Mount de Sales looks to keep its momentum going

The homecoming was a good one, and FPD left in defeat. But that was last week, and Keith Hatcher and his Mount de Sales Cavaliers must not live in the past.

The Cavaliers turn their attention to Friday night's GHSA Region 7A-A matchup against Wilkinson County as both teams look to solidify their potential postseason standing.

Mount de Sales (2-4, 1-1 Region 7A-A) is coming off a dramatic, come-from-behind 22-21 victory over FPD. After falling behind by 18 points in the first quarter, the Cavaliers mounted a charge, capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass from Pinkey Gilchrist to Tres Hattaway with 45 seconds remaining.

Hatcher expressed excitement about the win after FPD had dominated the series in recent years, winning 11 of the previous 12 meetings. The Cavaliers' victory provides a blueprint for moving forward.

"We've been down before," Hatcher said. "Some of the Friday nights this season haven't gone the way we would have liked. That was the first time, as a team, that we bounced back from adversity. In the second half, we played the best half of football in all three phases ... since I've been the coach here."

The momentum is important, but focusing on the next game is key. Hatcher stressed this week in practice for his players to focus on Wilkinson County (4-2, 1-1).

"The challenge is to match the same intensity (the team) had last Friday night," Hatcher said. "Wilkinson County is a good football team. We got a lot of momentum. We feel like our kids should play with more confidence."

Hatcher said the defensive game plan for this week is simple: stop the run. Wilkinson County's ability to make plays in open space is a concern for the Cavaliers.

"They do a great job of getting the ball out in space," Hatcher said. "They have guys capable of scoring on every single play."

On offense, getting the ball in the hands of Hattaway is a must, Hatcher said. In last week's win, the senior rushed for 100 yards on 17 carries, caught six passes for 34 yards and threw for 20 yards.

"He was the difference Friday night," Hatcher said. "We will continue to finds ways to get the ball in his hands. Tres is certainly the center of our offensive game plan."

Next week, the Cavaliers play sub-region co-leader Stratford (4-2, 2-0). But Hatcher and company can't afford to look ahead, either.

"We always say that ... Wilkinson County is the biggest game of the year because it's the only one we play this week." Hatcher said. "We just try to take it one week at a time. Win or lose, every week is a new opportunity."

This story was originally published October 15, 2015 at 11:02 PM.