it approaches what should be its most important test of the year so far.
Junior Keshaun Sanders completed 12 of his 17 pass attempts for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns. Both scoring strikes went to sophomore Carl Holmes, who recorded 6 receptions for 84 yards, including a 2-point conversion.
Sanders also completed passes to three more Wildcats: senior Julian Harrison (2 receptions for 39 yards); junior Willie Booker (2 receptions for 29 yards); and junior Markell Brigham (2 receptions for 17 yards). Senior Devin Heard led Laney’s rushing attack with 52 yards on 8 carries, and Kalon Curry spearheaded a stingy defense with 2 sacks, 2 tackles for a loss and a forced fumble.
Region Showdown in Putnam County
This Friday the Wildcats (3-1, 1-0) will attempt to extend their two game winning streak and topple its third top-10 opponent of the season when the Wildcats visit Putnam County (4-0, 1-0), class 2A’s #10 ranked team according to Georgia High School Football Daily. The same publication has identified Laney with its “Improvement Tracker,” highlighting a noticeable shift in the program’s direction under first year coach Ronnie Baker.
From GHSF Daily (Week of Sept 13)
Laney has already upset Washington-Wilkes (26-20 in week one) and Lincoln County (20-14 in week 4). Both teams were ranked in the top 10 in class 1A Public at the time. The Wildcats’ offense played turnover-free football this season until the first play from scrimmage in Saturday’s win over Glenn Hills when backup quarterback DJ Daggett tossed a pick to Dontevius Williams on a trick play gone wrong.
Laney’s discipline on offense, the accuracy of its passing game and its athletic defense (17.5 points allowed per game) have helped the Wildcats win two road games so far. But Friday’s challenge will be its most difficult to date as the War Eagles are 4-0 coming off of a 9-2 season and a second place finish in the region last year. Putnam topped Westside (2-2, 0-1) Friday by a score of 19-7.
In addition to a potent rushing attack (280 yards per game), the War Eagles are led by brothers Jalon and Gerald Kilgore. Jalon, a 6-0 and 190-pound junior receiver and defensive back, recorded 11 tackles, 2 for a loss, and a pass break up in Friday’s win. Gerald, a 6-0 and 200-pound senior quarterback, has averaged greater than 120 yards passing and 50 yards per game rushing this season. He’s thrown for 5 touchdowns and only one interception so far, and Jalon (9 receptions for 187 yards and 1 touchdown) has been his favorite target.
Keys to Friday’s Game
Can Laney’s defense contain Putnam County’s rushing attack?
The War Eagles will have a size advantage, so this will be no easy task. But the Wildcats faced the same dynamic against Washington-Wilkes and Lincoln County. By holding the former to 212 rushing yards and the latter to 222, Laney proved it can “bend, not break,” as the saying goes.
Will Laney continue to protect the football?
Playing three games worth of turnover-free football is a winning formula, and it’s all the more impressive because Laney throws the ball as frequently as it does (17 passes and 16 rushes against Glenn Hills Saturday). Sanders’s biggest strengths are his intelligence and his accuracy. He’ll need to pack both traits for Friday’s road trip.
Will Laney’s air attack continue to be successful?
Sanders appears to have made significant progress in this his third season behind center. He and Holmes and the rest of the receiving corps, not to mention the offensive line, will need to be at their best to pull off a third upset to punctuate what would be an amazing first half of the season for the Wildcats.