Rivalry hangs over Veterans-Perry region matchup

Perry and Veterans will write the latest chapter in their young rivalry when the two programs square off at the shared home of Herb St. John Stadium on Friday night in a GHSA Region 2-AAAA contest.

The Warhawks (3-3, 2-0 Region 2-AAAA) are looking to remain perfect in region play, while the Panthers (1-6, 0-3) will try to record their first win against a region foe and mount a late run at a playoff berth.

"We're only 5 or 6 miles apart in the same county," Perry head coach Carl Dixon said. "The last few years they've kind of dominated us, and we're underdogs again. The kids are excited. They know who we're playing and we don't have to bring it up very much."

Perry won the first three meetings, but Veterans has won the past two.

"It's big to us because when we started out, it was almost like (Perry) was designated as our rival," Veterans head coach David Bruce said. "We share the stadium, and we're in the same region. Our attendance zones border each other and the other schools in the county are so much bigger and more established that it seemed like (Perry) was kind of preordained to be our rival."

What might appear as a mismatch when looking at the win-loss totals, can be a bit deceiving when analyzed closer.

Perry has won just once this season, but it was over a Macon County team that defeated Veterans by 32 points just a week prior. The Panthers also were competitive in other contests, going to the half tied with Mary Persons and Brooks County, while trailing by just one to Howard.

"They're just so athletic," Bruce said. "Their big-play potential is very high, and they can hit you from anywhere on the field. Defensively, they run so well that you can have what you think is a good play, and they'll close that gap on you in no time."

Veterans seems to be peaking at just the time Bruce had hoped.

In what has become a customary trait of his, Bruce loaded the early season non-region schedule with powerhouse programs, and the experience gained is starting to pay off. The Warhawks went on the road and avenged a 2014 loss to Baldwin two weeks ago, before really serving notice that they're going to be a factor in the region race with a 14-7 victory over West Laurens last week.

The Veterans defense has surrendered just 14 points in two region games. Veterans quarterback Logan Byrd has thrown for 386 yards and rushed for 513, while Desjuan Harris has rushed for 892.

"They run the ball, and they try to impose their will on you," Dixon said. "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that Logan Byrd is a big old boy, and he's a good quarterback. Their running back is up close to 1,000 yards, as well. Logan can also throw it, so they really have a three-pronged attack."

The Veterans defense has surrendered just 14 points in two region games.

"I think it will be a packed house," Bruce said. "I'm looking forward to it. We always have a lot of enthusiasm for this game, so I'm looking for a big crowd and a lot of atmosphere."

This story was originally published October 15, 2015 at 11:01 PM with the headline "Rivalry hangs over Veterans-Perry region matchup ."