Warner Robins football earns a spot in the state title game for third straight season
The Warner Robins Demons came into the season with the chance to earn three straight state title appearances. But with a new head coach and the loss of several key players, that goal was far from a lock as questions surrounded the team.
On Friday night, though, the Demons’ 55-3 dominant win over Starr’s Mill means they’ll get their chance to get over the hump and earn a title in the GHSA AAAAA state championship game.
“This is what Demon Country feels like,” Warner Robins head coach Marquis Westbrook said. “It is a blessing to be a part of it because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
The Demons got off to a quick start with quarterback Jalen Addie finding wide receiver Armon Porter for the opening score. Addie and running back James Smith each added a touchdown in the first quarter to increase the lead to 21-0 heading into the second quarter.
“It was a big part of the game plan,” Addie said. “We said all week, we got to get out and get points on these guys because they like to run time off the clock.”
The defense set the tone for Warner Robins despite facing a unique wing-t option attack from Starr’s Mill, something the Demons hadn’t seen all season. The defenders closed each gap and never let the Panthers rushing attack get going.
“We knew they were going to come out and play keep away,” Westbrook said. “Our guys on defense came out and stuffed them.”
Running back Jahlen Rutherford put the Demons up 28-0 early in the second quarter on a screen pass from Addie.
Starr’s Mill tries a comeback
Starr’s Mill looked like it might be turning the tide at the end of the first half with a field goal followed by an interception of Addie.
The Panthers were never able to capitalize on the momentum as Addie got the Demons going early in the second half with his second rushing touchdown of the game.
“That’s a really good ball team. Nobody gets to this round without being good,” Westbrook said. “Our guys are just competing at a high level right now.”
The defense got in on the scoring action for Warner Robins with a pair of touchdowns including with a scoop-and-score touchdown by linebacker Taijun Galloway. The turnovers at the key moments were a big part of the victory, Westbrook said.
“Our guys did it tonight and did it at the right time,” Westbrook said. “ I am just so proud of the guys for making winning plays.”
Warner Robins in state title game
The win propels the Demons into a matchup against Buford at Georgia State’s Turner Field Friday at 4:30 p.m. The Wolves advanced after a 29-0 shutout against Jones County.
Addie said they have pushed towards this moment since losing in triple overtime to Bainbridge in last year’s title game.
“We have put in hard work since January, now it’s all paying off,” Addie said. “I have believed in the guys since day one and now dreams are becoming a reality.”
As a first-year head coach, Westbrook is taking his time to soak in the moment with his family, players and community. He said this win is one he will remember for a long time.
“I am just in the moment right now. I have no words for it,” Westbrook said. “This is something I am going to be telling my daughter’s kids about.”
This story was originally published December 6, 2019 at 11:11 PM.