Dodge County readies for tough test against Elbert County

Rex Hodges knows what is waiting for his Dodge County defense Friday night, and he is aware his team won't be able to adequately prepare for that test through this week.

That test will be offered by Elbert County standout running back Mecole Hardman, one of the top players in the state.

Hardman and the Blue Devils will travel to Eastman on Friday to take on Dodge County in the second round of the GHSA Class AAA playoffs.

"They look really strong on both lines; they're really good on the offensive and defensive lines," Hodges said of the Blue Devils. "Their running back/quarterback combination is really good. They have a couple of gamebreakers. That running back is a good one. There's no way you can simulate what he can do with a scout-team running back."

The Blue Devils enter the game with a 9-2 record, and they knocked off Central-Carrollton 17-7 last week in the first round. The Indians are 11-0 after beating Jackson-Atlanta 45-3 last week.

"It can't hurt," Hodges said of playing at home for the second straight week. "We were on the road a lot last year. But at this point, you have to play well no matter where you are playing because you're going to play good teams."

The Indians have played well throughout this season, and that continued last week. They have scored at least 40 points six times and allowed single digits seven times, including two shutouts.

"Our momentum is good right now," Hodges said. "I think we played one of our better games last week, and that's what you want to happen. We tend to practice well, and we have to continue to do that this week because it's going to be a tough game Friday night."