Gwinnett Daily Post

HCA Football 2011

Hebron Lions (non-region)

Coach: Sal Battaglia

Record: 0-5

Last week: Lost to Lakeview Academy 10-7

Baconton Blazers (non-region)

Coach: Glenn Palmer

Record: 0-5

Last week: Did not play

After coming just 47 seconds away from their first win of the season -- and the first under first-year head coach Sal Battaglia -- last week, the Lions hope to rebound against another team looking for something positive to build on.

The Blazers are in their second season of varsity football and have been outscored 218-21 in their five games this season, though they do feature running back Bakarie McDuffie, who has scored all three of their touchdowns this season.

But Battaglia is more concerned about his young Lions -- specifically on getting them to learn how to finish a close game late.

"I said at the beginning of the year we had to learn how to prepare, learn how to compete and learn how to win," Battaglia said. "We had the lead, but one thing led to another, and it turned out disastrous. ... But their psyche is fine, and physically, they're in good shape."

Indeed, the Lions get injured linebacker Tyler Smith back, while improved offensive line play from the likes Rob Harrison could help them finally break through in the win column.

Last meeting: Hebron won 48-6 last year

Directions to Pelham High School: Take I-75 south to Exit 99 (Ga. Highway 300, Georgia/Florida Parkway) and turn right off the ramp. Go about 35 miles into Albany and turn right at Clark Avenue. Go about 1 miles and take he ramp onto Ga. Highway 3/Ga. Highway 300/U.S. 19 south. Go about 34 miles and turn right onto Cotton Road/Curry Street. Turn left at East Railroad Street. Take the first right onto Hand Avenue. Turn left onto Church Street. Turn right onto Barrow Avenue. School is about a mile ahead on the left.