ALBANY, GA -- The second round of the GHSA State Playoffs has signaled the end of Monroe High's most recent playoff trips. However, the Tornadoes think this season is different.
According to Monroe Head Coach Charles Truitt and the Tornado players, it's not good enough just to reach the second round anymore. A tough task is coming around the bracket, but Monroe expects to win traveling to the home of the defending AAA State Champions, Burke County on Friday.
The Tornadoes reasoning?
A starting depth chart filled to the brim with seniors- 16 to be exact. Most of those players witnessed last season’s second round loss at Gainesville, and that group is approaching its match up with state’s top ranked team with key championship elements- chemistry and maturity.
“With the experience that we have together, the chemistry we have together...everybody's on one page and focused. We just have to stay focused and keep playing out,” Tornadoes defensive back Jawaski Randle said.
“It's a big difference (compared to) last year at this time. I think we really understand the importance of playing a tough game. (Last year) they really weren't quite sure they could compete, but this year this team feels like they can compete with anybody,” Coach Truitt said.
Top quarterbacks will be on display in this second round game. Tornadoes junior quarterback Charles Stafford continues to impress throwing for 300 yards and three touchdowns last week. While Stafford’s counterpart, Donquell Green, accounted for four scores in Burke County’s 35-7 win over Perry last week.
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