Veterans, Warner Robins have plenty to play for

Playoff standing, championship possibilities and bragging rights aplenty will be up for grabs at 7 p.m. on Thursday when Veterans visits Warner Robins for a GHSA Region 1-5A showdown at McConnell-Talbert Stadium.

Both teams remain very much alive in the region title chase with just one loss each. A victory by Veterans (5-4, 2-1 Region 1-5A) would wrap up the regular season for the Warhawks in first place at 3-1. That would leave them as very interested spectators while the other four region competitors finish out their schedule next week.

“We’ve never beaten Warner Robins,” Veterans head coach David Bruce said. “We’re 0-2 against them, and we’d like to take that next step. Beating a program like Warner Robins would definitely be a big step for us here at Veterans. That’s not to mention that if we do win the game, we’ll have a chance to be the region champs if things work out for us.”

Despite McConnell-Talbert Stadium not having another game scheduled for Friday, the special Thursday night kickoff was by design.

Bruce and Warner Robins head coach Mike Chastain wanted to make sure local fans would also have the opportunity to watch Houston County battle with Northside across town at Freedom Field without splitting the gate.

“We felt like that it would make it where the folks in town wouldn’t have to pick (between games), and they would have a chance to enjoy both games,” Bruce said. “Instead of deciding which game to go to on Friday, the real fans are going to go to both games.”

Warner Robins (2-6, 1-1) has had two weeks to prepare for the Warhawks after blowing out Harris County 31-3 on the road its last time out in a game that put plenty on film for the Veterans coaching staff to digest.

Junior quarterback Dalton Hedden did not play against the Tigers, instead giving way to senior Michael Bradley, who had spent most of his time at cornerback to start the season. Bradley responded with a big night, completing 10-of-13 passes and also leading the Demons in rushing with 106 yards behind one of the largest offensive lines in the state of Georgia.

Veterans has prepared in practice to see both quarterbacks.

“(Bradley) is a threat to run or throw,” Bruce said. “They get him out on the edge and he does a nice job of throwing when he needs to or running when he needs to. (Hedden) can throw it from the pocket, so it’s kind of pick your poison. You’ve got to be prepared for both types of offenses, and that puts a little stress on you during the week.”

The Warhawks also enjoyed plenty of offensive success in their game against Harris County on Friday. As the Demons’ coaches watched intently from the bleachers at Freedom Field, Veterans scored on four of its first five possessions and cruised to a 30-7 victory.

Quarterback Leyton Pinckney, who has seemingly improved every week, began the game 6-for-6 passing despite the windy conditions. He was complemented by running back Ammarian Brown, who tallied 159 yards from scrimmage and is turning the heads of more and more collegiate scouts as the season progresses.

Bruce expects a competitive matchup.

“We’ve got a monumental task ahead of us on Thursday,” Bruce said. “They’re much better than that 2-6 record indicates, I can tell you that.”

Warner Robins head coach Mike Chastain was not available to comment for this story.

This story was originally published October 25, 2016 at 6:35 PM with the headline "Veterans, Warner Robins have plenty to play for."