Dougherty Trojans set for home opener after big win over Sumter

ALBANY — Dougherty head coach Uyl Joyner learned plenty about his football team in its season opener.

The Trojans can score.

Their offensive line can protect the quarterback.

And when things begin going the wrong way, they have players willing to do something about it.

Dougherty will try to build on those lessons Friday night when the Trojans host Spencer of Columbus in their home opener at Hugh Mills Stadium.

Dougherty enters the game 1-0 after holding off Sumter County 32-29. Spencer is 1-1 after coming within a two-point conversion of knocking off defending Class AA state champion Carver last week.

“We jumped out on Sumter and got a lead early,” Joyner said. “I was really proud of the way our guys kept fighting when Sumter came back. Sumter has a really good team that is well-coached, and we knew they weren’t just going to lay down and let us win.”

What pleased Joyner most wasn’t simply that Dougherty survived the comeback. It was watching some of his players take ownership of the situation.

“What I saw was some of our leaders stepping up and actually being that leader, challenging the other guys to play better,” he said. “I was really happy to see that.”

Quarterback Micah Joyner provided much of the offensive firepower, throwing three touchdown passes in the victory.

But when the head coach reviewed the performance, his attention kept returning to the five players in front of his quarterback.

Dougherty didn’t allow a sack against Sumter County, and the offensive line also created enough running room to give the Trojans balance.

“Our offensive line did a really good job,” Joyner said. “We didn’t have any quarterback sacks, and they opened up some chances for our run game. Those guys are the ones that make everything else happen.”

That group includes right tackle Kyle Jackson, right guard K’Nyron Holliday, center Jayden Walker, left guard Amaree Jones and left tackle Richard Washington.

They’ll face another challenge Friday.

Spencer opened its season with a 28-11 victory over Brookstone before taking Carver to the wire in Columbus last week.

The Greenwave scored late to pull within two points of the defending state champions, but Carver stopped the ensuing two-point conversion attempt to escape with a 21-19 victory in the Heritage Bowl.

Joyner doesn’t need that result to convince him of Spencer’s capabilities.

He knows the program firsthand from his time coaching in Columbus.

“From coaching in Columbus, I know that Spencer is full of athletes,” Joyner said. “Coach Kegler does a really good job over there, so I know they will be ready to play.”

There will also be a familiar face on the opposite sideline.

Spencer defensive coordinator Coach Brian Edwards was at Albany State during the same period Joyner played for the Golden Rams, giving Friday’s matchup a personal connection between the two coaching staffs. Edwards played tight end for the Golden Rams and then became a graduate assistant while Joyner played at Albany State.

“We’ve already talked and had some good laughs,” Joyner said. “I know he is a good coach, and he will bring his best.”

The same will be expected from Dougherty.

The Trojans passed their first test by building a lead, losing it and responding when Sumter County threatened to spoil their opener.

Now comes a Spencer team that has already demonstrated it can stand toe-to-toe with a defending state champion.

And this time, Dougherty gets the test at home.