ALBANY, GA -- The Fayetteville Force (3-2) haven't brought much of it with two straight loses, including an 18 point defeat last week to Richmond. Combine that with the Albany Panthers (5-0) coming off a 21 point victory, and returning linebacker Larry Edwards this week…signs would point to the Panthers being undefeated after Saturday night.
However, the Panthers expect a high-quality of opponent on the turf...maybe even a team they would recognize.
“They’re kind of like us…they start fast, and then slow down. Vice-a-versa we start slow and speed up, so I think it’s going to be a pretty good game. I think it will be better than what most people think,” Panthers head coach Lucious Davis said.
And the coach has a point. The two teams have some similarities.
Both teams rely on their defense more than the offense in order to be successful. The offenses rank in the middle of the league. Albany averages 45 points a game, and Fayetteville’s is a little bit higher at 49 points a game.
The Force rank third in pass defense anchored by Jerome Mann. Mann has four interceptions (one for a touchdown) and 26.5 tackles in five games. The defensive back’s stats are good for top 10 in the league. The Panthers counter with the top scoring defense in the league (31 points a game), and their own stopper in defensive back Demetrie McCray.
Where the game might be won? In the trenches.
Davis was pleased with the pressure his defensive line placed on the Hammers last week, and his "d" should get a lot of opportunities on Saturday night. Fayetteville has allowed 13 sacks through five games.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWFXL