The Swainsboro Tigers dropped their second loss in as many games as the Vidalia Indians turned a defensive battle into an easy victory, 28-7.  The Tigers haven’t lost their first two games of the season since starting 0-3 in 2002.  

   It’s not that the Tigers are 0-2 that is most disturbing (well, that’s pretty bothersome as well).  The first two games were not region competitions and the opponents were certainly not cupcakes.  But to lose 34-13 and 28-7 and look as anemic on offense and make eye popping mistakes on defense, well that just doesn’t sit well.  

   This team should be much better on offense.  Returning Quan Gardner, Jemerico Bell, and DeWan Somerville to the offensive backfield should be netting better results, especially when the offensive line is not without experience and talent.  Last year’s 10-1 squad fielded many of the same playmakers and blockers, yet the results have not been similar.  

   Defensively, mistakes are turning into touchdowns.  After Swainsboro held the field position edge on the first four possessions (each time starting or moving into Indian territory) and failed to score, Vidalia went on a 72 yard drive for the game’s first points.  With 3:34 to go in the first half an Indian receiver ran uncovered and unchallenged into the end for a 21 yard touchdown reception.  

   In very similar fashion, with 3:44 remaining in the 3rd quarter an Indians receiver was running all alone behind the Tiger’s defense for a 7 yard touchdown reception to make the game 14-0.  A two yard run in the first minute of the 4th quarter gave Vidalia a 21-0 lead.  The Tigers got on the scoreboard with 32 yard touchdown pitch and catch as freshman QB Da’Korey Somerville found WR Shaquille Cowart over the middle with 10:05 left in the game.  

   The Indians finished up the scoring with a 37 yard run at 1:59 to go to provide the final score of 28-7.  Gardner carried the ball 10 times for the Tigers for only 36 yards.  Somerville was 8-16 passing for 117 yards in his first high school start.  He looked like a gunslinger that has the potential to do some great things as he gains more experience at the QB position.

   The Tigers’ defense has surrendered over 400 yards rushing combined in the first two games and shown lapses in the defensive secondary that offenses are exploiting for big plays.  Swainsboro will have a week off to try and find some answers before Dodge County visits for the first home game of the season on September 16.  

   Around the region, Dodge County beat Toombs County 14-0.  Jefferson County hammered Effingham County 35-7.  Dublin won 34-7 versus Putnam County.  Screven County lost 28-6 versus Tattnall County.  East Laurens lost 25-6 to Johnson County.  Bleckley County lost 53-17 to Wilcox County.  Southeast Bulloch beat Long County 27-21.