Tiger Sharks seek better result in playoff rematch

PORT ST. JOE - The last time Port St. Joe and West Gadsden played football, the Tiger Sharks were like innocent bystanders watching an accident. Their own accident, that is.

The Panthers (9-2) scored on the game's first play and the shell-shocked Tiger Sharks (9-2) never were in the game on that early-October night. The 38-0 West Gadsden win ultimately decided the District 1-1A championship and thus homefield advantage in today's Region 1-1A championship game.

So it's back to Greensboro for the Tiger Sharks, who seek a third trip to the state semifinals in the last four seasons.

Port St. Joe coach Vern Barth said the loss, which came in the team's fourth game of the season, was a complete team collapse. The early hole and an aggressive and fired up Panther presence was too much for the Tiger Sharks, who at the time had little leadership, Barth said.

"We were very green then, even with nine seniors, but only three of them had ever had game experience," Barth said. "I don't think at the time that the seniors we did have with playing experience were ready to lead."

Since then, the Tiger Sharks' only loss before their current seven-game winning streak, three seniors have stepped in as leaders. Defensive tackle Javon Davis, fullback/linebacker Greg Farmer and Billy Martin have filled the roles nicely, and have boosted Port St. Joe in the postseason.

Last week's 18-13 win at top-ranked and then-unbeaten Mayo Lafayette has built confidence for Port St. Joe, which as a program is far more experienced in the postseason than West Gadsden. This is only the Panthers' third playoff game.

Port St. Joe used a quick-strike mentality on defense last week. It was decisive and plugged holes. It created problems for the Hornets, much like West Gadsden did for Port St. Joe in October.

Barth said a fast start will be important today to erase the memories of the bad trip earlier in the year.

"That will be the biggest difference in the game," Barth said. "If we come out and make mistakes it could go the same way again."

Barth is hoping the Tiger Sharks are crisp. The team has a habit of turning up its play at this time of year, and he said all it took was a few games to work into a groove.

Personally, the same was true for Barth, who was new to the program in his first varsity gig in a small town filled with high expectations.

"It took me a few games into the season to get there," Barth said. "This community, and our guys, really expect this kind of play.

"Right from the start, if my boys come to play, then they are hard to beat."