COVINGTON, Ga. — Friday’s 23-6 win over Henry County was a statement win for head coach Chris Edgar and the Alcovy Tigers, after falling to 1-2 at the hands of their in-county rival, the Eastside Eagles. The statement? They will not lay down in adversity. Five more things this last Friday’s matchup taught me:

1. A confident Anderson, is a deadly Anderson. The first half was a rough one for quarterback Cameron Anderson, as well as the entire Tigers offense. They were only able to muster just over 100 yards of total offense, and only 28 of those came from a passing game that was shaky to start. Anderson was 3-for-8 passing with 25 yards. However, he would look like a completely different quarterback in the second half, and although his numbers weren’t earth-shattering, he did just enough in the third and fourth quarters to help Alcovy take back the lead, and put the game away. He completed 5/6 second half passes for 77 yards and two scores in the last two quarters of play. Anderson noted in my post-game interview with him that he is still working on his confidence and trying to establish it early in the game. A fully confident Anderson for four quarters of a game could be a huge threat to any defense.

2. The defense continues to provide for the Tigers. No matter how good or how bad a team’s offense can be, the defense usually is the make-or-break group for the momentum of the game. This was certainly the case for Alcovy, whose defense provided a big game moment that would extend their lead in the third quarter. After a Henry County fumble, linebacker Stephon Jefferson scooped the ball and rumbled 50 yards into the end zone. Alcovy’s D is only allowing an average of 14 points per game to the opposing teams, while also totaling five  turnovers (four fumble recoveries and one interception.)

3. The offensive line is improving by the week. I noted this time and time again, including in this game’s recap story. The offensive line is taking big strides in the right direction. Every week their push off the line of scrimmage continues to get noticeably bigger, while they also are displaying more physicality. While the rushing totals weren’t stellar — Alcovy only rushed for around 100 yards in the game — they are taking chunks of yards on each running play that sets them up in short yardage situations. In terms of pass protection, they’re giving Anderson more time with each snap to throw the ball and keep him comfortable in the pocket. 

4. Bounce back accomplished. Make no mistake about it, a win is a win. Yeah it wasn’t a flawless victory, but the Tigers needed that win no matter how it happened. The game against Eastside was one they feel like they should have won after having several opportunities to do so. However, the Tigers proved that their spirit would not be crushed. Entering region play in the next few weeks, the Tigers need to stay at or above .500 before getting into those stretch of games. Their last non-region game will come after this week’s bye, and speaking of that game…

5. Improvements must be made before facing Forest park. Although they are currently sitting at 0-4, there is plenty of talent on the Forest Park Panthers squad that could give Alcovy a tough time on both sides of the ball. The Tigers beat this team by just a single point last season, which should add some extra determination on the Panthers’ side. Alcovy absolutely needs to win this Sept. 22 game to keep momentum moving. A 3-2 record before region play would be huge for this team looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2013.