Devils head to Dome for eighth time

Excitement was running high in the stands at Buddy Bufford Field Friday, December 1, as the Red Devils trounced Hawkinsville High School for a spot in the state semi-final playoffs. LCHS is set to face the Commerce Tigers at 12 noon on Saturday, December 9, in the Georgia Dome. The game will be broadcast on Georgia Public Television.

We have a group of 15 seniors who have played in the Dome all four years - I don't think this record will ever be broken. With 78 Class A schools fighting to get to the Dome, this is very unusual. - Coach Larry Campbell

When the LCHS Red Devils (12- 1) step onto the "FieldTurf" at the Georgia Dome Saturday, December 9, at 12 noon, they will become the first high school football team in any classification to play eight semi-final playoff games at the Dome.

During their historic Dome appearance, the Red Devils will square off against the Commerce Tigers (11-2). The other two Class A teams, Clinch County and Athens Academy, are scheduled to play on Saturday at 9 a.m.

As far as Dome play is concerned, the Devils and the Tigers are 1-1. Both games were very close. Nobody can forget running back Monte Williams breaking loose in the fourth quarter to hand the Devils the loss.

"We've played them in quite a few big football games and have had some pretty disappointing losses to them over the years," said Larry Campbell, head football coach at LCHS.

One of these occurred when Coach Campbell was one game away from being named the state's winningest high school football coach. Commerce spoiled the moment with a 24- 0 win.

"Commerce is a tremendous rivalry that goes along way back," said the coach. "Other than Wilkes County, Commerce is by far our next biggest rival and playing them again in the dome is huge task."

Under Coach Steve Savage, the Tigers have won 17 region championships and two state titles (1981 and 2000).

"Steve Savage is one of the better high school football coaches in all classifications," stated Campbell. "He's amassed quite a record at Commerce. He and his staff always manage to come up with a plan that gives us fits. I don't expected it to be any different this time. They are always extremely well coached.

"They do a great job with the offensive line," he continued. So much so that the Red Devils attend the offensive line camp at Commerce each summer.

With 14 returning starters, the Tigers won't be easily tamed. Running back Randy Womack (#21), a major college prospect, started against Lincoln County as a freshman. Also, Commerce's "front 6" made the allregion first team, with quarterback Reuben Haynes (#14), who has rushed for over 1,500 yards, named the Region 8-A Player of the Year. Haynes also started against the Red Devils as a freshman.

Region 8-A is the only region in the state with two teams traveling to the Dome, Commerce and Athens Academy.

According to Coach Campbell, "The Tigers are the first option football team we've had to play this year. They have an option shotgun-type offense resembling that used by the University of Florida and the University of West Virginia. They run the option nearly every other play. This will make our defense play assignment football instead of turning loose and getting after folks."

In reference to his eighth trip to the Georgia Dome, Coach Campbell said, "It is as exciting as it was the first time. It's exciting to play in such a tremendous venue. It's an opportunity a lot of kids will never have."

Like all teams this deep in the playoffs, the Red Devils are a bit beat up and bruised. "But with an extra day to practice, we should have everybody ready to play on Saturday," stated the coach.

Commenting on the fan support, Campbell said, "The support has been there all year. The fans have been a huge help to our team both on the road and at home. Considering our rivalry with Commerce, we think we'll have a great turnout at the Dome."

Tickets for the semi-final games are $15 each day. Fans are asked to purchase their tickets at the gate or from Nancy Hardeman at LCMS's main office prior to 1:30 p.m. Friday. Tickets purchased on the street or in the parking lot are more than likely useless.