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J. Thomas Perdue

Times Contributor

THOMASVILLE — After two impressive wins in the last two weeks, the Flint River Wildcats traveled to Thomasville to play the Brookwood Warriors and to try to move their season record to 4-2. The Cats also wanted to avenge a 56-30 shellacking administered by Brookwood last season.

Flint River got off to a slow start. Early in the first quarter, a pass by junior quarterback Seth Short was deflected and returned for a Brookwood touchdown. The PAT was missed and the Wildcats were down 6-0. The next FRA drive resulted in a missed field goal. The second quarter saw the Wildcats move the ball more efficiently, and on the first drive, Short found senior Russell Durand on a 17-yard touchdown pass. The extra point gave Flint River a 7-6 lead. The FRA defense was stout, forcing a three-and-out on the next drive. The offense took over and put together a 69-yard drive that resulted in a 41-yard touchdown pass from Short to senior Caleb Harker. Before the half, Harker would score again, this time on the ground, from four yards out. Flint River led at halftime, 20-6.

Brookwood answered in the third, scoring on a 31-yard touchdown run and narrowing the lead to a touchdown. Flint River continued to keep separation from the Warriors, with Harker getting another rushing touchdown, this time from six yards out. The Wildcats completed the two-point conversion making the score 28-13 at the start of the fourth quarter.

Brookwood refused to go away. After scoring on a 40-yard run, they once again made it a one-score game. However, the Warriors could not stop the FRA offense, which scored on a 46-yard run by sophomore fullback Nathan Strickland. Brookwood tried to rally late in the fourth, but an interception by senior Jim Law sealed the Wildcats’ third straight win. The final score read 35-20.

Head Coach Jason Carrera said, “We are in great shape. When I see other teams cramping and leaning over in the huddle trying to catch their breath it excites me and makes me want to go faster. I am proud of the work the guys have put in to get in this kind of shape and we must continue this till the end.”

Seth Short completed 10 of 13 passes for 179 yards for 2 touchdowns and an interception. Russell Durand led the Cats in receiving, catching 5 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. Caleb Harker also had a big game, gaining 120 all-purpose yards, and scoring three touchdowns. Flint River had a very potent ground attack with 7 different players getting carries and gaining 337 yards. Junior Will Couch gained 127 of those yards on 20 carries.

Flint River (4-2) will host John Paul Catholic (Tallahassee, Fla.) for Homecoming this Friday, October 5. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. FRA Alumni are invited to celebrate at the hospitality tent located in the end zone area. The Homecoming Court will be presented at halftime.