MERIDIAN —
It's hard to look at Southeast High School and realize this is the same team that was 1-5 after its first six games this season.
The turnaround began after putting up 30 points in a loss to Quitman, where the Tigers challenged the Panthers on the road. Since that game,Southeast has played with a whole new confidence, as Tiger players feel they can compete with anyone.
“It is a whole new team,” head coach Charles Black said. “After that loss against Quitman, I know we lost, but we really challenged them. It's just like they realized they can play football, especially against a good school like Quitman.”
The Tigers have won four of their last five games, beating every team in district 5-3A except division champion Philadelphia. A key behind Southeast's success is a balanced attack on offense.
The Tigers began the season heavily relying on the pass. However, lately Southeast has found its running game, as sophomore Javaris Deloach recently went over 1000 yards on the season in the Tigers most recent win against Newton.
“The last few games we have been a lot more balanced,” Black said. “That gives us a threat, because when we run the trap, you really can't tell if we are going to run the toss, the lead, the power, you really have to guess.
“We do play-action off of that, and it definitely helps. That has been one of our strength all year, and we have really benefitted off of that.”
It is not only the talented backs that have done the work for the Tigers this season. Southeast has ran behind the blocking of 300-pound tackle Ian Gibson all season, as the tackle has plowed the way for many a big run.
Gibson, however, is as humble about his own accomplishments as he is huge and really doesn't mind not getting the spotlight.
“I don't really think much about it,” Gibson said. “I just want to go out there and do my job.”
One thing Gibson is not humble about this season is the work his offensive line has done as a whole. Gibson is confident the offensive line heading into this week's game against Sumrall. In fact, he expects the Tigers to dominate the Sumrall defensive line Friday night.
“They got a very good secondary, but their defensive line isn't very good,” Gibson said. “We should at least get five to seven yards every run.”
Quarterback Andrew Black shares the confidence in his offensive line, and said with the extra time, he will need to make sure he stays on the same page with wide receivers on timing routes.
The Tigers fought hard to earn second place in the division, and look forward to playing in front of a home atmosphere in the playoffs.
“Your home field and the first playoff game of the year,I think it is going to be awesome,” Andrew Black said. “It's my senior year, and if we lose we are done. I don't plan on losing Friday though.”
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Southeast looks for home success in playoffs
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