Chasing Victory: Swainsboro Middle School Tigers set sights on championship run

For the Swainsboro Middle School Tigers, a simple call-and-response has become a mantra that reflects their years of success on the football field. A coach begins with the question, “Who are we?” and the team responds, “SMS.” The coach follows up with, “What do we do?” and the team answers with one word: “WIN.” This season, the Tigers have lived up to that mantra, accumulating an impressive 6-1 overall record and securing home-field advantage going into the Middle Georgia Middle School Athletic Association (MGMSAA) Conference Playoffs.

This week, the number one-seeded Tigers will face the West Laurens Middle School (WLMS) Raiders in a highly anticipated semifinal matchup. I had the opportunity to sit down with Head Coach Corey Chalker to discuss the season and his thoughts on the upcoming game against the fourth-seeded WLMS Raiders.

Season Overview:

“As a team, we’ve learned a lot from each other. Starting in June, the team set a goal to make the region playoffs after missing out last season. We’ve been blessed with commitment from players and parents, ensuring that our kids are at practice every day, which has helped us improve. Our 8th-grade class has shown tremendous leadership, buying into the system and pushing us to our 6-1 record and the number one seed in the playoffs.

None of this would have been possible without the support of our teachers and administrators. Their encouragement has been invaluable to our student-athletes. The coaching staff is pleased with how the team has come together, and we look forward to watching them continue to grow as a unit in the years ahead.”

1) SMS vs 4) WLMS Preview:

“WLMS defeated us 16-6 on September 11, 2024. Since that loss, our kids have focused on the small details of the game. They know they need to show great work ethic, effort, and determination every day to succeed on game day. WLMS is a big, physical team that prides itself on running downhill and using various motions to create space on offense. Defensively, they are fast and relentless, always getting eleven men to the football.

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This game will be a test for SMS, but we welcome the challenge. Our game plan is to be the most disciplined team on the field, protect the football, control the clock, be physical, and play with great effort and attitude. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23rd, with a 5:00 p.m. kickoff.”

Tiger fans, come out and support these incredible young student-athletes as they pursue another championship for Swainsboro Middle School!

MGMSAA Final Regular Season Standings: Swainsboro 6-1, Dublin 6-1, Bleckley 5-2, West Laurens 4-3, East Laurens 2-4, Jeff Davis 2-4, JR Trippe 2-5, Dodge 0-7

Playoff Schedule:

• 3) Bleckley @ 2) Dublin

• 4) West Laurens @ 1) Swainsboro

2024 SMS Football Roster: Karson Coleman, Caden Watson, Kaleb Jones, Drake Clements, Ayden Bishop, Jeremiah Mincey, Colt Sconyers, Zilen Boynton, Dustin Nobles, Zaelon Houston, Jayvion Sherrod, Chase Banks, Gavin Jones, Quinten Dukes, Benton Bishop, Kade Colston, Kingston Brown, Kyle Johnson, Kyle Smith, Sha’Ron Sherrod, Jeffrey Davis, Layton Lindsey, Arshad Huston, Jayce Sherrod, Gavin Worthen, Dre Boynton, Aiden Rackins, Caiden Bostic, Tomorrian Daniel, Donovan Clements, Landon Wilson, Nicholas Stanford, Damien Freeman, Demaury Roberts, Landon Kapp, Jawan Trimble, Charlie Fluellen, Jayden Hall, Jerihan Miles, Kimontee Smith, Caiden O’Quinn, Brayden Roberts, Zayden Cuyler, Landon Green, Jordon Steward, Ashton David, Maddux Hendrix, Jakelyn Cuyler, Eric Brown, Jayven Martin, Sanquan Benjamin, Cam Ricks, Jordan Smith, Banks Burke, RJ Brown, Eric Worthen, Jayden Corbit, O’Bryan Clark, Brayden Holloway, Tal Love, Victor Middleton, Jayden Wiley, Matthew O’Quinn, Camaury Bostic