Phoenix face road test at Dalton
Coming off a clutch comeback win last Friday over Cass, the Sonoraville Phoenix look to keep their non-region momentum going this week when they travel north on I-75 to take on traditional power Dalton at Harmon Field.
The Phoenix (2-0) fell behind 13-0 against the Colonels on Friday, but kept scratching and clawing to hang around before they got some big-time plays from their defense and special teams that turned the game around. Those plays included a blocked punt by Blade Bryant, who also had a stellar night at cornerback with an interception and several passes deflected, and a fumble return for a touchdown by Chandler Shaw. Sonoraville coach Denver Pate said it was a huge positive to see his team face adversity and come out on the other side of it with a win.
“Being down 13-0 at the half with such a young team, you love seeing the fight they showed,” said Pate. “They didn’t throw in the towel when nothing seemed to go right for us at times in the game, and they kept fighting. We were able to stay in it and get some turnovers that really turned the game around. You just want to give yourself a chance in games like that, and as a coaching staff, we were really proud of the way the kids showed poise and determination. They grew up a lot on Friday.”
Sonoraville now shifts their attention to the Catamounts (1-1) who had a similar situation last Friday as they trailed for much of the game against rival Northwest Whitfield before rallying from 10 points down with eight minutes to play to pull out a 21-17 victory. Senior quarterback JP Tighe helped lead the comeback, and the defense made several plays to preserve the win, including a pass deflection in the end zone with less than a minute to play.
Pate said he expects Dalton to be big, strong and powerful like they have built a reputation to be over the last several years.
“They are going to be like any other Dalton team…they are very well-coached and sound in all three phases,” said Pate. “They lost some good skill players from last year’s team, but there is still a lot of talent over there. They have good size up front on both sides of the ball. It’s going to be a tough task, but we are looking to compete and improve every week.”
One of the biggest constants for Sonoraville so far this season has been their defense, which is exceeding many people’s expectations as they are breaking in several new, inexperienced starters. They allowed just seven points against Model in the opener, and after the first two Cass drives last Friday, they were incredibly stingy and opportunistic to lead the charge in the comeback. Pate said the defense is picking up the slack right now for an offensive unit that is trying to work out some kinks.
“Our defense is definitely carrying us right now,” said Pate. “They are flying around and playing with a lot of intensity. That’s kind of what we are lacking on offense right now is that intensity. We’re a little too passive on that side of the ball, but we’re looking to change that this week. We need to add a little meaner streak over there and play with more passion and desire. Our defense has done a great job so far, but as an offense we’ve got to help them out and keep them off the field a little more.”
Sonoraville and Dalton met for the first time ever last season when they Catamounts defeated the Phoenix 43-7. Pate said some of the big keys for his team will be getting some movement up front on the offensive line, especially in the interior as well as making sure assignments are correct in the secondary.
The Phoenix can’t get behind on Friday like they did last week against Cass because the Catamounts will use their size on grit to salt the game away with the run. But I see the Sonoraville offense showing improvement this week and getting off to a better start.
This game will be competitive from start to finish. Could go either way, but Dalton gets the slight nod with experience, home field and tradition.
Dalton wins, 23-21.
Score: Prediction: