History unkind to Lee County in Thomas County Central series

LEESBURG — This is one of those seasons where just about everything has gone right for the Lee County football team.

Unbeaten at midseason? Check.

Four out of five games ending in runaway victories and a 42.4-point scoring average that is among the top in the state? Check.

Season-ending injuries kept to a minimum? Check.

So what might be eating, if only perhaps just a little bit, at head coach Dean Fabrizio?

History.

Simply put, Lee County hasn’t enjoyed much success against Thomas County Central through the years. The Trojans have won just two of the 23 meetings between the programs, a one-point win in Thomasville in 2005 and a 37-7 victory last year in Leesburg.

Granted, the teams did not face each other in 2014 and 2015, during which time Lee County was hitting its stride under Fabrizio. But Friday’s trip to the Jackets’ Nest gives Lee County the chance to beat Thomas County Central in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history.

“Lee County and Thomas County Central have played each other for a long time,” Fabrizio said. “Thomas County Central has an overwhelming advantage in the win column over us.

“We have a lot of respect for them. They have a young team this year, but they’re getting better. It’s at their place, so they’re going to be a formidable opponent.

Lee County will be facing a Thomas County Central team (2-2) that has gone through several injuries to key personnel.

After starting the season with a 30-13 win over currently winless Worth County, the Yellow Jackets fell 41-7 to Thomasville and 24-0 to Cairo.

In Thomas County Central’s most recent game Sept. 7, the Yellow Jackets nearly squandered a big lead against Monroe before hanging on for a 33-32 victory.

Thomas County Central has focused on running the football, with Imond Hobbs leading the team with 308 yards and a touchdown.

Friday’s game will be Lee County’s final tuneup prior to GHSA Region 1-6A play. The Trojans travel to Houston County next week, then they have a bye week before hosting Northside-Warner Robins on Oct. 13.

“We think we’re getting better, and that’s the key thing,” Fabrizio said. “The big thing we preach here is trying to get a bit better each game, correct your mistakes from the day before, the game before, the week before and continue to do better. We know we have some tough games coming up on our schedule, so we just have to keep an even keel.”