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The Irwin County Indians play as challenging of a schedule as any Class A team and many class AA in the state.

Irwin starts off the season August 28 in Ocilla against their rival to the north the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane. Head Coach Robby Pruitt with a record 259-49-1 always fields a very well oiled machine. The Hurricane is looking for another 10 + win season to add to their previous 5 in a row. The offense returns 9 started which include SR. Wide Receiver Trent Pruitt who reportedly has committed to Vanderbilt, Alan Sandiford who will play on Saturday next year, Brandon Joiner, Latravious Stewart and Nick Williams will lead a fine group of players. The Hurricane will be hard to handle this year and should do very well in Region 2AA.

Clinch County is next on the schedule as the Indians travel to Homerville on September 4. The Panthers are traditionally the premier team from Region 1A and are no stranger to the GA Dome. After a 9-3 season last year, Coach Jim Dikerson 42-12-1, will rely on his division 1 prospect Vintavious Cooper who threw for over 1600 yards last year. Cooper’s legs are as dangerous as his arm sporting a 4.5secon 40 yard dash. The Panthers will be a handful.

Berrien County holds the third slot in the schedule as the Tribe travels down to Nashville on Sept. 11 to bump heads with the Rebels. After winning only 10 games in 5 seasons the Rebels are hungry. Coach Ryan Branch (44-42-2) will have a group of running backs and receivers that have gained more yards than any other Berrien County team in the last 20 yrs. Wide out Asa Adkins led the team in ‘08 in touchdown scored and receptions. Berrien will line up in a “50” defense and be lead by linebacker Larry Green. The Rebels will surly be tough this year.

Portal High school will visit Ocilla on September 18. The Panthers are coming off of a 1-9 season, losing to Irwin by 1 point last year 21-20. Coach Justin Chester 6-24 is happy with the summer workouts and looking forward to the ’09 campaign. Running Back Chase Sheffield and ATH Casey Ware will lead the offense, while linebacker Jarrell Robinson will anchor the defense. Portal will be no pushover.

On September 25 the Indians will welcome the Turner County Rebels to Ocilla for homecoming. This game will also start a very tough region 2 schedule. Coach Erik Soliday 153-78-2 will field a very experienced group of 15 starters coming back from a spectacular 10-3 season. The Rebels will have a very experienced line behind college prospect Michael Donahoo, Edward Thompkins and Shawn Green but a new quarterback in Markevian Teague. The Rebels will surely be a test to begin region 2A play.

The Hawkinsville Red Devils will host the Indians on Oct 2. The Devils are coming off of a couple of three win seasons and are determined to turn it around. Coach Cam Black (3-7) will have 13 starters back. The group of returnees including Aaron Black at QB, and Jr. running back Fabian Forest who rushed for 1306 yards last year will lead the efforts. The Red Devils will be a very tough contest as always.

The Tribe will travel to Jeffersonville to take on the Twiggs County Cobras. Coach Dexter Copeland 64-20 will have a whole arsenal of talent returning from the 2008 8-3 campaign. All-state receiver Darqueze Dennard and Running back Earnest Butts will lead the Cobras Offense while Rick Thomas and Josh Byron will anchor the Defense. The Cobras are promise a high finish in region 2A.

The third road game in a row will carry the Indians to McRae to take in the Telfair Co. Trojans. Coach Jeff Bowen 43-78 will have a good core of players. QB Alex Conley who threw of 1731 yards in ‘08 will lead the offense. Conley will be looking for prospect wide receiver Martin Freeman who sports 4.6 speed. This team has formed a solid group and will be difficult to handle in ’09.

Dooly Co. Bobcats will make the trip to Irwin on the 30^th of October. The ‘Cats, coached by Darryl Silas (32-32), are coming off of a 4-7 record last year and are determined to improve that mark this season. Dooly will be led by three pre-season all-state nominees Ben Miller Nick Marshall, and Keith Mumphery. QB Antonio Watkins will drive the ship with an excellent group of running backs and receivers. The defense will be led by DL Jabiaos Glenn, Damian Manning and linebacker Reginald Zanders. The Bobcats will definitely be a challenge.

Last but definitely not least on November 6 the Wilcox County Patriots will come to Indian Field with rumored the be one of the best teams Wilcox Co. has had. It is reported that the Pats have 4 wide outs that are smoke fast and over 6’4”. Coach Mark Ledford (55-37-1) is on a roll and expects no less from the ’09 team. QB Nick Marshall who threw for over 2200 yards last year leads the offense. Sr. DB Nate Morehouse and Tay Porter will lead the defense. There no question that Wilcox Co. will be one of the top teams in the state.

The 2009 Season will be full of competitive, entertaining football. Take time out of your schedule to come out and support the 2009 Irwin Indian football team , cheerleaders and band. GO BIG RED!