BEARVILLE — Secondranked and unbeaten Pierce County closes out its non-region schedule Friday night hosting Vidalia for homecoming.
The Bears reached the midpoint of the season 5-0 for the fourth consecutive year and sixth time in eight seasons posting an 80-10 won-loss mark during the stretch.
Vidalia (1-4) enters the 14th meeting between the two schools having dropped 11 of its last 12 games dating back to a 3-1 start in 2024.
PCHS has beaten the Indians four consecutive times following a six-game skid to trail 7-6. The Bears have won each of the three matchups under head coach Ryan Herring by a combined 118-19 score including 41-0 in last year’s rainy regular season finale.
Last year’s game was originally scheduled for September 27. It was canceled after the destruction of property by Hurricane Helene and eventually reschedule November 7.
Ryan says there will be no homecoming distractions for his squad.
“All homecoming means is there is a game we have to get ready for and a dance afterwards,” said Herring. “We started getting ready with our usual Sunday afternoon gathering of the
players.
“Players nicked and bruised from Friday night’s game with Brooks will be assessed and begin treatment if needed so t h e y can be ready Friday. There will be no short days or light practices.”
Vidalia enters off a bye week following a 32-13 loss to Dodge County September 12. The Indians have also fell 28-27 to Long County, 28-8 at Screven County and 22-18 at Tattnall County.
Vidalia’s lone victory was a 350 homecoming win over Brantley County. The Bears own a 44-0 victory over the Herons in Caney Bay.
The Indians enter averaging 20.2 points per game scheming from a single-wing set.
“They do a lot out of it,” said Herring. “They’ve got a lot of little curve balls they run at you giving defensive coaches a lot to prep for.
“They lull you to sleep and then they’ll put three guys out wide. You’ve got to be ready to stop the running and also play in pass coverage.”
Seni o r D.J. Wal lace (6 foot-1, 190) directs the offense with a plethora of skill players lining up in the backfield to carry the ball or as a wingback or receiver.
The group includes sophomore Jamarre Wiggs (6-foot, 175), junior Andre Jackson (6-3, 205), senior Lyric McKennie (510, 150), sophomore Brycen Burns (6-6, 150), backup quarterback Ryan Brantley (6-foot, 175) and freshman Kalep Wallace (6-foot, 155).
“They’ve got a big, tall kid who wears No. 5 (Jackson) playing wingback,” said Herring. “He’s broke a couple this year ... he can run. They like him with misdirection plays. He’s got special speed.”
After allowing just 2.3 points over the first three games and smothering opponents run games, the Bears have surrendered 30 points, 326 yards rushing and a pair of 100 yard rushers in matchups with New Hamp stead and Brooks County.
“There’s a lot of things we're doing well, but we’ve got to do a lot better job coaching,” said Herring. “We got killed with counter (vs.Brooks). We’ve just got to keep improving.”
The Indians’ defense has shown multiple fronts through the first five games playing perhaps a base 50.
“That’s the unknown,” Herring said of what to prepare for. “What are they going to give us? What’s going to be their flavor against us? It’ll be a guessing game all week just trying to get the guys prepared to see anything.”
Vidialia will get a belly full of runs from junior running back Jae’Veon Williams and senior quarterback Drake Dowling.
Williams has accumulated 608 yards on 87 carries (7.0 carry) with 15 touchdowns. He has recorded three straight 100-yard rushing games and five straight multi-touchdown games. Williams rushed for a career-best 189 yards against Brooks County and tied his career-high of touchdowns with four.
Dowling has produced 512 yards on 79 attempts (6.5 per rush) and scored three times. He has three 100-yard rushing nights.
PCHS vs. VHS Indians lead 7-6 PCHS VHS
1981 .........# 12 ...........33 1982 ........# 23............6 1986 ..........14..............0 1987 ...........6 .............36 1996 ..........12.............29 1997...........12.............35 1998...........8 .............44 1999 ..........12.............13 2010...........6..............19 2011 ..........20 .............7 2022 .........42.............12 2023..........35..............7 2024..........41..............0
# - Region 2-AA playoff
