Loving High School Sports — By Tommy Purser

As I’ve said many times before in this space, I love high school sports. Because social media has devastated small newspapers across the state and nation, I don’t get to go to as many games as I used to and I certainly don’t have the space in the paper each week to give these youngsters the coverage, the accolades they deserve. But I’m watching.
I see the 0-6 start of our football team not so much as a disappointment as I do a learning process for what is perhaps the youngest bunch of football players Jeff Davis High has ever had. This season is my 50th covering Yellow Jacket football and in all those years I’ve never seen a younger team — either with Jeff Davis or with Jeff Davis opponents. But each week, these kids learn and develop. I know it hurts for fans but I have a suggestion for them — be patient.
On another front, Jeff Davis closes out the softball regular season next week and it appears the final six games will be the toughest streak of games for Jeff Davis this season.
Thursday JD (21-1) travels to Cook County (13-6) for a double header in Adel.
Monday Dodge County (15-5, ranked No. 7 and 8) comes to Hazlehurst for a double header. The teams played earlier with JD squeaking out a 1-0 win in Eastman.
Wednesday, the Lady Jackets travel to Vidalia (12-9-1, ranked No. 5 and No. 7). The teams have played once this season with Jeff Davis winning 10-0 in Hazlehurst.
Thursday, JD closes out the regular season against Appling County (18-2), in Baxley. The game will be the biggest game in the state in Class AA as the Lady Pirates and the Lady Jackets are both ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in polls. The teams met early in the year in Hazlehurst with Jeff Davis pulling out a 2-1, 8-inning win and next Thursday’s game is expected to be as hand-wringing as their first encounter on Aug. 20.
Be there. I guarantee you’ll enjoy it.