Decatur Looks To Even Record

Decatur head coach Price Jones didn’t mince words Thursday when he said, “This can make or break our whole season.”

He’s talking about Friday’s game against Maynard Jackson, with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Decatur High Stadium.

Decatur’s 1-2 start in Jones’ words is “very disappointing,” especially considering the Bulldogs have dominated opponents at the line of scrimmage in every game.

This was again true in last week’s 31-21 loss to Riverwood when Decatur had 440 yards total offense to Riverwood’s piddling 233.

In fact, Decatur has more than doubled its opponents in total yardage the first three games combined.

But the explanation for the two defeats lies in turnovers, penalities and letdowns by special teams: five lost fumbles; two interceptions, including one for an 88-yard touchdown return; two long kickoff returns, including one for a 94-yard touchdown; and 18 penalties.

Maynard Jackson, which had last week off, is 1-1 including a 25-14 win over North Atlanta on Sept. 2.

Jackson went 4-6 last year including a 17-12 loss to Decatur. That game was memorable for Trumon Jefferson’s stunning, game-winning 75-yard kickoff return for a touchdown with 3:32 remaining.

Trumon’s protégé, junior wide receiver Terryon Robinson, has been the talk of the high school football blogs this week, after last week’s seven receptions for 322 yards and three touchdowns.

Injuries include sophomore lineman Jarod Grier, out with a deeply bruised knee after getting hurt in the first series last week.

Wide receiver/defensive back Klay Wisseh hasn’t been cleared to play after suffering a concussion. Terez Cowan won’t play after getting kicked out of last week’s game.

Freshman halfback sensation Tommy Renfroe, who only appeared in a couple plays last week and who didn’t play at all in the Sept. 2 loss to South Atlanta,  is 100 percent and ready for Friday.

Nick Bentley, still hobbled by a season-long high ankle sprain, will also play.