by TROUP BRINSON
The Swainsboro Tigers (2-3) played their final non-region contest of the season and it was against last season’s state champion Dublin Irish. The Shamrock Bowl was unkind to the visiting Tigers as Swainsboro suffered from turnovers and allowing big plays on defense in a 42-14 loss.
Completing a strenuous non-region schedule, Swainsboro met the Irish on the road for the 2nd consecutive season and Dublin proved just as potent as they were in their state championship season. The Irish scored 3 times in the opening quarter on an 11-yard run, 78-yard run, and a 35-yard interception return to take a 21-0 lead.
Swainsboro moved the ball well on the ground as Robert Allen had his best game of the season, finding running room and averaging over 6 yards per carry on the night. The Tigers got on the board in the 2nd quarter as QB Lenox Lively completed big passes to WR Fred Seabrough and then Allen pushed through from 1 yard out to close the lead to 21-8.
The 2nd half belonged to Dublin as they put 21 more points on the scoreboard, including a 60-yard TD run and an 18-yard interception returned for a TD. Swainsboro capped off their scoring as Lively found Seabrough again on a 9-yard pass to complete the scoring for the Tigers in the 42-14 final score.
Swainsboro’s defense has been susceptible to the big play in recent weeks.
“The big plays come from one guy getting his eyes in the wrong place at any given time,” said head coach Scott Roberts. “We're giving up more big plays than we want to, no doubt. It comes down to executing our assignments in everything we do.”
With the first part of the season behind them, Swainsboro will look to use a tough early season schedule to their benefit heading into region play.
“We're definitely battle tested heading into region play,” said Roberts. “I like the way this team fights for each other. We've gotten better in a lot of areas, but we have to be more consistent. Everything that matters starts now.”
Robert Allen had a huge game, carrying the ball 32 times for 211 yards. Lively completed 8 of 20 passes for 82 yards with 5 of those receptions going to Fred Seabrough. Zabrien Harden led the defense with 9 tackles, 6 assists, and a sack.
Swainsboro will have a bye week and prepare for region play as East Laurens visits on October 16.
