Sardis hosts Geraldine in non-region battle

Getting back in the win column last week against Class 5A, Region 6 foe Douglas was big for Sardis.

Obviously any win is a big one, especially a region game, but it was much needed.

The Lions were coming off two region losses against Southside and Etowah. The 43-7 Douglas win was the first region victory of the season for Sardis.

The win also was needed for morale.

“Getting a win makes everyone’s demeanor a lot better,” Sardis coach Gene Hill said. “Easier to come to practice and that kind of stuff.”

Now the Lions (2-2) step out of region play Friday and host 3A Geraldine at home.

The Bulldogs (4-1) have been rolling as of late. Geraldine has won its last three games by a combined score of 146-28 since losing to 2A, No. 1 Fyffe 41-7 Aug. 31.

“We are playing a quality opponent,” Hill said of Geraldine. “It’s going to be a big-time challenge for us. It’s back to the grind and playing a big-time opponent where we are going to have to play really well.”

Geraldine can put points up in a hurry and its skill guys are to blame. Chase Kermondy led the Bulldogs with 134 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s 47-14 win over New Hope. Andrew Hall added 43 yards and two touchdowns.

“They play really hard and run a lot of misdirection, which is something we haven’t seen much of,” Hill said. “Nowadays most teams run spread offenses. They are a power football team and run real physical.”

The big focus for Sardis is to limit mistakes. Missed opportunities against Southside and turnovers against Etowah were costly and ultimately led to losses.

“We can’t help them any at all,” Hill said. “They don’t need any help. “

GERALDINE AT SARDIS

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Lions Stadium, Sardis City

Records: Sardis 2-2; Geraldine 4-1

Series: Sardis leads 24-16-1

Last time: Sardis beat Geraldine 45-27 in 2017

Geraldine will look to control the clock with its offense and the Lions will need to keep the Bulldogs from moving the chains as much as possible.

“We have to get some stops on defense and get the ball to our offense as much as we can,” Hill said. “You don’t get many opportunities on offense unless you get some stops. … Once we get it to the offense, we obviously have to take advantage of the opportunities we get.”