Change at QB leads Georgia Firebirds to victory

ALBANY — The Georgia Firebirds were looking for a spark heading into Saturday’s game against the Myrtle Beach Freedom.

After falling to the Florida Tarpons in the previous game, Firebirds coach Antwone Savage decided it was time for a change.

Instead of normal starter Marcus Brooks, Savage went with Nate Samas at quarterback for the first time this season and the result was a 56-43 victory over the Freedom at the Albany Civic Center.

The victory gives the Firebirds a 3-2 record.

“I just needed a change,” Savage said. “Someone to come in and give us a spark early on. It didn’t happen like that, but at the same time, it didn’t go in the tank. Nate kept playing hard and he was able to prevail.”

It was evident Samas had not yet built a rapport with the offense from the opening drive. The first two offensive plays for the Firebirds resulted in fumbles that were recovered by the Freedom.

The result of the plays was an early 20-2 deficit.

“We were giving them points,” Savage said. “We were giving them the ball on turnovers and they were capitalizing on it.”

After falling behind, the Firebirds battled back to outscore the Freedom 34-9 over the remainder of the first half.

As the game progressed, Samas settled down and finished the night having contributed to seven of the Firebirds eight touchdowns.

He helped seal the victory late in the game after the Freedom cut the score to 49-43. The lefty found Isaiah Jupiter down the middle, who made a one-handed catch and scooted into the end zone.

“I think the QB change was a good one for us,” Savage said. “He came out and made plays, made reads, made good throws and the receivers made plays for him.”

Jessie Atkins and Isaiah Jupiter each had a two touchdown catches while Dondre Purnell had one.

“Both quarterbacks are the same to me,” Atkins said. “Both of them work hard and compete. Who ever coach decides to put in I will go out and work with.”

The Freedom were driving with under a minute to go in the game when Cory Rue picked the ball off. The turnover allowed the Firebirds to kneel down and run the clock out.

This was the second time the Firebirds have beat the Freedom this season. They beat them 49-20 earlier this year.

The Firebirds will play host to the Columbus Lions on Saturday.