The Carver-Columbus Tigers beat Northside-Warner Robins 2-0 on Oct. 17 of 1970. They haven’t beaten the Eagles since. But it’s anyone’s guess which team will come out victorious when they meet for the 17th time this Friday in Columbus at 7:30 p.m. The Tigers are led by a dominant defense, which has not yet given up a point this season. Linebacker Jarvis Jones, one of the most heralded high-school recruits in the country, leads the way. He’s one of the big reasons Carver is ranked No. 2 in our GPB/Score Prep Rankings. LeRon Furr is also a big-time player at the LB position. They both will be a pain for Northside quarterback Joe Scott, who is only in his first season as the full-time starter.
Carver may be the class of 3A, but Northside is the two-time defending champion in Class 4A. This year’s team looks primed for making a run at No. 3 after moving up to Class 5A. Their defense is no slouch either, featuring all-world defensive lineman and UGA commitment Abry Jones and linebacker Eric Fields, who has committed to Clemson.
With two strong defenses, expect a physical game, with points being few and far between. The key will be how a good Carver offensive line, led by Chris Hubbard and Darrius Mills, handles Drew and Jones in the trenches. Meanwhile, Cox will have to neutralize the duo of Furr and Jones.