By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
Southern Alamance football has been causing a stir in the Class 4-A state playoffs.
“Now nobody can forget us,” running back/linebacker Logan Foust said in an interview with The Alamance News. “We’re doing something big for Southern.”
The Patriots (9-3), who are the No. 13 seed in the East Region, are in the third round of the state playoffs for the first time since 2006.
Don’t stop there.
“The community and the kids are excited,” coach Fritz Hessenthaler said. “I’m trying to keep them thinking that while it’s nice being [in] the third round, that we can do some things better and get to the fourth round.”
Southern heads to Raleigh on Friday night to face No. 12 seed Millbrook (11-1), which has special credentials as well. The Wildcats knocked off defending state champion Cardinal Gibbons in last week’s second round.
“We can still get better, so I’m on them pretty hard,” Hessenthaller said of his team. “I’m still trying to squeeze the turnip.”
One reason Hessenthaler is pressing for more offensive production is that Millbrook can put up big numbers. The multi-facet attack includes receiver Nathan Leacock, a commit to the University of Tennessee.
Meanwhile, the Patriots lean heavily on an offensive line to create openings for Foust and Jackson Parrish. That continues to pay off.
“It’s coming together,” Foust said. “We’re proving to a lot of people that we’re pretty legit.”
Southern plays such a punishing brand of football, especially with an all-out rushing attack, that by nature the Patriots don’t want to get caught up in too much hoopla.
“We’re kind of keeping it cool,” Foust said. “We’re scratching and clawing and fighting for the next victory.”
While Southern quarterback Bradley Capps is out with an injury, the Patriots might be healthier in some areas, Hessenthaler said. Running back Stanley Eno has been hampered by a foot ailment, but he continues to make an impact, showing the kind of determination that might help define the Patriots.
They’ve shown the desire to battle through adversity.
“When you’re having fun, you have a chance,” Hessenthaler said.
