The Monroe Tornadoes could shake up the playoff picture with a win

ALBANY — After three consecutive playoff appearances, Monroe just missed making a fourth straight trip last year when they were upset by Crisp County in the next to last game of the regular season.

The Tornadoes again find themselves with a chance to make the playoffs when they face region leader Cairo tonight at West Thomas Stadium.

If Monroe can beat the Syrupmakers, the Tornadoes would at the very least be tied for second-place in Region 1-AAAA subregion A with the potential of throwing the standings into a three-way tie for first-place.

“We told our kids this week that we are in the situation that we wanted to be in and that is being in control of our own destiny,” Monroe coach Charles Truitt said. “Each game is a very important game. This is a step to be able to accomplish the goal that we set at the beginning of the season and that is being able to be on top of our subregion.”

In its most recent outing, Monroe (4-3) moved to 1-1 in subregion play when they blew out Albany 59-16. The Tornadoes were led by Mark Robinson. The running back/safety finished the game with 123 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. He also had six tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception returned for a touchdown.

Monroe’s offense has hit their stride in their last two victories, scoring 44 and 59 points against Westover and Albany, respectively. They have averaged 36.8 points per game in their four wins.

On the flip side, the offense has struggled in their three losses, averaging just 11 points per game.

Cairo (3-3, 2-0) comes into the game having beat Crisp County and Thomas County Central in their last two outings. The Syrupmakers have won three of their last four after starting the season with two consecutive losses.

“We’ve got to be able to play one of the best football games we have played against a very good opponent in Cairo,” Truitt said. “We’ve got to be able to execute on both sides of the ball and all phases of the game.”

Truitt said that he has noticed more intensity from the kids now that the Tornadoes are in subregion play.

“We spoke to our kids last week with the importance and understanding that every game we play now is like a playoff-type game,” he said. “We can’t afford not to get better each and every day in practice. This past week, we have gotten better…We feel good about our week of practice.”